Pearl Abyss isn’t resting on its laurels. Crimson Desert, released in March 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, has already sold 6 million copies, and the developers are currently working on two major projects: a port for Nintendo Switch 2 and the first story DLC, scheduled for 2026.
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What’s Known About the DLC?
Pearl Abyss officially confirmed work on the expansion last week, but is keeping details under wraps. However, fans have already found new clues. Recent game updates have introduced changes that hint at a nautical theme for the upcoming DLC.
User NANGPLE posted a video on YouTube showing blue seaweed underwater and a white sandy landscape on the coast. But the most interesting thing lies beyond the explored map. The community has taken notice of the so-called Southern Island—a location that the developers have polished up, as if preparing it for something bigger.
Underwater Secrets and Unexpected Changes
The updates weren’t limited to the Southern Island. The sea near the northern desert has become more transparent, allowing underwater areas to be clearly visible. And to the east of the map, players discovered a mysterious underwater island that wasn’t there before.
These changes seem like preparation for something bigger. A nautical theme would be unexpected for Crimson Desert—the game is positioned as an open-world fantasy action game with an emphasis on land-based adventures and combat. But judging by the hints, Pearl Abyss may surprise with the addition of navigation, ships, or even naval battles.
And what about the Nintendo Switch 2?
The port to Nintendo’s hybrid console is a different story. The Blackspace Engine, Pearl Abyss’s proprietary engine, is technically complex and demanding. Bringing it to Switch 2 is no trivial task. Nevertheless, work is underway: the base build is already playable, but an extensive optimization phase lies ahead. The port’s release is tentatively scheduled for the first half of 2027.
DLC and Port Bundle
Working simultaneously on the DLC and the Switch 2 port seems logical: Pearl Abyss clearly wants to expand its audience and offer the most complete experience possible on all platforms. The care with which the developers are making map changes suggests that the DLC is being meticulously prepared—without rushing, but with the clear intention of surprising.
There are no official details yet. But what players have already noticed is a clue that’s hard to ignore. Whether the DLC will focus on pirates, ocean exploration, or something else—we’ll likely find out by the end of 2026, when the DLC is released.
All that remains is to keep an eye on the updates and wait for Pearl Abyss to finally reveal its hand.
