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Crimson desert hits major milestone with 400,000 sales

Crimson Desert Sales Surge | Nearly 400K Copies Sold on Steam

By

Ethan Williams

Mar 18, 2026, 12:50 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

Updated

Mar 18, 2026, 07:01 PM

2 minutes of duration

Cover art for Crimson Desert featuring the main character in an action pose against a stunning background.
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In a surprising turn, Crimson Desert has reportedly sold close to 400,000 copies on Steam pre-launch. This surge happens just ahead of its release, stirring mixed opinions within the gaming community.

Key Details on Crimson Desert's Performance

As of March 16, 2026, the game had recorded 363,000 pre-orders, generating gross revenues exceeding $20 million. Notably, 10% of these sales occurred on March 16, bringing in $2.6 million. The title also boasts nearly 2.2 million wishlists, showcasing strong pre-release interest.

Players Weigh In: Unique Blend of Genres

Feedback from forums reveals varied takes on the game:

  • One player described it as having "a layer of sci-fi existing over a semi-normal fantasy RPG", capturing its blend of styles.

  • Another user compared it to a Korean version of Breath of the Wild, with a larger focus on combat.

"Itโ€™s like Skyrim and Just Cause had a baby," suggested a comment, emphasizing its hybrid genre.

Concerns About Longevity

Despite initial success, not all comments are optimistic. Some players have already spotted concerning trends, stating that "Crimson Desert has lost 90% of its player base on Steam in just one month!" This raises questions about the game's sustainability post-launch.

Many people appear hesitant about pre-ordering, preferring to wait for reviews:

  • "I want this game but Iโ€™m at least waiting for a couple of early reviews."

  • "Still waiting for reviews, Iโ€™m not falling again into this preorder possible scam."

Status and Future Outlook

With the launch on the horizon, Crimson Desert is set to attract a large audience. Yet, will early reviews align with the considerable expectations? The game's success depends on how well it keeps players engaged after the initial excitement fades.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ 400K copies sold pre-launch

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Gross revenue: $20 million+

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ 2.2 million wishlists as of March 2026

  • ๐Ÿ’ก "A layer of sci-fi in a fantasy RPG" - Comment highlights genre mix

  • โ“ Will robust sales translate to returning players post-launch?

Can Crimson Desert Retain the Momentum?

As the release day nears, experts suggest a majority of pre-order enthusiasts could dive into the game at launch, driven by significant sales figures and community buzz. However, if early reviews are unfavorable, it may deter further interest and sales.

This scenario could draw parallels to how previous digital games have performed under scrutiny, highlighting that sustained audience engagement is pivotal in today's gaming market.