There's no question that the wave of patches following Crimson Desert's launch has significantly enhanced the player experience. From control refinements and the introduction of storage boxes to additional fast travel locations and more summonable mounts, these updates have genuinely transformed the game—and player satisfaction has noticeably increased as a result.
Yet, amidst the widespread appreciation for these quality-of-life improvements, a vocal minority of players argue that Crimson Desert is becoming too forgiving. While welcomed, the patches are gradually reducing the game's initial challenge, whether through balance adjustments or fundamental gameplay alterations.
Critics highlight nerfs to bosses (some of which were notoriously punishing before updates), more efficient resource farming, and recent weekend changes to flight and stamina that make traversal effortless. Consequently, alongside these updates, there's growing demand for Pearl Abyss to implement proper difficulty modes.
Suggestions range from simple "easy" and "hard" options—with the latter potentially reverting recent balance changes—to more elaborate "story," "normal," and "hard" modes. Some even propose a "hardcore" mode that would, in their view, allow players to experience Crimson Desert "as originally intended."
One player expressed, "The game keeps getting easier with every update. Bosses now feel trivial, requiring no real skill. Even crafting difficulty has been reduced—how challenging is it to gather four iron and four copper for gear upgrades when these materials are everywhere? The developers should seriously consider adding two difficulty levels."
Another added, "Please introduce level scaling or restore the previous difficulty. Boss fights especially feel pointless now; we can block attacks without penalty, wait out their patterns, then deal massive damage. It removes all tension. I cleared all red camps and forts in the first two regions solo yesterday, making those missions feel redundant."
A third player noted, "The difficulty is a joke now—you can just hold attack and bosses die. Why isn't there a difficulty option for those who don't want to invest time learning combat? The challenge was what made the game fun, in my opinion."
However, some players counter that the game becomes more difficult in later areas, suggesting complaints may stem from those who haven't progressed beyond Hernand. One player shared, "I've been loving Crimson Desert, especially after the latest patch. Gameplay feels more responsive, combat has auto-lock and is less clunky. It's a beautiful game with a great combat system, but I'm concerned—I'm 50 hours in and still in Hernand, and the combat feels too easy (except for bosses)."
In response, some players are turning to mods to increase difficulty, tweaking settings to take double damage and deal less, making combat notably more challenging.
Pearl Abyss has indicated plans to continue updating Crimson Desert and has demonstrated impressive responsiveness to feedback. While nothing is off the table for future tweaks, a hard mode could be in development to offer a sterner test. It's unlikely the developer will reverse core gameplay improvements, such as control enhancements, but balance adjustments for a tougher difficulty mode might be feasible if implemented.
Overall, most Crimson Desert players appear to be enjoying the new opportunities these patches provide. While awaiting the next update, explore more on the game, including how players are building cat armies—some even memorializing their real-life pets who have passed away.
If you're diving into Crimson Desert's vast open world, check out our guides: Things to Do First in Crimson Desert, Things Crimson Desert Doesn't Tell You (with 28 tips and counting), Best Early Weapons to acquire, Best Skills to Get First (with an explanation of the skills system), and 34 Essential Tips and Tricks for success in Pywel.
