Crimson desert is a cat dad simulator

At a glance:

• Players can adopt up to 30 cats in Crimson Desert, with the reviewer aiming for 27 more after the first few.
• Pearl Abyss has been releasing patches to smooth out bugs, UI issues, and other early‑launch problems.
• The game blends open‑world exploration with combat styles reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, Red Dead Redemption, Dragon’s Dogma, and Assassin’s Creed.

The cat‑centric sandbox

Crimson Desert drops you into a sprawling fantasy world as Kliff, a hulking warrior tasked with saving the realm. While the main storyline pushes you toward epic battles and towering set pieces, the game quietly offers a surprisingly deep pet‑adoption system. You can pick up any kitten, pet it repeatedly, and feed it large chunks of bird meat to increase its affection. The reviewer notes a personal goal of adopting 27 more cats after the initial few, and the game caps the total at 30 pets in your camp.

Combat and traversal blend many influences

The combat feels like a mash‑up of several beloved franchises. You can wield swords, bows, and body‑slam enemies, echoing the visceral stabbiness of Assassin’s Creed and the bonkers‑fun melee of Dragon’s Dogma. Traversal is equally varied: you can glide, quadruple‑jump with nature magic, or mount the best horse in gaming, which can drift around corners and even power‑slide off cliffs. These mechanics give the world a sense of scale comparable to the grand vistas of Red Dead Redemption and the creative freedom of Breath of the Wild.

Early‑launch rough edges and ongoing patches

The launch was far from smooth. Players reported bugs, an obtuse user interface, and a convoluted opening that nearly drove some away. Pearl Abyss has responded with a steady stream of patches, addressing strange design decisions and player concerns. Despite the fixes, one lingering limitation remains: you still cannot rename your cats, a point the reviewer calls “criminal.” The ongoing support suggests the studio is committed to polishing the experience over time.

The allure of open‑world curiosity

Even after 60 hours of play, the reviewer admits the world still feels fresh. The game rewards the kind of curiosity that keeps players exploring new corners, testing weapon upgrades, and wondering how the next encounter will unfold. While not as punishing as Elden Ring, Crimson Desert maintains a constant pull to discover what lies beyond the next horizon, whether that’s a hidden bandit camp or a towering set piece that rivals Minas Tirith.

Multiplayer hints and future direction

Pearl Abyss has hinted at a multiplayer mode for the future. The reviewer is cautiously optimistic, noting that a live‑service layer could smooth out some of the game’s quirks but might also trim the quirky, solitary edges that make the single‑player sandbox feel unique. For now, the single‑player experience stands strong, offering a sandbox that feels both goofy and awe‑inspiring.

A love letter to cats and chaos

Beyond the combat and exploration, the game’s most memorable moments often involve the reviewer’s feline companions. One scene described a horse‑first cliff dive, a mid‑air stab at bandits, and a double body‑slam, all while a cat named Potato perches on the shoulder, meowing softly. The reviewer concludes that while the game could use even more cats, the current pet system already adds a layer of charm that sets Crimson Desert apart from many other open‑world titles.