Pearl Abyss has introduced a free five-hour trial of Crimson Desert Enhanced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players. The trial allows players to experience the game's opening hours without purchasing the full version. Players who decide to buy the game later can also carry their saved progress into the full version.
According to Pearl Abyss, the offer is available to all Xbox players without requiring a paid subscription. However, PlayStation 5 users must have an active PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe subscription to access the trial.
The five-hour trial became available on October 29, alongside the launch of Charting the Unknown, the game's first paid expansion.
The availability period differs between platforms. PlayStation Plus Premium and Deluxe subscribers can access the trial until October 29, 2027. Xbox players, meanwhile, have until January 7, 2027, to try the game.
The trial is limited to one use per account. Once players complete their five hours, access ends and the trial cannot be restarted. However, any progress made during the trial will carry over if players purchase the full game.
The free trial covers only the Crimson Desert Enhanced base game. It does not include content from the newly released Charting the Unknown expansion.
The expansion introduces additional storylines featuring Kliff, Damiane and Oongka. It also brings ocean exploration, camp customisation, expanded housing options, romance features and stronghold management.
The DLC is available for USD 24.99/GBP 19.99 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
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The trial arrives several months after Crimson Desert launched in March 2026. The game reportedly sold more than 6 million copies within its first three months, while publisher Pearl Abyss recorded a 419 per cent increase in revenue.
The developer has also released several updates since launch, improving gameplay and introducing additional features.
The free trial gives players who have yet to purchase the action-adventure title an opportunity to experience its updated version before committing to the full game.