Crimson Desert Preload – Launch Times, Download Size and Platforms

Crimson Desert is a single-player open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss set in the fantasy continent of Pywel. With its massive open world and high-fidelity visuals, the game requires a large install size, making preload an important step for those who want to jump in immediately on launch day.

The game launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) on March 19, 2026.

1. Crimson Desert Preload

Crimson Desert gameplay

The Crimson Desert preload begins March 17, 2026, around 48 hours before the official launch. Players who pre-order the game digitally can begin downloading the files early so the full game is installed before release.

Preload timing for PC and Xbox Series X|S is expected to follow the same 48-hour window before launch, although exact platform times may vary slightly depending on the storefront. Preloading installs the majority of the game files in advance. Once the game officially unlocks, only a small decryption step or day-one update may be required before starting the game.

NOTE: MAC doesn’t have a preload or pre-order option, and the game will be available at launch time globally. 

2. How to Preload Crimson Desert

Preloading Crimson Desert requires a digital pre-order. Once the preload window opens, the install option automatically appears in your platform library.

PC (Steam)

Crimson Desert Steam unlock time

The PC version of Crimson Desert is available through Steam and the Epic Games Store. To preload on Steam:

1. Open the Steam client and sign in to your account.
2. Go to the Library tab or search for Crimson Desert in the store.
3. If preload is available and the game is already purchased, the library page will show a Preload / Install button.
4. Click Preload, choose your install location, and begin downloading the files.

Once the download completes, the game remains locked until launch, when Steam automatically decrypts the files.

PlayStation 5

On PS5, the preload option appears automatically once the preload window begins.

1. Open the PlayStation Store from the console dashboard.
2. Search for Crimson Desert and open the game’s store page.
3. If the game is already pre-ordered, select Download/Preload when the option appears.

The download progress can be monitored from the Downloads/Uploads menu or your Game Library.

Xbox Series X|S

Crimson Desert cinematic

Xbox players can preload Crimson Desert directly from the Microsoft Store.

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Xbox dashboard.
2. Search for Crimson Desert or find it in My Games & Apps → Full Library → Owned Games.
3. Open the game’s page and select Install once the preload window opens.
4. Choose the storage location if prompted and allow the download to finish.

The game will unlock automatically when the global release time arrives.

3. Crimson Desert Download Size

Crimson Desert features a large open world with cinematic environments, which results in a significant install size.

The PC version currently requires around 135 GB of storage, making it one of the larger RPG downloads in recent years. Players should ensure they have enough SSD space available before starting the preload.

4. Crimson Desert Launch/Unlock Times

Crimson Desert preload times

Crimson Desert launches globally on March 19, 2026, with a simultaneous worldwide unlock rather than regional midnight releases. This means every platform gains access at the same moment worldwide. Estimated launch times across major regions:

NOTE: Because the release is global, changing time zones or storefront regions will not unlock the game earlier. Once servers go live, the installed preload files unlock automatically, and Crimson Desert becomes playable immediately.