Crimson Desert features one of the biggest open-world maps in gaming, with five distinct regions across the continent of Pywel. Each region offers unique biomes, political influences, and ecosystems that completely change your exploration experience.
How Big is the Crimson Desert Map?
Crimson Desert has a massive map that is said to be at least twice the size of Skyrim's playable area, according to the game's creative director. The estimated size of the Crimson Desert map is 30 to 42 square miles or 80 to 110 square kilometers, making it larger than both Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2.
With multiple playable characters in Crimson Desert, you can experience the vast continent of Pywel from different perspectives, each offering unique storylines and exploration opportunities.
The five main regions of Pywel, each with distinct characteristics and challenges.
All Crimson Desert Map Regions
There are five main regions in Crimson Desert, each with different biomes, political influence, and ecosystems:
Hernand
Hernand is a region filled with big cities and lush green fields. Its aesthetics are based on high-fantasy Europe, something we have seen in many other western-centric medieval games. This is also the first area of Crimson Desert that players can explore, featuring:
The lush green fields and medieval cities of Hernand, the starting region.
- Sprawling cities with medieval architecture
- Fertile farmlands and green pastures
- Starting area for new players
- Peaceful settlements and trading posts
Pailune
Pailune is the stark opposite of Hernand. Located on the northern side, it is harsh land with snowy terrain and hard-to-cross mountainous areas. Here you will likely encounter the Staglord and Whitehorn, two of the major Crimson Desert bosses.
The harsh, snowy terrain of Pailune with its treacherous mountain passes.
- Snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes
- Dangerous mountain passes
- Home to powerful boss creatures
- Challenging survival conditions
Demeniss
Demeniss is the capital of Pywel, the main seat of power, and has a major military staging ground. This area will likely hold all the major siege-style battles we have seen in the trailers of Crimson Desert.
Demeniss, the political and military center of Pywel.
- Political center of the continent
- Massive fortifications and military compounds
- Large-scale battle scenarios
- Important story locations and NPCs
Delesyia
Delesyia is the most scientifically advanced region of Pywel, where you will find a plethora of mechanical beings like robots and otherworldly creatures. This is also the region where you get to fight Golden Star, a massive mechanical dragon.
The technologically advanced region of Delesyia with its mechanical inhabitants.
- Advanced technology and machinery
- Mechanical creatures and robots
- Unique boss fights including Golden Star
- Futuristic architecture mixed with fantasy
The Crimson Desert
This area is named after the game itself, and it is a barren desert with crimson sand. The place is completely lawless and home to all types of brigands and other dangerous beings.
The lawless crimson desert that gives the game its name.
- Vast desert wasteland with red sand
- Lawless territory filled with bandits
- Harsh survival conditions
- Hidden treasures and ancient ruins
Fast Travel in Crimson Desert
With such a massive map size, the game provides several ways to fast travel and traverse the continent efficiently:
Various fast travel options help players navigate the massive world of Pywel.
- Waypoints: Discover and activate waypoints throughout your journey
- Mounts: Ride horses, wolves, dragons, and mechanical creatures
- Mystical Gates: Use magical portals to travel between distant locations
- Gliding: Scale cliffs and glide across vast distances
- The Abyss: Access the mysterious realm for unique travel opportunities
Exploration Tips
To make the most of your journey across Pywel:
- Each region requires different preparation and equipment
- Weather and environmental conditions affect gameplay
- Regional factions and politics influence your experience
- Hidden secrets and treasures reward thorough exploration
- Boss encounters are region-specific and require strategic planning