Pearl Abyss has stopped selling Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown in certain markets, including the UAE, after a review of its content and age-rating requirements. The company has not published a full list of affected regions or identified the content that triggered the restriction.
The expansion was due to launch on 15 October 2026 for £19.99/$24.99, according to GamingBible, adding a new location, underwater exploration, ship-based travel, housing upgrades and romance options. Pearl Abyss’ own announcement confirms that pre-orders in affected regions will close, with refunds either processed automatically or handled through each platform’s normal refund process.
Why is the Crimson Desert DLC unavailable in the UAE?
Pearl Abyss has only said that the decision followed a review of “content and age rating requirements”. The company has not confirmed whether the restriction relates to romance, intimacy, same-sex relationships, violence, gambling or any other specific feature.
Sportskeeda argues that the expansion’s apparent romance system could be involved, pointing to a trailer scene in which Kliff presents a bouquet to Elowen. That remains speculation, not a statement from Pearl Abyss or a regional rating board. The base game itself remains available in the UAE and Saudi Arabia despite containing violence, gambling and darker storylines.
The official announcement also says that pre-orders may be refunded automatically or through platform support. That has not been smooth for everyone. The Greymanes Guild reported claims from Middle Eastern players who said PlayStation support denied refunds for pre-orders that could no longer be delivered in their regions.
A UAE-based Reddit user separately said the DLC disappeared from the PlayStation Store and that they were losing hope of accessing it. Those reports show the practical issue for affected players, but they do not establish a general PlayStation refund policy or confirm that every request has been rejected.
What does the Crimson Desert DLC add?
Charting the Unknown expands the game with a new area, story content, underwater exploration, new enemies and ship-based travel. Pearl Abyss also advertised housing improvements and deeper bonds with characters, while the pre-order bonus includes diving sets for Kliff, Oongka and Damiane.
The October launch date still applies to regions where the expansion remains available. For UAE players, the release status is unresolved until Pearl Abyss or the relevant rating authorities provide a more specific update.
The Crimson Desert Enhanced update is already available, and our earlier coverage also tracks the game’s Switch 2 release window. Pearl Abyss’ official announcement, Sportskeeda’s report, the Greymanes Guild report on X and the UAE player’s Reddit post provide the source trail.
Why is Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown unavailable in the UAE?
Pearl Abyss says the expansion was restricted after a review of content and age-rating requirements. It has not confirmed which feature or scene caused the restriction.
When will Charting the Unknown launch?
The expansion is scheduled for 15 October 2026 in regions where it remains available.
Will affected players get a refund?
Pearl Abyss says refunds may be processed automatically or through the relevant platform’s standard refund process. Some Middle Eastern players report that PlayStation support denied their requests.
