With the deepest character customization of any game currently on the market, Black Desert Online allows for unprecedented detail in character creation. Its intuitive controls, beautifully designed world, and extensive lore will enthrall both newcomers and veterans of MMO games and action RPGs.

Travel through the lands in search of treasure and adventure or become one of the top craftsmen in the land. Set up trade routes and breed horses or compete against other guilds in epic siege warfare.

Pearl Abyss marked a decade of Black Desert at Calpheon Ball, a global community event held last weekend at the Suwon Messe in South Korea. The live-streamed celebration unveiled the next wave of game updates and expansions, along with the highly anticipated 29th character class, Deadeye, set to launch on December 24.

Deadeye: The Western Gunslinger Enters the Fray

Deadeye, the 29th class to join Black Desert, brings an American Wild West-inspired aesthetic. Armed with revolvers, a shotgun, and a rocket launcher called Lil’ Devil, Deadeye combines fast-paced gunplay with a gripping backstory. Originating from New Victoria in the parallel Earth, she crosses into the Black Desert universe through the experiments of Earth’s Marni. Deadeye expands the lore while adding a fresh gameplay dynamic. Early access begins on December 20 through Global Lab, with the official release set for December 24.

Enhanced Support for New Adventurers

Pearl Abyss announced significant updates to Black Desert Online’s Season Server, a gateway for new players:

• Boosted Progression: Enjoy a 1000% combat EXP boost to fast-track progression in Season Servers
• Graduation Rewards: Earn special materials to craft Ornette’s and Odore’s Spirit Essence as well as PEN Boss gear for completing the season.
• Simplified Gear Upgrades: Obtain new items such as Essence of Ascent for weapons and accessories when graduating the season, which will help to convert season gear for endgame use.

These updates will launch alongside Deadeye, with new quests and guidance to smooth the transition from novice to seasoned Adventurer.

Life Skills and Fishing Revamped

Life skill enthusiasts have much to celebrate, with the following updates:

• Life Skill Mastery Cap Increased to 3000: Gradual effects will improve gameplay without overwhelming casual players.
• New Tools and Accessories: New Preonne accessories and Manos tools to enhance life skill activities.
• Fishing Tournament: A weekly competition with rewards for catching the largest specimens of selected fish.
• Sailor Auto Fishing: Automate fishing while managing crew roles aboard ships for a seamless experience.

New Dream Horse and Training System Improvements

A New Dream Horse, Voltarion, themed around lightning, will be added to the game on January 16, 2025. Changes to horse breeding and training include faster growth and the ability to register wild horses using empty wagons, making it easier to develop mounts.

PvP Updates

Pearl Abyss addressed Black Desert Online’s evolving PvP landscape:

• Node and Conquest Wars: Stat limits and siege mechanics rebalanced for more fierce competition.
• Hardcore Server: A high-stakes PvP server where players have 2 hours daily to survive and earn points while facing off against hostile players using exclusive gear.
• Black Dragon Mount: A coveted honor prize “Harbinger of Doom” tied to extraordinary PvP guilds.

Winter Sports and Festive Fun

In January, players can enjoy a Tumbling Snowflake Field event in the Mountain of Eternal Winter. Snowboarding, previously shelved, makes a triumphant return with Griffon lifts and stylish gear inspired by the event-exclusive “Noonbora” costume.

Black Desert Mobile: Major Updates and 2025 Preview

Black Desert Mobile also received many exciting announcements that will excite Adventurers worldwide. Deadeye will also display her sharpshooting skills on mobile and there is much more to look forward to including:

A New Chapter: Awakened Dawnveil Gear and Expanded Combat Power

Awakened versions of Dawnveil Gear will be introduced at the end of this year, boosting combat power significantly, with attack and defense increases across all gear types. The updates aim to reward high-level players with greater combat strength and a sense of accomplishment.

Atoraxxion: Vahmalkea

Party cooperation content, Atoraxxion: Vahmalkea will be added to Black Desert Mobile. As the first zone of Atoraxxion, Adventurers will face the powerful Ancient Guardians and will be required to conquer each section with various strategies. Adventurers can enter the content 5 times a week, 24 hours a day and can obtain various loot including Okiara’s Blessing.

Nightmare: Tshira – A Revamped PvPvE Experience

This 24-hour accessible PvPvE content transforms the ruins of Tchira into a battleground. Featuring zones for different combat power levels, the Nightmare ensures an intense but balanced competition. Innovative mechanics, like progressive debuffs, will prevent high-power Adventurers from monopolizing hunting zones.

The New Dream Horse Arduanatt

The third Dream Horse Aduanatt will soon be added to Black Desert Mobile. Born from the legendary Krogdalo, Aduanatt features a “Quantum Jump” ability that allows instant travel to marked locations on the world map.

Improved Consumables and New Crafting Materials

Adventurers can now craft Concentrated HP Potions, restoring up to 1,500 HP, using new materials such as Spirit Dust from Kamasylvia regions. These potions aim to enhance survivability in challenging PvE and PvP battles.

Release Schedule for Black Desert Mobile (Global)

• Deadeye Class Launch: Friday, December 24
• Awakened Dawnveil Gear: Friday, December 31
• Atoraxxion: Vahmalkea: Friday, December 31
• Nightmare: Tshira: Tuesday, January 21
• Concentrated HP Potions: Tuesday, January 21

Looking Ahead

Pearl Abyss closed the Calpheon Ball with teasers of future updates, including enhancements to guild systems, quality-of-life improvements, and expanded content to deepen the game’s rich world. With this latest round of updates, Black Desert continues to set the standard for immersive, player-focused MMORPGs.

Key Features

• A beautifully designed open world that’s as expansive as it is alive
• Heart-pounding skill-based combat
• Unprecedented character customization with incredible detail
• Crisp next-generation graphics
• Extensive open world PvP modes (Arena mode, guild vs guild, node wars, castle siege, and more)
• Engaging story with deep lore and epic quests
• Unique farming system - grow and perfect your crops
• A personalized stable - catch, tame, and breed wild horses
• Deep crafting, housing, fishing, hunting, and alchemy systems
• Intuitive action gameplay complete with gamepad support

Get a free 7-day trial for Black Desert Online here.

Black Desert Online is currently available PC, as well as PS4 and Xbox One (compatible on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S), with native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S editions expected in first half of 2025.