Players Raise Concerns Over Dragon Limitations in Crimson Desert

As players delve deeper into the world of Crimson Desert, they are starting to notice some of the game’s more perplexing design elements. One of the most significant issues is that mounts, aside from the horse, are not permanent fixtures. While the highly sought-after dragon mount becomes available later in the game, it comes with a 15-minute usage limit and a subsequent 50-minute cooldown that players cannot bypass. Anticipation was high among fans of Pearl Abyss' open-world action game who were eager to take to the skies on a dragon, as teased in pre-release trailers. The ability to soar through the skies and unleash fire adds a dramatic twist to gameplay. According to guides detailing how to unlock the dragon in Crimson Desert, players must complete the main storyline before they can summon this majestic beast like any other mount. However, once the 15 minutes of flying time are up, or if the dragon is defeated, players face a cooldown period of 50 minutes, which cannot be reduced by any means, including sleeping or waiting. This restriction has sparked a flurry of discussions in various forums, including subreddits and Discord groups, with many players appealing to Pearl Abyss to reconsider the cooldown system. Some players speculate that the design choice may be a way to maintain game balance, as riding a dragon significantly enhances a player’s power and could diminish the challenge of exploration. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly critical. One player expressed disappointment stating, "The dragon was featured in nearly every trailer, but to find out it is so limited in use is disheartening." Another remarked on the contradiction between the game's marketing and its mechanics, saying, "If I want to be the most OP character, why hinder me? I’m not affecting anyone else by flying the dragon. I hope they change it soon." Suggestions for improvement have emerged, including limiting the dragon’s attack capabilities while allowing players unrestricted flying time. One frustrated player lamented, "I just want complete control of a dragon! I bought this game for that experience, never anticipating a time limit. It’s disappointing." Aside from the dragon, players are also advocating for other creature mounts, like the Dire Wolf and Raptor, to be made permanent and storable. One player called for mounts to be stable-able and summonable, highlighting that mounts were a significant draw for them in the game. With Pearl Abyss recently releasing updates for Crimson Desert, there may be hope for changes regarding the dragon and other mounts in the near future. Notably, the game’s Steam review ratings have improved from 'mixed' to 'mostly positive,' indicating a shift in player sentiment. For those exploring the vast world of Crimson Desert, guides are available that cover essential first steps, hidden game mechanics, and recommendations for early weapons and skills to enhance your journey.