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Crimson Desert vs Horizon Zero Dawn
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| shopping_cart Where to Buy | |
| info General Information | |
| Release Date | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Feb 28, 2017 |
| Developer | |
| Pearl Abyss | Guerrilla Games |
| Publisher | |
| Pearl Abyss | Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation), PlayStation Publishing LLC (PC) |
| Genre(s) | |
| Open-World Action-Adventure | Action Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Adventure |
| Engine | |
| BlackSpace Engine | Decima |
| stars Ratings & Price | |
| Content Rating | |
| M (Mature 17+) | T (Teen) - ESRB Descriptors: Blood, Drug Reference |
| Avg. User Rating | |
| 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| Current Price (USD) | |
| $69.99 | $49.99 |
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| tune Key Specs | |
| Quick Highlights | |
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| sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
| Companions/Followers | |
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| Key Themes | |
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| colorize Combat & Gear | |
| Weapons Overview | |
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| Armor / Gear Sets | |
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| Outfits/Customization | |
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| trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
| Skills & Progression | |
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Progression is tied to 'The Axiom Bracelet' and 'Artifacts' found in the Abyss. Players unlock elemental infusions (Fire, Ice, Lightning) for weapons. A unique 'Witness System' allows Kliff to learn new combat techniques, such as the Suplex or Perfect Parry, by observing specific enemy types in combat. Upgrades are handled through a portable anvil or settlement blacksmiths. |
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| public World & Exploration | |
| World & Level Design | |
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Pywel is roughly 120km², twice the size of Skyrim. It is divided into five distinct biomes: Akapen (The Snowy North), Hernand (Temperate Valleys), Deinus (The Industrial Capital), Delia (Coastal Wetlands), and the titular Crimson Desert (Arid Badlands). The world is completely seamless with no loading screens between interiors, cities, or underground Abyss fragments. |
Horizon Zero Dawn features a large open world divided into distinct ecological regions: the mountainous Sacred Lands of the Nora, the desert canyons and mesas of the Carja Sundom (including the capital Meridian and Sunfall), dense jungles, and the snowy, harsh northern territories of the Banuk (expanded in 'The Frozen Wilds' DLC with 'The Cut'). The map is traversed on foot or by overriding and riding certain machines. Tallnecks must be overridden to reveal sections of the map. |
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| book Story & Characters | |
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| Example Missions | |
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| people Multiplayer | |
| Multiplayer Details | |
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While strictly single-player at launch, developers have hinted at a future 'Mercenary Arena' update, allowing players to bring their customized Kliff into 1v1 duels or co-op siege defense missions. |
Horizon Zero Dawn is a strictly single-player experience and does not feature any multiplayer or co-operative modes. |
| extension Editions & DLC | |
| Available Editions | |
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Standard Edition ($69.99): Base game + Pre-order bonus (Khaled Shield). Deluxe Edition ($79.99): Includes Steelbook, Fabric Map, and the 'Kairos Plate Set'. Collector's Edition ($279.99): Features a 17-inch Kliff Statue, 'Golden Star' Diorama, and the 'Ultimate Pack' DLC containing the Tormented Soul Bow and Derictus Spear. |
Originally released with a Standard Edition. The 'Complete Edition' (for PS4 and PC) includes the base game, 'The Frozen Wilds' expansion, a digital art book, a PS4 dynamic theme, and several in-game item packs (Carja Storm Ranger Outfit and Mighty Bow, Carja Trader Pack, Banuk Trailblazer Outfit and Culling Bow, Banuk Traveller Pack, Nora Keeper Pack). A 'Remastered Edition' for PS5 and PC was released on October 31, 2024, featuring graphical enhancements and new features. |
| Post-Launch Content / DLC | |
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Pearl Abyss has teased 'The Lost Tales' expansions, which will focus on the backstories of Damiane and Oongka. Additionally, a post-game 'Abyss Trial' mode is planned to provide procedural dungeon challenges for high-level players. |
The major post-launch content is 'The Frozen Wilds,' a significant story expansion that adds a new northern region ('The Cut'), new characters, new machines (e.g., Frostclaws, Fireclaws), new weapons, new skills ('Traveler' skill tree), and a compelling storyline. This expansion is included in the Complete Edition and Remastered Edition. |
| help_outline FAQ | |
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
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| build Technical Details | |
| Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
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Powered by the proprietary BlackSpace Engine, the game features Nanite-like geometry density and Lumen-style global illumination. It includes advanced 'Snow Deformation' and 'Wind Simulation' that affects clothing, hair, and projectile physics. |
Powered by the Decima engine, Horizon Zero Dawn is renowned for its breathtaking visuals, featuring lush and diverse environments, highly detailed machine designs, realistic weather effects, and a dynamic day/night cycle. The PC port and PS5 Remastered Edition offer enhanced graphical options, including higher resolutions, framerates, improved draw distances, and ultrawide support (PC). |
| Audio & Soundtrack | |
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Composed by Ryu Hwi-man, the soundtrack features an orchestral-folk hybrid style. It utilizes dynamic layering; music intensity shifts seamlessly based on combat 'Flow' and proximity to Abyss anomalies. High-fidelity 3D audio supports Atmos and Tempest engines. |
The acclaimed original score, composed by Joris de Man, The Flight, Niels van der Leest, and Jonathan Williams, features a blend of orchestral, tribal, and electronic elements that perfectly capture the game's atmosphere. Sound design for machines is distinctive and crucial for identifying threats. |
| User Interface (UI/UX) | |
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The UI is minimalist and diegetic. Damage numbers can be toggled off. The map is presented as a hand-drawn 3D parchment that updates in real-time. Navigation uses 'Spirit Trails' rather than a traditional mini-map to encourage immersion. |
Features a clean and immersive UI with a compass, quest log, health/medicine indicators, weapon/ammo selection wheel, and contextual prompts. The Focus scan provides detailed information overlay about machines and the environment. A world map is used for navigation and tracking objectives. |
| Accessibility Options | |
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Includes 17 major features: High-contrast HUD, fully rebindable controls (including complex combo shortcuts), 'Combat Assist' for simplified wrestling moves, multiple colorblind filters, and 'Visual Comfort' modes to reduce camera shake and motion blur. |
Includes options for subtitle customization (size, background), remappable controls (PC), adjustable difficulty levels, aim assist, options to reduce camera shake, and audio cues. The Remastered version may include further enhancements. |
| video_library Media Links | |
| Gameplay Video | |
| launchWatch | launchWatch |
| Walkthrough/Guide | |
| launchView | launchView |
| settings_applications System Requirements | |
| 720p (HD) - Minimum (Remastered - Target: 720p, 30 FPS, Very Low Preset) (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for Remastered. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU. Performance varies greatly by laptop thermals and power limits. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for Remastered. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30 FPS at 720p Very Low. **4GB VRAM is an absolute minimum for laptops and will likely require texture compromises and aggressive upscaling.** TGP and cooling are critical. RAM: Minimum RAM for Remastered (original PC port listed 8GB min, 16GB rec). | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-8250U (with good cooling) / AMD Ryzen 3 2200U or newer entry-level quad-core mobile CPUs. An Intel Core i3 H-series (10th gen+) or Ryzen 3 H-series (4000 series+) would be better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile (4GB), NVIDIA GeForce MX350/MX450 (GDDR6, 2GB - very low settings); OR AMD Radeon RX 560X Mobile (4GB). A GTX 1650 Laptop (4GB) is a more realistic minimum for laptops. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (60 FPS / High) (High Preset) CPU: Modern mid-range CPUs for stable frame timing. CPU (Laptop): Strong multi-core performance for urban areas. GPU: Allows for high-fidelity assets and stable framerates. GPU (Laptop): Optimal for High settings with Frame Gen. RAM: Standard for high-end gaming. Storage: NVMe preferred. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i5-11600K / Ryzen 5 5600 developer_boardGPU: RTX 2080 / RX 6700 XT laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i7-12700H / Ryzen 7 6800H laptop_windowsGPU (L): RTX 4060 Mobile (105W) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB SSD | — |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Remastered - Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for Remastered. CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a good 1080p/60FPS experience at medium settings. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for Remastered 1080p/60 Medium. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Medium. **Ensure adequate TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 6GB VRAM is a good target, 8GB better. Upscaling technologies will significantly aid performance and visual quality. RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-10300H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer mid-range performance mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel Core i5 H-series 11th gen+, AMD Ryzen 5 H-series 5000+). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Laptop (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB/6GB, High TGP - 6GB preferred), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, Medium to High TGP), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB); OR AMD Radeon RX 6600M (8GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (30 FPS / Low) (Low-Medium Preset) CPU: 6-core architecture needed for basic AI and world simulation. CPU (Laptop): Standard mobile 6-core chips. GPU: Legacy cards for entry-level performance. GPU (Laptop): Target Low settings with DLSS Quality. RAM: Required for open-world asset caching. Storage: Mandatory SSD for asset streaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i5-8500 / Ryzen 5 2600X developer_boardGPU: GTX 1060 (6GB) / RX 6500 XT laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i5-10300H / Ryzen 5 4600H laptop_windowsGPU (L): RTX 3050 Mobile (60W) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB SSD | — |
| 1440p (QHD/2K) - Ultra (60+ FPS) (Ultra Preset / RT On) CPU: High L3 cache is vital for the game's complex physics. CPU (Laptop): Desktop-class mobile chips. GPU: Raw power for 1440p rendering with Ray Tracing. GPU (Laptop): High-end mobile workstation performance. RAM: Recommended for Ultra textures and multi-tasking. Storage: Faster load times and zero stutter. | |
memoryCPU: Intel i7-14700K / Ryzen 7 7800X3D developer_boardGPU: RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT laptop_macCPU (L): Intel i9-13980HX / Ryzen 9 7945HX laptop_windowsGPU (L): RTX 4080 Mobile (150W) layersRAM: 32 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB NVMe SSD | — |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - Epic (60 FPS / 4K Native) (Maximum / Path Tracing Enabled) CPU: Peak single and multi-core performance. CPU (Laptop): Only the highest TGP mobile chips can attempt 4K. GPU: Enables native 4K with advanced lighting features. GPU (Laptop): Mobile 4090 may still require DLSS Balanced. RAM: Enthusiast level for maximum headroom. Storage: Maximum bandwidth for 4K asset streaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K / Ryzen 9 9950X developer_boardGPU: RTX 4090 / RX 7900 XTX laptop_macCPU (L): RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (175W) laptop_windowsGPU (L): External GPU (eGPU) recommended layersRAM: 64 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB Gen5 NVMe SSD | — |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - Very High (Remastered - Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Very High Preset) (Very High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Balanced') essential.) CPU: High-end desktop CPU for 4K/60 Very High. CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required for this demanding target. GPU: Top-tier desktop GPU for 4K/60 Very High. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute top-tier laptop GPUs with maximum TGP and exceptional cooling can attempt 4K/60 at high/very high settings. **Heavily reliant on aggressive upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Performance').** Native 4K at these settings is generally beyond current laptop capabilities for such visuals. RAM: 32GB RAM strongly recommended for 4K gaming at high settings. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer flagship mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel HX series, AMD HX series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - High (Remastered - Target: 1440p @ 60 FPS / 4K @ 30 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' for 1440p, 'Balanced' for 4K) recommended.) CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p/4K High. CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPU to avoid bottlenecks at higher resolutions. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p60/4K30 High. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1440p High or ~30 FPS at 4K High. **Max TGP versions and excellent cooling are crucial.** 8GB VRAM is minimum, 10GB+ ideal. Upscaling will be very important. RAM: 16GB RAM dual-channel. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer high-performance mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), RX 6800M (12GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
| save Overall Storage | |
| Spec: 135 GB - 150 GB SSD Note: High-resolution textures and seamless world data require fast NVMe read speeds. Type: SSD | Spec: 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster load times, reduced texture pop-in, and a smoother overall experience. The original PC port required ~100GB. Type: SSD |
| desktop_windows Operating System | |
| Spec: Windows 10/11 64-bit Explanation: Requires DX12 Ultimate features for real-time global illumination and mesh shading. | Spec: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher for Remastered) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required. |
| gamepad DirectX Version | |
| Spec: Version 12 Explanation: Utilizes DirectX Raytracing (DXR) for water reflections and ambient occlusion. | N/A |
| info_outline Other Game Notes | |
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| build Optimization Details | |
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| laptop Laptop Considerations | |
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info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Crimson Desert Specifically
For Horizon Zero Dawn Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.