As it turns ten, you can grab fantasy MMORPG Black Desert Online completely free

Out of every game still to come in 2025, new RPG Crimson Desert is the one I am most eager to play. Its sprawling open world promises the scale of The Witcher 3, but with a greater focus on rewarding combat and intense boss battles. While we wait, however, its MMORPG counterpart Black Desert Online is just about to celebrate its tenth birthday, and as a present, developer Pearl Abyss is giving you the chance to pick it up for free on Steam. With no subscription required to play, it's a great time to give it a try while we wait on FF14 7.3 and the WoW Classic Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Black Desert Online has long stood out among our pick of the best MMORPGs for its impressive visuals. I still remember the quiet awe at the sheer level of detail its character creator offered at launch, and a graphics overhaul helped it to stay as one of the best in its field even as others have advanced around it. It also boasts a much more proactive combat system than most of its peers, providing fast-paced action with an emphasis on movement, reactions, and combos.

Now boasting 30 classes, each of which offer various specs; a wide range of PvE content; a deep endgame that'll keep you busy for a long time; and PvP battles ranging up to the War of the Roses mode that features a gargantuan 600 players, it's safe to say you'll have plenty of options at your disposal. If you'd rather take it easy and have a more relaxing MMO experience, there are even lots of 'life activities' available such as farming, fishing, sailing, cooking, alchemy, and horse training.

While Crimson Desert was initially pitched as a prequel to BDO, its development has transformed it into a more standalone tale. Nevertheless, if you want a taste of what Pearl Abyss has crafted before, or you're just someone who likes to try new MMOs and see if their world and gameplay hooks you in, this free giveaway is a perfect chance to do so.

Black Desert Online is free to keep on Steam as long as you claim it by Thursday July 10 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST / 7pm CEST. You don't need a subscription to play, and the three premium bundles are all 50% off if you want to upgrade with additional cosmetics, boosts, and in-game currency. Head here to grab it while you can.

If you're taking advantage of this offer, you'll also want to check our updated BDO codes list for the latest free goodies. Thinking about an upgrade to really make those visuals shine? We've picked out the best graphics card in 2025, along with some other options to suit your budget.

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