Crimson Desert DLC: Which Edition Should You Buy?

For the upcoming action-adventure game Crimson Desert, the edition you should buy depends on whether you want just the base game or the full package with bonus content. The Standard Edition is for players who only want the core experience, while the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions add cosmetic items, a digital artbook, and the season pass. This guide breaks down each edition’s contents to help you choose based on your budget and how much extra content you typically use.

Background: What Is Crimson Desert?

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Black Desert Online. It is set in the medieval fantasy continent of Pywel, where the player controls Macduff, a mercenary leader, as he tries to rebuild his band and uncover a conspiracy. The game features a single-player story campaign, but also includes a separate multiplayer mode called “The Crucible� that offers cooperative and competitive gameplay. The game is planned for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Because the game has not yet launched, the exact contents of each edition have been announced via official channels, but may be subject to change.

Edition Breakdown: What’s in Each Box

Pearl Abyss has announced three editions for Crimson Desert: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Here is what each includes, based on the official pre-order information:

• Standard Edition – Includes the base game only. This is the cheapest option and is for players who just want to play the main story without any extras.
• Deluxe Edition – Includes the base game plus a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, and a set of exclusive in-game cosmetic items (such as a unique armor skin for Macduff and a special horse mount).
• Ultimate Edition – Includes everything from the Deluxe Edition, plus the Season Pass for post-launch DLC, a “Hero’s Relicâ€� weapon skin, and an exclusive “Royalâ€� title for the multiplayer mode.

Note that the Season Pass is only available in the Ultimate Edition, so if you want all future story expansions and content packs, that is the edition to get.

How to Choose: Match the Edition to Your Play Style

Your choice should depend on how you plan to play the game. Here are some factors to consider:

• Budget: If you are on a tight budget and only care about the main story, the Standard Edition is the most cost-effective. You can always buy the Season Pass later if you change your mind.
• Collector: If you enjoy behind-the-scenes content like artbooks and soundtracks, the Deluxe Edition adds those digital extras without the cost of the Season Pass.
• Multiplayer and Long-Term: If you plan to play the Crucible mode heavily and want all future content, the Ultimate Edition is the best value, because buying the Season Pass separately will likely cost more than the price difference between Deluxe and Ultimate.

If you are unsure, start with the Standard Edition. You can always upgrade later (if the platform allows it) or purchase the Season Pass separately when the first DLC is announced.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Deluxe Edition includes the Season Pass. It does not. Only the Ultimate Edition includes the Season Pass. Another issue is that some players think the exclusive cosmetics are only cosmetic, but they may have minor gameplay effects (e.g., a mount with slightly better stamina). However, Pearl Abyss has stated that these items are not pay-to-win and do not provide significant advantages in multiplayer. Also, note that the digital artbook and soundtrack are not physical items; they are digital downloads, so if you prefer physical collectibles, none of these editions offer them.

Cost Comparison: Is the Ultimate Edition Worth It?

While the exact prices have not been officially confirmed for all regions, the typical pricing pattern for AAA titles is that the Ultimate Edition costs about 30–40% more than the Standard Edition. For example, if the Standard Edition is $70, the Deluxe might be $85, and the Ultimate might be $100. The Season Pass alone is often priced at $30–$40, so buying the Ultimate Edition is usually cheaper than buying the Deluxe Edition plus the Season Pass separately. However, if you are not interested in the cosmetics or the artbook, the Standard Edition plus a later Season Pass purchase might be more cost-effective, especially if the Season Pass goes on sale.

Safety and Refund Considerations

Before you pre-order, check the refund policy of the platform you are using (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store). Most platforms allow refunds for pre-orders up until the release date, but once the game launches, refunds are limited to a few hours of playtime. Also, be cautious of third-party key resellers that offer cheaper prices; they may be region-locked or fraudulent. Always purchase from official stores or authorized retailers to avoid losing your money.

Alternatives: If You Are Still Unsure

If you are not sure whether you will like the game, you can wait for the release and read reviews. Many players also wait for a “Game of the Year� edition that bundles all DLC, which is often released a year later at a lower price. If you are a Game Pass subscriber, check whether Crimson Desert will be included on day one (as of now, it is not confirmed, but Pearl Abyss has not ruled it out). Another alternative is to buy the Standard Edition and then purchase the Season Pass later if you enjoy the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I upgrade from Standard to Ultimate later?
Most platforms allow you to purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate upgrade pack separately, but it may cost more than the difference at launch. Check the store page for an “upgrade� option.

Q: Does the Season Pass include all future DLC?
Typically, a Season Pass includes the first two or three major expansions, but not necessarily every single cosmetic item. Read the fine print for what is included.

Q: Are the exclusive items available in the multiplayer mode?
Yes, the cosmetic items and the “Royal� title are usable in the Crucible multiplayer mode, but they are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay balance.

Q: What is the difference between the Deluxe and Ultimate Edition?
The Ultimate Edition adds the Season Pass and a few extra exclusive items (weapon skin and title). The Deluxe Edition has the artbook, soundtrack, and a different set of cosmetics.

Q: Will the game be on Game Pass?
As of now, there is no official announcement about Crimson Desert being on Game Pass. It is best to assume it will not be available on day one unless announced.

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