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Red Dead Redemption 2 vs Crimson Desert

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the safer buy. It is a finished, hugely acclaimed open-world Western with a long story, deep systems and a large online mode, and owners rate it very highly. Crimson Desert is a newer single-player open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, published by Plaion, with no online play and a much smaller review base. Pick RDR2 for a proven, content-rich epic; pick Crimson Desert if you want a fresh single-player adventure and are willing to take a chance on a newer release.

  • Choose the Red Dead Redemption 2 if you want a proven, content-heavy open-world game with a long story and an online mode.
  • Choose the Crimson Desert if you want a new single-player open-world action RPG and do not need multiplayer.

Prices

  • Red Dead Redemption 2: $13.50 at greenmangaming.com (last seen Nov 3)
  • Crimson Desert: $67.06 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Red Dead Redemption 2 is $53.56 cheaper than the Crimson Desert at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 8)
Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption 2

4.8(747 ratings)
$13.50at greenmangaming.comChecked Nov 3
See all prices and details
Visit greenmangaming.com
Pros
  • Huge, detailed open world with a long main story
  • Online mode adds hours after the campaign
  • Very high owner ratings across a large number of reviews
  • Deep hunting, crafting and side activities
Cons
  • Slow, deliberate pacing early on
  • Large install and long load times on older hardware
  • Online mode can feel grindy
Plaion
Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert

4.8(30 ratings)
$67.06at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • New single-player open-world RPG with a story-driven campaign
  • Fantasy setting that stands apart from Westerns
  • Focused single-player design with no online distractions
Cons
  • Few reviews so far, so long-term quality is less proven
  • No multiplayer or co-op
  • New IP with no established track record

What separates them

Red Dead Redemption 2Crimson Desert
Release statusReleased in 2018 and widely played; a known quantityNewer release with a small review base so far
Online playRed Dead Online supports up to 32 playersSingle-player only, no online or co-op
SettingAmerican frontier WesternFantasy continent of Pywel
Genre focusAction-adventure with shooter and survival systemsAction-adventure RPG with a heavier story and character focus
Track recordRockstar's polished, heavily detailed worldPearl Abyss's first major single-player console title
Install sizeLarge install, especially with online content90 GB minimum on console
Maturity ratingESRB Mature, PEGI 18ESRB Mature 17+

Price history

$64.99$13.50
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: lowest $13.50 on Nov 3 at greenmangaming.com; $14.62 on Nov 9.
  • Crimson Desert: lowest $64.99 on Nov 9 at GameStop; $64.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Red Dead Redemption 2

  • EnebaNew

    In stock

    $14.62Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Eneba
  • greenmangaming.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $13.50Checked Nov 3
    Visit greenmangaming.com
  • instant-gaming.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $17.26Checked Nov 1
    Visit instant-gaming.com
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $19.99+ $5.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • DustyGameCheck price at DustyGame
  • Bowman GamesCheck price at Bowman Games

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 14 stores and price history →

Crimson Desert

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $69.99Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • GameStopNew

    In stock

    $64.99+ $7.99 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit GameStop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by pop.market (99.8% positive, 3,500,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $67.06Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $69.99Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRed Dead Redemption 2Crimson Desert
ESRB RatingMatureM (Mature 17+)
Game TypeGameGame
Number of Players Online (Max)320
Number of Players Offline (Max)11
GenreShooter, Action, AdventureAdventure
PublisherRockstar GamesPLAION
Game ModesSingleplayerSingleplayer
Country CompatibilitySee the list—
LanguagesSee the supported languages—
InstallationHow to activate your game—
DeveloperRockstar Games—
Release Date26 October 2018—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRed Dead Redemption 2Crimson Desert
PlatformPC—
SystemPlayStation 4—
Online PlayYes—
Form FactorDisc—
Release Year2019—
EditionStandard Edition—
Compatible Platforms—PlayStation 5
Number of Players—1
Online Multiplayer—false
Co-op Mode—false

What reviewers say

Red Dead Redemption 2

  • 4.8 / 5747 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 747 ratings, Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely regarded as one of the best open-world games of its generation. Players praise the world, story and characters; common complaints are the slow pace and the PC version's hardware demands.

What people mention
  • Open worldPraisedPlayers single out the scale and detail of the frontier map and its wildlife.
  • StoryPraisedThe campaign and its characters are among the most cited reasons people recommend it.
  • PacingMixedSome find the slow animations and deliberate pace immersive; others find them tedious.
  • PC performanceCriticisedThe PC version's 12 GB RAM requirement and large install are common complaints.

Crimson Desert

  • 4.8 / 530 ratings

Ratings are strong, averaging near the top of the scale across a small sample of owners. Buyers respond to the scale of the world and the combat, and treat it as a serious single-player action RPG.

What people mention
  • World scalePraisedOwners highlight the size and variety of the continent of Pywel as the main draw.
  • CombatPraisedReal-time battles against monsters and human enemies are called a highlight.
  • VisualsPraisedThe next-generation presentation is frequently mentioned as impressive.
  • StorageCriticisedThe roughly 90 GB install is noted as a burden on console drives.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a long single-player story?
Both are long single-player games. Red Dead Redemption 2 is the proven choice with a massive, finished campaign. Crimson Desert is newer and story-focused, but less is known about its length and polish.
Does either have multiplayer?
Red Dead Redemption 2 includes Red Dead Online, which supports up to 32 players. Crimson Desert is single-player only, with no online or co-op.
Which lasts longer?
Red Dead Redemption 2 has years of player feedback behind it and a large world plus online mode. Crimson Desert's 90 GB install suggests a big game, but its replay value is not yet well established.
Is Crimson Desert worth stepping up to over RDR2?
Only if you specifically want a fantasy action RPG and single-player focus. For a proven, content-rich open world, RDR2 is the safer pick.
Are these appropriate for younger players?
No. Both carry a Mature rating, so they are intended for adults.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best open-world action video games
Subgenre—Adventure RPG
Product Length—6.7
Product Width—5.3
Product Height—0.6
Product Weight—0.15
Minimum Hard Drive Space—90 GB minimum
Compatible Platform(s)—XBOX Series X
Software Format—Physical
Brand—PLAION
Video Game Content Included—Full game