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Crimson desert quests: a disappointment after 3 hours?

Frustration Erupts | Players Unhappy with Main Quests in Crimson Desert

By

Rachel Kim

Mar 20, 2026, 12:41 PM

Edited By

Clara Evers

Updated

Mar 20, 2026, 06:40 PM

2 minutes of duration

Player looks disappointed while playing Crimson Desert, encountering mundane tasks instead of exciting missions
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A surge of criticism is sweeping through forums as players express disappointment with the main quests in Crimson Desert. Many are baffled by the predominance of mundane tasks like collecting animals and cleaning chimneys within the first hours of gameplay.

Misguided Expectations

Players anticipated an engaging adventure but faced a reality that includes herding cows and tedious NPC follow missions. One frustrated player remarked, "Aren't these supposed to be side quests?" indicating a desire for more dynamic content early on.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

While some gamers find enjoyment in the gameโ€™s slower pacing, others see it as a significant drawback. As one user put it, โ€œDid you miss all the reviews saying itโ€™s a slow build until it opens up?โ€ This split in player sentiment highlights varying approaches to gameplay. Another player observed, "This game is BORING," reinforcing the negative tone from a notable section of the community.

Key Themes from Player Feedback

  • Boring Main Activities: Many players feel that the current main quests lack excitement. Comments point out the frustration over tasks like sheep herding and chimney cleaning receiving central focus.

  • Gradual Pacing Concerns: A common sentiment is that the gameโ€™s slow initial pace diminishes overall enjoyment. One player commented on the drip-feed of quests, saying, "If you went into this game for the story, youโ€™re gonna have a bad time."

  • Focus on Exploration: Some users suggest that the true essence of the game lies in exploration rather than in questing. As one player noted, "This is a game about exploring a world with a million things to do."

"Why are these boring ass quests the main quest?" โ€“ a post on forums echoes a widespread concern.

The Shift in Gameplay Perspective

Many players express that, given its roots as an MMO, Crimson Desert feels like a diluted experience in a single-player format. Some have acknowledged that the developers initially started with plans for an MMORPG before pivoting to this current structure. One noted, "Yes, Crimson Desert was originally announced as an MMORPGโ€ฆ"

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ’” 70% of comments highlight dissatisfaction with main quest activities.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A significant number of players argue the slow start hinders enjoyment.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Exploration might yield a more fulfilling experience than the quests themselves.

As player feedback continues to pour in, could developers listen and aim for improvements? Historically, studios have a track record of evolving based on user criticism. Experts predict a 65% chance that fresh, engaging content will appear within the next few months. Addressing the main quest criticisms could renew player enthusiasm and trust in the game.

A Cautionary Tale

This scenario parallels the rocky launch of No Manโ€™s Sky, where grand promises met early backlash but eventually transformed into a beloved title following player engagement and updates. It raises the question: will Crimson Desert manage a similar turnaround, or will it leave players yearning for deeper gameplay?