PlayStation Plus Drops Free Download For 250-Hour Epic RPG

Published Nov 3, 2026, 6:27 AM EST

Paul Farrelly is a Contributing Writer for Screen Rant’s Gaming section and the founder of GeekGasm.org, a site dedicated to celebrating all things gaming, from triple A blockbusters to weird and wonderful indie hits. Based in Louth, Ireland, Paul has spent years writing about games, pop culture, and tech, turning his lifelong love of gaming into a career that lets him talk (probably too much) about what makes this industry so endlessly fascinating.
He’s previously written and collaborated with several entertainment outlets, including LADbible, gaining a wide perspective on how gaming fits into today’s pop culture conversation. His work blends genuine enthusiasm with thoughtful analysis, exploring how design, storytelling, and community have made gaming one of the most creative mediums around.
When he’s not glued to a controller or keyboard, Paul’s usually spinning vinyl, plotting his next horror marathon, or debating which Resident Evil entry really reigns supreme.
 

Sign in to your ScreenRant account

Timing is everything. With Grand Theft Auto VI still more than two weeks away, gamers are looking to fill the void without handing over some hard-earned cash. In steps PlayStation Plus to save the day. Subscribers to PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra tiers can get their hands on one of this year's greatest games so far. Albeit for a limited time only. Adventures in Hernand await those lucky enough to have a subscription. A five-hour trial to explore one of the largest, most detailed open-worlds ever made . . . where do we sign up?

A Crimson Desert five hour trial is available right now for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra members. This offer for subscribers is timely as it ties in nicely with the recently released DLC known as 'Charting the Unknown', which will hopefully get more eyes on the game and help sell a few extra copies of one of the biggest DLCs we have ever experienced. Any progress made in the five-hour trial will also carry over for players who decide to purchase the full game.

Five hours sounds generous for a trial, but when you consider that most players sink 200+ hours into their Pywel adventures with Kliff, Damiane and Oongka, five hours seems pretty lean. Sure, it gives newcomers a chance to get to grip with the many gameplay mechanics and combat, but it's a mere teaser of what is a gargantuan adventure. Fan reaction to the free trial over on Reddit has been massively positive.

One had the following to say:

well that is a welcome addition. I've been going back and forth on getting it and was hoping for a demo. This is even better. Cheers.

While another said:

Dang, 5 hours is nice. Thanks for the heads up, gonna download it tonight

Pearl Abyss have done some stellar work, constantly adding new content and improving gameplay and narrative for Crimson Desert. Those who skipped out on it when it launched back in March 2026, now have the perfect opportunity to jump in and try it out without spending any extra cash. Five hours is the perfect amount of time to get to grip with the game's controls and solve a few abyss puzzles, while also allowing just enough time to superplex a goblin or two!

With so many great games dropping for free on PlayStation Plus, it's amazing to see that a game that released earlier this year is getting some much deserved limelight. Personally, I'm envious of newcomers to the game who'll get to explore Hernand, Pailune and the titular Crimson Desert region for the first time. If it weren't for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, and it's expected greatness, Crimson Desert would be a top contender for game of the year and PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra members get the chance to trial it for free.

The Crimson Desert five hour trial is available to all PlayStation Plus members who have the Premium or Extra tier unlocked. And for those who have already purchased and completed the main game, 'Charter the Unknown' DLC has been available since October 29, 2026. Offering players the chance to explore underwater, open new businesses, get married, build homes and enjoy a pirate's life out on the open sea. Failing all that, you could just punch a dragon in the face if the mood takes you!

Systems