Crimson Desert has climbed to the second-highest-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic, based solely on user reviews. Its 8.8 score now trails only Resident Evil Requiem, which holds a commanding lead at 9.4 points. The shift in ratings comes as the game’s player retention figures have long suggested strong engagement, but now, the reviews are catching up.
Pokémon Pokopia remains in third place with an 8.5 score, followed closely by Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and Cairn at 8.4 and 8.3 points respectively. However, when it comes to Metascore—a more curated metric—Pokapia still leads with 89 points, while Crimson Desert sits at 77, reflecting a wider range of opinions among critics.
Key Ratings Breakdown
- User Score:
- Crimson Desert: 8.8 (2nd place)
- Resident Evil Requiem: 9.4 (1st place)
- Pokémon Pokopia: 8.5 (3rd place)
- Metascore:
- Pokémon Pokapia: 89
- Resident Evil Requiem: 89
- Crimson Desert: 77 (based on divided reviews, ranging from 50 to 100)
The gap between user scores and Metascores for Crimson Desert highlights a stark contrast in perception. While players appear to be increasingly satisfied with the game’s experience, critics remain split, with some praising its depth while others point to areas needing refinement.
Market Impact
Crimson Desert’s rise in user ratings underscores a competitive 2026 for gaming, where titles like GTA VI, Pragmata, and Gears of War: E-Day are set to dominate later this year. For now, the game’s momentum suggests it could carve out a strong position, but its long-term success will depend on whether it can sustain player interest amid such a crowded landscape.
