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Black Desert Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Pearl Abyss and first released in 2015. I first entered this immersive virtual world in the summer of 2019 and quickly became addicted to its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and interesting community.
At the time, the game was something my brothers were trying out as there was a promotional event going on that allowed players to gain a hefty amount of in-game silver simply for leveling up their newly released, first-ever support character and I was bored and lonely enough as a stay-at-home mom to try it out with them.
Before BDO, I’d never really been much of a “gamer.”
Sure, I binged Sims occasionally, becoming obsessed with creating stories for my virtual characters for a month or two before I lost interest and didn’t play for another several months. And, yes, I did spend most of my childhood playing video games on all the consoles with my siblings and friends, particularly anything Sonic or Mario related. I had even dabbled in Runescape as a pre-teen, but only because it was how the boy I had a crush on preferred to spend his time.
But Black Desert Online changed me. It turned me into the bonafide (and proud of it!) gamer I am today and forever ruined me on the more casual games I used to enjoy.
Though there are certainly negative aspects of the game, the following list is a general overview of the more positive features of the game that completely captivated me and made Black Desert Online my ultimate virtual escape.
1. It’s so pretty!
One of the most impressive features of Black Desert Online, and what initially drew me in, is its graphics. The game boasts an incredibly detailed and realistic world that is simply breathtaking to explore. The environments are vast and diverse, ranging from lush forests to barren deserts, and are filled with countless small details that bring the world to life.The character models are equally impressive, with intricate costumes, unique weapons, and detailed facial animations—all of which you can customize to suit your unique preferences and style.
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| Same character type; two different styles |
The game's visuals are so beautiful that it often feels like you are playing a high-budget single-player game rather than an MMO, and I’ve enjoyed countless hours just exploring the world and appreciating the views.
In addition, it has the best combat system. PERIOD.
The game's combat is fast-paced and visceral, with each class having a unique set of abilities that allow for a variety of playstyles. The game's combat system is action-based, meaning that players must actively dodge attacks and aim their attacks to be effective. This adds an extra layer of skill and strategy to the combat that sets it apart from other MMOs where you just rotate a set of skills from your hotbar.
To play BDO well, you have to really understand your character and the particular role it plays in combat—and at the same time have the intense muscle memory required to react promptly to every situation. Though the game’s progression system is deeply engaging with players able to level up their characters and gear at an astonishingly quick rate (especially in recent years, as the devs have worked hard to make the game easier and more rewarding for new players), true mastery comes from a dedication to one's chosen character—and not from progression in gear alone.
2. Even lifeskilling is fun!
The crafting system is equally deep, allowing players to gather resources and craft their own gear, consumables, and even boats. Though these lifeskilling tasks are typically regarded as a “waste of time” or less interesting to the more combat-inclined player base, there are a large number of players who actually prefer the relaxing, mindless monotony of gathering and crafting and choose to forgo combat progression for an equally difficult path toward lifeskill gear and mastery—and, honestly, it’s these players who keep BDO alive.
Without lifeskillers, combat-focused players would quickly lose interest in the game as the in-game economy would undoubtedly collapse.
The economy system in BDO is one of its most unique aspects. The game features a complex and dynamic economy that is entirely player-driven. Players can buy and sell resources, gear, and crafted items to other players, with the game's marketplace regulating supply and demand. This allows players to make a profit by finding niches in the market and taking advantage of fluctuations in prices. It also adds an extra layer of immersion to the game, as players must actively participate in the economy to progress.
Lifeskillers fuel this process by spending hours crafting the materials and gathering the resources the combat players need to progress, creating a win-win system: the lifeskillers make the money they need to progress when combat players purchase the materials and resources they’ve crafted and gathered while the combat players are able to progress by spending less time gathering / crafting resources and more time learning their class.
This gameplay loop is absolute genius and definitely adds to the diverse communities that exist within the game.
Which brings me to my final point…
3. BDO feels like home.
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| My BDO family 💖 |
It’s the social aspect of Black Desert Online that has kept me playing long past the point of reason. Like many other MMOs, players can join guilds and participate in large-scale battles against other guilds for control of territories. These battles are intense and strategic, requiring coordination and communication between guild members to succeed.
Naturally, players are typically fiercely loyal to their guild and fellow guild members, who become like one giant family with a shared mission to take on the world together, one fight and grind session at a time.
Though most communication takes place within a guild’s dedicated Discord server, the in-game text chat mechanics are also used to facilitate constant communication between guild members.
Some of my closest friends in my life today started out as fellow guild members I talked to on a regular basis in the guild chat, later branching out into voice chats in the Discord server, and eventually leading to real-world meetups and vacations together. Even as these friends and I have moved on to other guilds (and even games!) over the years, we remain in close contact with one another and frequently play together—even if we’re on opposing teams.
Overall, though I’ve lost interest in BDO in recent months (mostly due to an overwhelming school schedule), the game will always have a special place in my heart. It gave me a sense of purpose and community when I needed it most, and made me into the person I am today.
So while there is definitely more to say about this fantastical virtual world, for now I’ll just say that I’m grateful that it exists.
What about you? What virtual worlds do you find yourself escaping into the most?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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