The continent of Pywel is the stage for Crimson Desert. This massive open world, which Pearl Abyss has been building for over seven years, is one of the most ambitious ever created for an action-adventure game. Reports suggest the map is roughly twice the size of Skyrim's and larger than Red Dead Redemption 2's.
Map Size
Available information indicates it would take approximately 2 hours to cross the map on horseback from one end to the other, 16 hours on foot, and about 60 minutes flying on a dragon. These numbers give a sense of the gigantic scale of Pywel's world. Pearl Abyss has also confirmed nearly 3,000 "knowledge entries" scattered throughout the world, rewarding thorough exploration.
Pailune — The Green Hills
Pailune is Kliff's homeland and the starting point of the adventure. This region is characterized by its lush green hills, dense forests, and peaceful villages. It was here that the Greymanes had their home before the Black Bears' attack. Despite its tranquil appearance, Pailune hides ancient ruins and secrets that trace back to the very origins of the continent.
Hernand — The Merchant City
Hernand is the largest city on the continent of Pywel. Its bustling streets, markets, and imposing buildings make it a central hub for trade and political intrigue. The city is an essential stop in Kliff's quest, offering key encounters with important characters and opportunities to resupply. Hernand's architecture blends medieval and fantasy influences.
Delesyie — The Ruined Kingdom
Delesyie is a region scarred by war and desolation. Its once-majestic castle stands as testimony to the former grandeur of a kingdom now fallen. The ruins are teeming with secrets, dungeons, and dangers. It is in this region that the Abysse threat is most keenly felt, with corrupted landscapes and creatures twisted by dark forces.
The Mountain Highlands
Pywel's mountainous zones offer spectacular panoramas and vertical exploration challenges. Cliff-top fortresses, snow-covered passes, and deep caverns dot this region. High-altitude combat leverages the game's physics system, with the ability to hurl enemies into the void or use the rugged terrain to your advantage.
The Crimson Desert — The Red Sands
The region that gives the game its name is a vast desert of reddish sands. The Crimson Desert is the most hostile environment on the continent, with its sandstorms, crushing heat, and fearsome creatures. It is here that the game's deepest secrets are hidden, and where Kliff's destiny reaches its climax.
Traversal and Exploration
Crimson Desert offers multiple ways to traverse its open world. Horseback remains the primary mode of transport, offering a good balance of speed and maneuverability. More exotic mounts, such as dragons, provide access to areas unreachable on foot. The traversal system also includes climbing, swimming, and grappling hooks, offering complete freedom of movement throughout the environment.
A Living World
Pywel is not a static backdrop. The world evolves with a day/night cycle and dynamic weather conditions that affect gameplay. NPCs follow their routines, markets come alive during the day, and certain quests are only available at specific times. This attention to detail creates a world that breathes and rewards curious players around every corner. Explore our [World page](/world), the [characters page](/characters), and the [factions guide](/blog/crimson-desert-factions-greymanes-black-bears-abyss) to learn more about Pywel's inhabitants.