Crimson Desert is a huge game. I spent about 40 hours in Hernand, the starting area, before exploring other parts of the game. There are still quests to finish in Hernand, and since I’ve completed the game, I know I’ll need to go back to some areas I haven’t explored yet to reach 100% completion.
The game is incredibly large, and how long it takes depends on what kind of player you are. If you like to 100% games, be prepared to spend many more hours—possibly hundreds—exploring every corner.
### Main Story Playtime
I finished the game in roughly 150 hours. Keep in mind, though, that much of that was spent exploring the world. Players who focus mainly on the story typically finish between 75 and 95 hours. The game has a total of 14 chapters, including a prologue and an epilogue.
The main story bosses and battles are quite challenging. You’ll probably need to explore a bit, gather Abyss Artifacts, and upgrade your gear to be ready for tougher fights.
It’s hard not to want to explore everything in Crimson Desert. The game isn’t just about following the main story; it’s designed for discovering items, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets.
### Full Completion
Achieving 100% completion is a major task. It involves completing all challenges, uncovering every mystery, and solving every puzzle in the game. I estimate it could take around 400 hours to do everything.
The world is filled with additional content that can take serious dedication to finish. For example, the Abyss Puzzles are numerous and difficult, and you can explore the Abyss whenever you want.
There will likely be speedruns for the story someday, but these probably won’t be very quick. Pearl Abyss has created a vast world that takes time to fully explore and enjoy.