Black Desert Online

 PC
  • Publisher: GameOn
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2016
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1667 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,021 out of 1667
  2. Mixed: 105 out of 1667
  3. Negative: 541 out of 1667

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  1. Musai
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    Voting 10 when my actual score is an 8. This site is a joke; downvote brigading of a game is totally pathetic. Would love to see the number of hours these people have actually spent in game giving 0-3s

    Metacritic is objectively awful.
  2. Yoyoma1910
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Probably the best MMO I've ever played, with in depth systems and story, and an exceptionally fun combat system. Much of it is easy to get into, yet challenging to master. Worth every penny spent.
  3. Kraf
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    Best combat in an MMO; period. So much to do in this game; it can be daunting... I think that's a good thing. Graphics are rediculously pretty, but you better have a beast PC to run the game on highest settings with a decent fps.
  4. Zombiemold
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    This is a fantastic Sandbox MMO aimed at hardcore MMO audiences. It's not perfect, but quite deserving of very high marks. A lot of great content and updates are lined up, and I am excited for what is to come.
  5. lmaocetong
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    The best MMORPG ever. You can do anything you want, there is a lot of content that can keep you for years. Really recommend!
  6. IllusiveEnergy
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    This game comes with a lot of frustration for early backers like myself. But the frustration is worth every second.

    If you're someone thinking of giving this a try, DO. Please do not let the negative reviews scare you. This MMORPG is the quality of a AAA single player game. Not trying this yourself is a great mistake. In fact, the first three people who message me on the BDO forums I    This game comes with a lot of frustration for early backers like myself. But the frustration is worth every second.

    If you're someone thinking of giving this a try, DO. Please do not let the negative reviews scare you. This MMORPG is the quality of a AAA single player game. Not trying this yourself is a great mistake.

    In fact, the first three people who message me on the BDO forums I will reply with a 7 day guest pass. My username is Illusive.    … Expand
  7. Thebreaker
    May 3, 2017
    10
    One of the most beautiful and immersive mmo I have played in ages, once you get into the game there is no turning back, every other mmo will look lifeless and boring, the detail and the combat system is so fantastic it blows every other mmo out of the water, the amount of content you can do from fishing to crafting to horse training is endless
  8. Uxz
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    Don't mind the low scores, the game is great. There is a huge influx of angry Elder Scrolls Online players who campaign to reduce the score here in thsi game.
  9. SlickReed
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Black desert is hands down one of the best and innovative games Ive ever player, it takes the MMO genre to a new level with great graphics, deep gameplay and careers, awesome combat, awesome character customization, BD has it all. Come join the fun.
  10. desperx
    Mar 14, 2016
    10
    Simply amazing at every aspect. I don't understand the low scores from WoW and ESO players probably all their friends left them becouse of BDO, there are 3 servers with like 10 chanells each and they are full even at morning,

    The game has so much depth, you won't ever get bored. At first site might looks like another generic Korean MMO but this one is different, I was getting hooked    Simply amazing at every aspect. I don't understand the low scores from WoW and ESO players probably all their friends left them becouse of BDO, there are 3 servers with like 10 chanells each and they are full even at morning,

    The game has so much depth, you won't ever get bored. At first site might looks like another generic Korean MMO but this one is different, I was getting hooked after lvl 20 when I started to kill real monsters lika Nagas or Orcs.

    The monsters looks like from Heroes of MM 5-7. Who world is beatifull, enviroment change, from cute farms with peasants to rocky hills, deep woods full of undeads, swamps etc.

    The sandbox is real, you can go anywhere and do whatever you want.    … Expand
  11. actionchip
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    The tutorial is fast, but once you get the hang of it this is actually a really good MMO. I've never seen an mmo with combat as good as this and the graphics look great even on the lower settings. Really good
  12. Spoonparty
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    No other game has united my friends/gaming circle like BDO, since the Vanilla WoW days. That goes for mmos, fps, mobas and every other type of game we try to play as a group (8-12 people). Never has a game satisfied us all until this.

    I probably couldn't tell you exactly what it is that has made this occur but I'll have a go: 1. There's something for everyone in BDO and it's fine not    No other game has united my friends/gaming circle like BDO, since the Vanilla WoW days. That goes for mmos, fps, mobas and every other type of game we try to play as a group (8-12 people). Never has a game satisfied us all until this.

    I probably couldn't tell you exactly what it is that has made this occur but I'll have a go:

    1. There's something for everyone in BDO and it's fine not "to do it all". You can play the elements of the game that you want to play and do just fine.
    2. Each little aspect of the game (cooking, fishing, breeding etc) feels totally unique and like its own game in itself. Very immersive.
    3. The world feels like a world. No fast travel, no queuing stuff through a menu, no lifeless settlements. Everywhere feels alive, bustling and real.
    4. No subscription. All though I've played everyday since launch and will do for a while, I like feeling safe in the knowledge I can drop in any time free of charge.
    5. NOT pay-2-win. Take my word on this, it's not. Search for KungenTV's video on the topic. Too much to explain here.

    Anyway, you've read all this stuff before. I wasn't that interested in BDO running up to launch and don't really have a desire for Asian games, but this one has hit the spot. Everything is just well thought out and well designed. You will need to use external guides to get started and kickstart your fun during the first few sessions to get the most out of the game and realize it plays differently to what you are use to. Once things start to make sense, you'll be in love!

    Mark my words.    … Expand
  13. MrEndorphino
    Jul 22, 2016
    10
    A lot of lore, great crafting system, insane amount of possible actions (horse taming and breeding, teaming up with other players for bosses or blue whale hunt, wide range of harvesting, hunting, mining, cooking and so on and on, I could write it out for hours.

    Game is grindy and quite RNG based, some ppl like it, some ppl dont. Its focused around earning and upgrading your gear. Its    A lot of lore, great crafting system, insane amount of possible actions (horse taming and breeding, teaming up with other players for bosses or blue whale hunt, wide range of harvesting, hunting, mining, cooking and so on and on, I could write it out for hours.

    Game is grindy and quite RNG based, some ppl like it, some ppl dont. Its focused around earning and upgrading your gear.

    Its quite complicated, most of those 0 reviewes probably didnt even bother to get grasp of mechanics or are just simply EOS and WoW fanboys trying to cut down rating. Shame on them    … Expand
  14. Mamoulian
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    This THE BEST MMO RPG I ever played so far and I boy did I play a lot of them. I always wanted to play something where I might say to myself "how could they make it so right" and this is just it! Black Desert Online is incredibly complex, highly motivating, great looking, its combat rocks and has that really being in-there feel the best of them do. Character creation and RPG levellingThis THE BEST MMO RPG I ever played so far and I boy did I play a lot of them. I always wanted to play something where I might say to myself "how could they make it so right" and this is just it! Black Desert Online is incredibly complex, highly motivating, great looking, its combat rocks and has that really being in-there feel the best of them do. Character creation and RPG levelling elements are fantastic, deeply complex and rewarding. There is fantastic trading, crafting, fishing, questing, gathering resources, special new knowledge and NPC interaction systems, horse breeding, boat and wagon crafting, ecology and weather systems.. I dont know where to even begin. There is so much to do and everything is so incredibly thought-through and detailed its like a dream come true. Do not listen to morons who play MMOs just to grind-level up and then they grind the same endgame nonsense over and over just to get better gear and nothing more. This whole game is an endgame and its going to give you tons of fun and incredible adventuring if you just let it. For 30 EUR best money/fun ratio investment of my life, wholeheartedly recommended!… Expand
  15. luislmf
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    Black Desert is, since Everquest, the best MMORPG. It really nails the really important things al mmorpg should have and its not buy to win, dont believe it, just play it and see for yourself. For 30 euros and no subscription its a really good investment, this game has content for years.
  16. Hond
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Ignore the low scores, the trolling and salt that people have posted - there are a lot of bitter people in this world unfortunately. I'm always dubious of new MMO's especially eastern developed regardless of western conversion however out of 17 years of playing MMO this one really shines and is refreshing. If anyone is sceptical then try and source a 7 day pass and make your own mind up.Ignore the low scores, the trolling and salt that people have posted - there are a lot of bitter people in this world unfortunately. I'm always dubious of new MMO's especially eastern developed regardless of western conversion however out of 17 years of playing MMO this one really shines and is refreshing. If anyone is sceptical then try and source a 7 day pass and make your own mind up. The only 2 gripes are the acting and cut scenes are a little rough around the edges on the and the main screen UI needs to some TLC which I guess could be reworked hopefully sometime soon. I score this MMO a 9.6 because it's simply fantastic.… Expand
  17. Yulie
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    The game looks so alive and amazing. It is completely immersive. The open sandbox feel is wonderful. The game has so many things to do. All these things can be done in any order I want. One day I log in and grind out levels, another day I log in and work on my housing, then another day I log in and work on my professions or maybe trade, or maybe just work on my horse breeding. OfThe game looks so alive and amazing. It is completely immersive. The open sandbox feel is wonderful. The game has so many things to do. All these things can be done in any order I want. One day I log in and grind out levels, another day I log in and work on my housing, then another day I log in and work on my professions or maybe trade, or maybe just work on my horse breeding. Of course, I can't forget the guild could have a PvP event (FUN)! What a breath of fresh air!… Expand
  18. microplasma
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Absolutely great game. At first people trying this game might think it is the usual MMO with better graphics, however this game is a lot deeper than most games I've ever played. It's a great sandbox that you can lose yourself in for hours on end.
  19. Rouce
    Mar 11, 2016
    10
    The thing with this game is that it's hard to grasp at first. It's a sandbox MMORPG, so there are mostly no explanations whatsoevere on professions, the node management, conversation minigame, the crafting system, etc. etc. Also killing mobs seems to be very easy at the beginning, the potion cooldown of only 5 seconds gives the impression that PvP just might be potion spamming, theThe thing with this game is that it's hard to grasp at first. It's a sandbox MMORPG, so there are mostly no explanations whatsoevere on professions, the node management, conversation minigame, the crafting system, etc. etc. Also killing mobs seems to be very easy at the beginning, the potion cooldown of only 5 seconds gives the impression that PvP just might be potion spamming, the real-time fighting with its keyboard combo controls can feel off at first, and whatnot.

    It took me a whole week of playing until I understood what the game is all about and where the enjoyment comes from. But now I love it. The combat system really is something special and a great diversion from tab targeting. Also it feels really fluent once you've created and memorized your own combos. Looking up how everything works made me feel like playing a MMORPG for the first time again. Mobs are geting harder and harder the further you progress, especially if you want to quest while being a bit underleveled. Potion spamming is a thing in this game, but since there are no other ways of healing it's just a different system than most MMORPGs. It won't do much in endgame, the one who outplays his enemy first will be the winner regardless of potions. The graphics are totally fine. They've got its up- and downsides but overall they look really, really decent. Especially the lighting.

    Remarkable pros:

    -New and great fighting system without tab targeting, fluent gameplay and nice combos
    -Amazing player housing. You can buy hundreds of different houses scattered around the world and customize it freely with self-created or bought furniture. It also grants different benefits, so there is a reason to visit your home
    - Mounts aren't just a different model but a real entity in the world. They'll stay where you left them and you can equip them with armor for defense/saddles for speed and other things

    But I'll definitely remark that the game isn't for everyone. It's not your usual MMO with a lot of handholding and conventional gameplay. Be aware of this and preferably do some more research before buying this game.    … Expand
  20. Dragco
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    This game has it all that i expect from a MMORPG ... crazy good combat , nice skill system , grind thats fun, RNG , no lvl cap , crazy amount of stuff to do , massive world , crafting , breeding , pets do more then just fallow you , siege battles , guild battles , guilds control cities and points on map , you can own your own boat , mount, wagon and so many many more....
  21. Shadowsoal
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Huge surprise here.
    About half the people are giving severe votes before the game has had any time for review.
    Adding my own 10 to the positive bandwagon because I feel the terrible ratings are highly unfair at this early stage.
  22. Ljungman
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Been playing it from the release now and I can positively say that it was well worth the money and the time I've been playing it. This is far the most fun I've ever had in MMO in a long time. The only complaint I have at the moment is that the gender is tied to the classes, which isn't that much of a problem really.

    I love the world that they have created and it's really fun to explore,    Been playing it from the release now and I can positively say that it was well worth the money and the time I've been playing it. This is far the most fun I've ever had in MMO in a long time. The only complaint I have at the moment is that the gender is tied to the classes, which isn't that much of a problem really.

    I love the world that they have created and it's really fun to explore, and feels rewarding in doing so. There is TONS of things to do, with professions, mini-games and the questing. The thing I love most about this MMO is the combat, it's just SO fun to crush your enemies, and that it works fluently is a bonus.

    I'm giving this a 10/10, just because I've enjoyed so much compared to other MMOs like WoW, Guild Wars 2, Elder Scrolls Online and other free one ^^    … Expand
  23. Rockyboro
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Never been so sucked in to MMO after old school WoW. Gw 2 i was hyped but this came unexpected.
    Its like EVE online, very slow game with tons of stuff to do. This is not theme park; maybe at begining but later on you must figure out by yourself. BDO got the most beautiful world and characters in any MMo i saw up to date. And yes there is some grind but hey thats what MMO is all about.    Never been so sucked in to MMO after old school WoW. Gw 2 i was hyped but this came unexpected.
    Its like EVE online, very slow game with tons of stuff to do. This is not theme park; maybe at begining but later on you must figure out by yourself. BDO got the most beautiful world and characters in any MMo i saw up to date. And yes there is some grind but hey thats what MMO is all about. Sometimes it feels like skyrim online. Try it !    … Expand
  24. Asashikun
    Mar 22, 2016
    10
    For me is the best MMO in years. Not is a theme park mmo, that is a real MMO sandbox Old School. If u want a fantastic game a very durable... this is your perfect game.
  25. MagicSprocket
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    We can climb everything and sit everywhere. You can sit on everything you climb and climb everything you sit on. We can also lean on walls but it's more fun to climb them and sit on top. GOTY
  26. Pinkyz
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    This game does not hold your hand. You will need to do your research. I suggest joining a great guild. The game has so many discoveries. The depth of the game is truly amazing. This game is everything Arch Age was suppose to be and failed. Do not discount this game. It will suck you in and take away your life. ;-)
  27. Zarella
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    BDO is gorgeous, Amazing, and a Blast! There is always something to do. This game is what I been waiting for. I was standing in the forest farming and the scene was surreal. A stream was running through the forest. The way the water flowed over the rocks, the trees gently blowing in the wind. The tufts of wildflowers around the river...And it all sounds like I am really standing in aBDO is gorgeous, Amazing, and a Blast! There is always something to do. This game is what I been waiting for. I was standing in the forest farming and the scene was surreal. A stream was running through the forest. The way the water flowed over the rocks, the trees gently blowing in the wind. The tufts of wildflowers around the river...And it all sounds like I am really standing in a forest listening to all the wildlife. This game has changed how I look at mmo's.… Expand
  28. Eyelite
    Mar 17, 2016
    10
    PRO's :

    Graphically a pleasure to look at despite some small issues with draw distance that will hopefully improve as the title matures. Audio is is very fitting and I have not yet turned off the in game audio off in favor of my own sound track. The story is not as engaging as I would have liked it to be, but that is mostly lost in translation during its western localization. Game    PRO's :

    Graphically a pleasure to look at despite some small issues with draw distance that will hopefully improve as the title matures. Audio is is very fitting and I have not yet turned off the in game audio off in favor of my own sound track. The story is not as engaging as I would have liked it to be, but that is mostly lost in translation during its western localization. Game play is well thought out an fluid. I really like the fact that they opted for diminishing returns on actions rather than having to wait for cool downs on your abilities. No level lock is a major bonus, some will look at this as a major "grind fest" but the reality is your character never stops growing. People saying there is no end game really have no clue what endgame is , if your idea of sitting in one major hub and waiting to do dungeons is your idea of a fun endgame you might want to consider why major publishers using this structure are struggling to keep subscribers. Oh my next wonderful point, buy once play for ever, no pay to win. cash shop is cosmetic and quality of life and plz don't QQ cause costumes are expensive, its a choice to buy these things not a requirement. Honestly I feel like I could go on and on about the positives, crafting, gathering, PvP all these systems are well done.
    Character creator is very detailed and probably one of the best implementations to date.

    Con's :

    Currently the only issue I have is .... hummmm nope not going to say yet as there is still more to come as it is not caught up yet and there will be several patches including content, player classes , systems and more coming over the next few months. At that point I will revisit my review.

    Verdict

    Truley 10/10 for me , best MMO i have played and probably GOTY    … Expand
  29. DDonut
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Not for people who like to give up, Who dont enjoy spending 100 hours perfecting your play to the utmost and making a name for yourself in a game that has no limit. You will never forget the days u see your first ents walking through the forest. Or the first time u hammer on a cyclops in a far of forest. The first time u succeed in building a fishing boat and go on the hunt for whales orNot for people who like to give up, Who dont enjoy spending 100 hours perfecting your play to the utmost and making a name for yourself in a game that has no limit. You will never forget the days u see your first ents walking through the forest. Or the first time u hammer on a cyclops in a far of forest. The first time u succeed in building a fishing boat and go on the hunt for whales or just see the sun rise above the islands. Cant praise this game enough but its not for people who dont like the grind. This is for people who like to work for their stuff and wait for that feeling when u finnally get that +15 upgrade on your weapon.… Expand
  30. Fluffins
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    This game is great. It was a great story so far, decent voice acting and balanced classes. It plays well enough that a Tab Targeter like me got used to the controls quickly. Its support staff might not be 100% perfect, but they get the job done.

    Do not believe the trolls adding negative reviews to this game. They are either part of the group of ESO players trying to downplay the game or    This game is great. It was a great story so far, decent voice acting and balanced classes. It plays well enough that a Tab Targeter like me got used to the controls quickly. Its support staff might not be 100% perfect, but they get the job done.

    Do not believe the trolls adding negative reviews to this game. They are either part of the group of ESO players trying to downplay the game or those that happened to get involved with the whole pre order "fiasco".

    I never pay more than $40 for games, but this game was good enough to go all the way and get the $100 pre order.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey)
    Jan 1, 2018
    80
    With it's massive and unique open world, Black Desert Online is inviting you to a great adventure.
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  2. Digital Chumps
    Jul 27, 2017
    50
    Overall, Black Desert Online is a typical MMO in every single way. While I disagree with their claim that it’s the “next generation” of MMOs, I did find the character creation to be the most robust of any MMO out there. Unfortunately, the character customization is the game’s biggest highlight, and many of the other elements of Black Desert Online can be found in many other MMOs.
    Read full review
  3. The Overpowered Noobs
    Jun 11, 2017
    70
    Black Desert Online comes to the table with an intricate character sculpting tool, gorgeous graphical presentation, and a nuanced, exciting combat system overlying a less immediately apparent, but very unique, sandbox-style resource management simulation. Those looking for a rich narrative, complex or groundbreaking PvE questing, or highly unique monster design may be disappointed, but those seeking a mechanically rich, visually striking MMO will find themselves at home.
    Read full review
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