Is BLACK DESERT ONLINE (BDO) Worth Playing In 2023? (2024)

As a huge fan of MMORPGs, I was very interested in checking out Black Desert Online.

But I also wondered if it’s worth getting into this game since it’s been many years since its release.

I finally caved and decided to give this game a try. That was about two years ago and I’m still playing the game.

Even though Black Desert Online was released in 2014, the game has since been remastered and I must say it’s the best-looking MMO I’ve ever played.

So, is BDO worth playing right now? Well, the short answer is a big YES!

And here’s why.

It’s A Stunning Game

Is BLACK DESERT ONLINE (BDO) Worth Playing In 2023? (1)

My first impression of the game after jumping in was that the game was gorgeous.

For an MMORPG, this game looks gorgeous. From the graphics to the character models, animations, and everything about the game was incredible.

Even if you don’t want to play the game, I’d suggest that you just roam around in the vast open world of the game. Because it’s that beautiful!

Action-Packed Gameplay

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BDO is massive. I mean it’s really really big.

There’s tons of content to explore in this game. And there are lots of stuff you can do as well. Like fishing, mining, farming, chopping down trees, training horses, and more.

Thankfully, there was one thing that kept me from getting distracted from all those things. And that’s the combat system in BDO.

Even though BDO is an MMORPG, its combat system makes the game feels like an ARPG. It’s highly action-oriented and the fighting mechanics are really smooth.

Coming from the clunky gameplay of Elder Scrolls Online, BDO combat feels like a whole new generation of MMORPG.

It’s Alive and Kicking

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Even though it’s been many years since the release, BDO is still very much alive, and believe it or not, the player base is growing.

Pearl Abyss, the developer of the game, announced that Black Desert Online saw a 300% increase in new players in 2021.

Whenever I jump into a server, there were always new and veteran players running around. Which is always a great feeling when playing an MMO.

Rest assured, you won’t feel alone in BDO.

A Massive World To Explore

BDO has a massive map you can explore on your own terms. And the game is very solo-friendly.

The game eases you into this map one region at a time. But, there’s a huge world you can explore.

You can play the game for months or even years and still find new areas you haven’t seen.

Lots of Characters To Choose From

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BDO has many different characters, or classes, to suit everyone’s play style.

The best part is that Pearl Abyss, the developers behind BDO, keeps adding new characters quite often.

This means even if you’ve played the game to the death, you’ll often get a new character to start a new playthrough with and have fun with new abilities.

Rebooted Classes

From December 22, 2021, all 17 of the classes in Black Desert Online are rebooted with new skills and combat animations.

If you’ve played the game before and looking for a reason to get back into the game, now is a great time. You’ll experience a brand new game.

New Winter Region

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BDO also adds at least a new class every year. The latest class to join BDO in 2022 is Drakania. She’s a really badass character.

Along with this new class, the game received a massive update adding a brand new region to the already massive map.

The new Winter region is covered in snow and it’s beautiful. It also introduced lots of new content and quests, will full voice acting. That’s a first for BDO.

If you’ve played the game before, now is the perfect time to return to BDO to check out this new region. You can create a new character and start your journey directly from this region.

Season+ Content

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Black Desert Online now also features battle pass-style seasonal content.

Each season gives players daily activities to complete and chase after new rewards. A season runs for 3 months and offers a great experience for new players for getting into the game for the first time.

With Season+, players can level up faster while grabbing better gear to get to the endgame content more quickly.

Solo Dungeons

For a long time, Black Desert didn’t have any solo dungeons. But in 2021, the developers started adding solo dungeons you can complete all by yourself.

More dungeons and new content is expected to arrive in 2022.

Developers Are In Charge

Pearl Abyss recently re-acquired the full license to BDO from its ex-publisher Kakao Games.This means the developers are now in charge of the game.

This is a good step that will surely help make the game even bigger and better.

Developers often have to follow the rules set by Publishers. That’s what kept games like Destiny 2 from growing. And look at those games now.

I’m certain that BDO will continue to grow in the coming years. And I can’t wait to play more of this game.

Is BDO Worth Playing?

The Black Desert Online often goes free to play from time to time. Especially during season content releases. It’s the perfect time to try this game out.

Additionally, you’ll find it discounted cheap on Steam and the official websites.

It’s also worth mentioning that this game is heavily monetized and has pay-to-win elements. However, you can play the game freely without spending any money.

Having said that, BDO is definitely worth playing in 2023. It’s a game that I actively play to this day and I always enjoy grinding new classes and leveling it up.

If you enjoy games like Warframe and Elder Scrolls Online, you’ll enjoy this one too!

Check out my guide on how to get into BDO to learn how to play it.

Is BLACK DESERT ONLINE (BDO) Worth Playing In 2023? (2024)

FAQs

Is BLACK DESERT ONLINE (BDO) Worth Playing In 2023? ›

sure. they made some alterations to the game they introduced new features new content but the core of what the game is remains much the same it's an MMO that requires a very large time investment. it's a game with a lot of grinding. but also a lot of freedom with regards to life Skilling leveling exploring.

Is New world worth playing 2023? ›

The game's unique blend of survival and MMO elements, coupled with the rich world of Aeternum, offers a refreshing and immersive gaming experience. With its ever-evolving gameplay, the Brimstone Sands expansion, and a dedicated player base, New World has truly established itself as a title worth exploring in 2023.

Is Black Desert better now? ›

Black Desert Online is a great MMORPG, and there are several things about it that is better than most others out right now. Black Desert Online has been out for a while now; it remains one of the strongest MMORPG titles in the industry despite some flaws or shortcomings that would have made other MMORPGs go belly up.

Do people still play Black Desert? ›

We estimate the daily player count of Black Desert Online to be 118,684, with a total player base of 12,493,102.

Is it worth it to play Black Desert solo? ›

Much of the content in Black Desert Online is geared toward solo play. As there is no structure, you can interact with other players as little or as often as you want. Some content is only available if you are playing with others, but there is still tons of content for you to play through by yourself.

What will be the most popular game in 2023? ›

Top 10 Most Popular Online Games In 2023
RankGameDeveloper
1PUBGPUBG Corporation
2MinecraftMojang Studios
3Apex LegendsRespawn Entertainment
4Fortnite Battle RoyaleEpic Games
6 more rows
Jun 14, 2023

Is New World Dead 2023? ›

No, New World is not in danger of being shut down. The most recent Roadmap update shows that AGS has plans for events, features and updates throughout the rest of this year of 2023. They most likely have more things planned for 2024+.

Is BDO popular 2023? ›

| An MMO Review. Black Desert Online is one of the most popular, most successful MMORPGs across the globe. This is in part due to the fact that there just isn't any other MMO capable of rivaling aspects that BDO excels in.

Is Black Desert a grindy game? ›

Black Desert is a grinding game. But a huge grinding game. There are so many little things you can do to optimize the grind, ranging from trivial to incorporate and utilize, to so incredibly obscure that I wouldn't even bother.

Is Black Desert retired? ›

This app has been retired and is no longer available on the Steam store.

How many people play BDO in 2023? ›

As of June 24, 2023, the peak player count of Black Desert on Steam was 20,657. Compared to the previous day, it had a 6.12% increase. In the past 24 hours, the daily player count ranged from 14,520 to 20,657. The peak in the past 24 hours was 20,657.

Is Black Desert Online closing? ›

Black Desert Online Will Be Closing Its Autumn Season Servers On Console Tomorrow. The Autumn Season in the console version of Black Desert Online will be ending tomorrow, December 7th and the autumn season servers will be shutting down along with it.

How many active players are there in BDO? ›

Black Desert Online Live Monthly Player Detailed
MonthAverage Monthly PlayersAverage Daily Players
Last 30 Days7,365,287491,019
May 30, 20237,028,617468,574
April 30, 20237,033,681468,912
March 30, 20237,119,110474,607
21 more rows

How long does it take to beat Black Desert? ›

Insane 28.6% Retirement
PlatformPolledMain
PC21126h 2m
PlayStation 42100h
Xbox One466h 12m

Which game is No 1 in the world? ›

1. PUBG. PUBG is the most popular online game in 2022, with a huge fan following.

What game is #1 right now? ›

What PC Games Are People Playing Right Now?
Game titlePublisher
1.MinecraftMojang Studios
2.FortniteEpic Games
3.The Sims 4Electronic Arts
4.Counter-Strike: Global OffensiveValve
16 more rows

What is the #1 game of the year? ›

2022 Game of the Year Winner: Elden Ring

Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Is anyone still playing New World? ›

Amazon Games New World continues to bring in a large player count daily.

How long is New World inactivity? ›

The New World AFK timer is 25 minutes. This means that if you sit idle for 25 minutes in New World, you will be disconnected from the server and returned to the main menu. You do get a warning at the 20 minute mark with a countdown for the remaining five minutes.

Is New World for free? ›

Players can stay on the free track if they like, but upgrading to the premium version will grant more rewards per level including cosmetics, Marks of Fortune, Boost Tokens, and more.

Can you play BDO casually? ›

You CAN be casual but you will be very slow and behind everyone else.

How hard is it to get into BDO? ›

It's been established in another thread that it is quite competitive to get onto a big 4 grad scheme.

Is Black Desert still p2w? ›

No. Not really. The game gives enough freebies that it doesn't feel like you need to spend money to get items.

What game has the biggest grind? ›

Top 20 grinding games with the best loot system to play on PC in...
  • Best grinding FPS/TPS.
  • 1.1. Borderlands 3.
  • 1.2. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.
  • 1.3. Destiny 2.
  • 1.4. The Division 2.
  • 1.5. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
  • Best grinding RPGs.
  • 2.1. Diablo II Resurrected.
Mar 29, 2023

Can you make money in Black Desert? ›

You can do lifeskilling, passive income from workers and grinding. 500 mobs are nothing. As a new player, to get 1b a day, it can take you several hours. BDO is a grinding game, so you won't get everything for free and without effort.

Does Black Desert have endgame? ›

There is no end game. My advice is just play the game and decide for yourself if you like it or not.

How active is Black Desert? ›

Black Desert
MonthAvg. PlayersGain
Last 30 Days15,068.3+888.7
May 202314,179.6-1,726.7
April 202315,906.4-3,487.1
March 202319,393.5+2,144.6
70 more rows

Can you play Black Desert without combat? ›

You can play the game totally without violence through the so called Life Skilling that can be fishing, sailing with little and bigger boats and trading, gathering plants that you use for alchemy after for different purposes, training horses for riding, mining, cutting down trees and hunting-only the last two ...

Does Black Desert delete accounts? ›

* Once you've completed applying for account deletion, your account will be permanently deleted after 15 days. * You can still cancel your account deletion by logging in within 15 days after applying for account deletion. 1.

What is the most popular MMORPG right now? ›

World of Warcraft

This MMORPG needs no introduction. World of Warcraft has been the King of MMOs since 2004, and while other games have fought for its crown in recent years, WoW is still one of the most popular MMOs right now.

Who is the highest level player in BDO? ›

There is no max level in BDO, but leveling becomes progressively harder, especially after level 60 and 62. The highest level character in BDO in 2022 is level 67. Just going from 66 to 67 took him almost two and a half years of grinding around the clock.

What is the most popular MMORPG 2023? ›

2023 Population Chart
RankGameActive Players
1World of Warcraft2,386,017
2Old School RuneScape1,829,513
3FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn1,200,365
4Path of Exile1,065,096
93 more rows

Who owns Black Desert Online now? ›

Pearl Abyss is a South Korean video game developer and publisher, known for creating the cross-platform MMORPG Black Desert Online and the upcoming open world action adventure Crimson Desert.

Is Black Desert Mobile a dead game? ›

It's not dead, but it's not booming like Final Fantasy either. Pertaining to PVP that's more on you. BDO PVP didn't get bad or really change.........

Is BDO mostly solo? ›

Much of the content in Black Desert Online is geared toward solo-play. As there is no structure, you can interact with other players as little or as often as you want. Some content is only available if you are playing with others, but there is still tons of content for you to play through by yourself.

How much money has BDO made? ›

As of September 2018, the game had over 10 million registered users worldwide. By April 2019, the game had reached over 18 million players, and its total revenue had passed $1 billion. As of September 2020, the game has reached 40 million players and grossed $1.7 billion worldwide.

Who is the newest character in BDO? ›

Woosa, the newest class to grace Black Desert, has joined its roster in this global release. Her outfit, being quite softer in appearance when compared to other classes, was inspired by the traditional Korean Durumagi, which further emphasizes her roots in the Land of the Morning Light.

What is the best solo class in Black Desert? ›

Black Desert Online: Best Solo PvE Classes
  • Woosa.
  • Wizard/Witch.
  • Sorceress.
  • Archer.
  • Drakania.
  • Striker.
  • Lahn.
  • Hashashin.
Jun 5, 2023

What is the best class in Black Desert 2023? ›

Tier S BDO Classes for PVP
  • Awakening Musa.
  • Succession Kunoichi.
  • Awakening Valkyrie.
  • Succession Berserker.
  • Awakening Sorceress.
  • Awakening Berserker.
  • Awakening Warrior.
Apr 1, 2023

What is better than Black Desert? ›

Fans generally agree that Tera is one of the best alternatives to Black Desert Online. The gameplay is nearly identical and fun; the classes are improved and serve a purpose in team combat, and the game is free.

Can you romance in Black Desert? ›

If the NPC accepts your confession, you will become their lover and earn a special in-game title with a distinct color. However, your Amity with them will decrease by 10%. If you are rejected, you will get nothing back and Amity will decrease by 5%.

What is the best PVE weapon in BDO? ›

Blackstar is the best in slot PVE weapon. Godr-Ayed weapons are an alternative to Blackstar weapons, with the same stats but a different enhancing method. Like the main-hand Blackstar weapon, the awakening Blackstar has additional monster damage.

How to make money fast in Black Desert Online? ›

Black Desert Online: Best Ways To Make Silver
  1. Questing. The true money-making standard for an epic RPG is questing. ...
  2. AFK Fishing. AFK fishing is by far the simplest, borderline-free method of earning silver in the game. ...
  3. NPC Trading. ...
  4. Horse Breeding. ...
  5. Worker Empires. ...
  6. Making Investments. ...
  7. Marketplace Flipping. ...
  8. Bartering.
May 3, 2023

Is Black Desert good without DLC? ›

yes it is worth it. The real price of this game is around $100-300 bucks. So beware. You'll have to buy upgrade for your character to be on par with other people.

What is the quest limit in Black Desert? ›

With the amount of periodic quests (dailies, weeklies) and family quests that have accumulated over the life of the game, the 30 active quest limit prohibits players from being able to explore the game through side quests and other related content.

Is New World worth playing anymore? ›

The game is very enjoyable, Once you reach endgame there are lots to do from maxing out all trade skills, collecting all trophies, getting maxed out gear sets for all dungeons, collecting various drops from mobs around the world, collecting gear sets for all builds, collecting lore pages etc.

Is New World worth trying again? ›

Overall, New World has made significant improvements since its release, addressing many of the issues that players had with the game. The changes made to the grind and endgame systems have been well-received, and the game now offers more options for players to progress in a way that suits their playstyle.

How many people are playing New World 2023? ›

As for New World, as of June 19, 2023, the player count was 18,292. Compared to the previous day, it had a 0.75% increase. For the last 7 days, New World's player count peaked at 18,292 and reached its floor at 17,816.

Is New World worth returning to? ›

No, it is not worth a return. Game is still laggy in combat and you cannot craft what you want so you cannot do any theory crafting, or rather it is only for the 0.001%.

Is New World losing players? ›

As the data suggests, New World has lost a considerable amount of players since its peak but it still maintains a reasonably sized and dedicated playerbase. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.

Is New World fun as a solo player? ›

Solo play in New World is another feature that's more accessible here than in some other RPG-based MMOs. The game has a strong survivalist angle and it's easy to level in the wilderness without joining a party.

Did New World ever get fixed? ›

Amazon Game Studios hasn't fixed all the problems with New World at launch, but the game is in a much better place today than it was a year ago. Before looking at what you can expect from New World in the future, here's a closer look at what's changed or been added to New World in 2022 and the tail end of 2021.

Will New World raise the level cap? ›

In an interview, New World's game director Scot Lane reveals that Amazon Game Studios has no plans to raise the level cap in Aeternum just yet. Amazon's New World has been a humbling experience for the developers of the game.

How will New World make money? ›

The best gold farming methods in the end-game

The best ways to make money in New World's late-game are: Flipping items at the Trading Post. Crafting Gear Score 600 End-game items. Selling your refining cooldowns.

How many people are playing Black Desert online? ›

As of June 14, 2023, the peak player count of Black Desert on Steam was 13,040. Compared to the previous day, it had a -24.65% decrease. In the past 24 hours, the daily player count ranged from 12,473 to 17,163. The peak in the past 24 hours was 17,163.

How many people play Elden Ring? ›

Elden Ring was just released in December of 2022 and its far from dead! With over 229,671 concurrent players and 5,087,902 watched hours on Twitch, it wont be dead anytime soon. The game continues to receive updates from its developers and has an active player community.

How many hours is New World game? ›

Insane 29.3% Retirement
Multi-PlayerPolledAverage
Co-Op2169 Hours
Competitive190 Hours

What level does New World end? ›

But as things currently stand, Level 60 is the cap. If you're intent on getting to the end-game as quickly as possible, you should focus on completing the main and side missions in the game, because they give you XP at by far the highest rate of other in-game activities such as fishing or crafting.

Should I start a new character in New World? ›

Totally up to you, but re-learning in the new servers might be a very neat experience after leaving a long time ago! I think its never a bad time to start on your old character, then jump to a new server when they come out.

Is New World like world of Warcraft? ›

Well they're two completely different games despite both being marked as “MMOs” so it's really not a tough decision.

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