Which is better for playing with friends?

Grand Theft Auto V. It includes GTA Online, while Crimson Desert is single-player only with no co-op.

Which has more content?

Grand Theft Auto V has a long story plus years of online content. Crimson Desert is a large single-player RPG, but its content is one campaign.

Is Crimson Desert worth stepping up to over GTA V?

If you want a new single-player RPG on Xbox Series X|S and don't care about online, yes. If you want multiplayer and a proven game, GTA V is the better fit.

Which is better for younger players?

Neither is aimed at children. Both are mature-rated action games with violence, so check the rating before buying for a teen.

Does Crimson Desert run on Xbox One?

No. It is listed for Xbox Series X|S. Grand Theft Auto V is an Xbox One disc and also plays on newer Xbox consoles.

Which has better graphics?

Crimson Desert, as a newer game built for Xbox Series X|S. GTA V is older and its visuals show their age.

Grand Theft Auto V vs Crimson Desert

Grand Theft Auto V is the safer buy: a proven open-world game with three playable leads, a long story, and GTA Online, backed by thousands of ratings. Crimson Desert is a newer single-player action RPG from Pearl Abyss, published by Plaion, with a large open world and no multiplayer. Pick GTA V for value and longevity; pick Crimson Desert if you want a fresh single-player adventure and don't need online play.

Choose the Grand Theft Auto V if you want a finished, content-heavy open-world game with online play and a large track record of owner ratings.
Choose the Crimson Desert if you want a new single-player open-world action RPG and never plan to play online.

Prices

Grand Theft Auto V: $15.00 at Etsy (last seen Nov 1)
Crimson Desert: $67.06 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Grand Theft Auto V is $52.06 cheaper than the Crimson Desert at the latest prices (Nov 1 and Nov 8)