Black Desert Online: Unlocking the Regions and Understanding its Availability
Black Desert Online, the visually stunning and action-packed MMORPG, has garnered a global fanbase, but its availability isn’t uniform. So, what region is Black Desert available in? The answer is complex due to its unique publishing model. The game uses a free-to-play model in Korea, Japan, and Russia. However, in Taiwan, South East Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, Black Desert Online operates on a buy-to-play model. This distinction is crucial because it significantly affects how you access the game, the servers you play on, and whether you can interact with players from other regions.
Region Locking and Accessibility
Understanding the Limitations
The different publishing models in each region lead to region locking, a major aspect of Black Desert Online. This means that if you are trying to play the EU/NA version of Black Desert Online, but you are located outside of that service area, you won’t be able to access it. To play in a specific region, such as MENA (Middle East and North Africa), you are required to create a new account specifically for that region, purchase the game again if it’s buy-to-play in that region, and download a separate game client. Importantly, this does not affect any existing EU/NA accounts you might have.
Choosing and Changing Regions
Players might find themselves in situations where they’ve accidentally chosen the wrong region or simply wish to switch. The process to change your region is fairly straightforward. Through Steam, you can right-click on Black Desert Online in your Steam library and then select “Properties”. Under the “General” tab, you will find a button labeled “Set Launch Options…”. By using this feature, you will be prompted to choose a specific region the next time you launch Black Desert Online.
Why Region Locks Exist
The regional restrictions in Black Desert Online exist mainly because different publishers manage servers across different parts of the world. While North American and European players can freely play together, this cross-play is not extended to other regions. This is because the publisher for the Korean, Japanese, and Russian servers is entirely different, creating effectively a barrier for players who wish to interact with people from other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Black Desert Online region locked?
Yes, Black Desert Online is region locked. You cannot access servers from different regions without creating a new account specific to that region and purchasing the game again if applicable to the model that region uses.
2. Can EU/NA players play with each other?
Yes, North American and European players can play on each other’s servers. However, this ability is not extended to other regions such as Korea, Japan, or Russia due to different publishers operating the servers.
3. How do I change my region in Black Desert Online?
To change your region, right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties”, go to the “General” tab, and click “Set Launch Options…” to be prompted to choose a region on next launch.
4. What are the key differences between the different region servers?
The main differences are the publisher and model of the game (either free-to-play or buy-to-play). The publisher greatly impacts which server you have access to, and your ability to play with different international players.
5. What is the new region in Black Desert Online?
The Land of the Morning Light is a new region expansion, which launched on Korean servers on March 29th, 2023, and globally on June 14th, 2023.
6. How can I access the Land of the Morning Light?
The Land of the Morning Light is available to all players, but the game region still depends on the servers of your region. If it’s been released to your region you will be able to play it.
7. What is the difference between “Black Desert” and “Black Desert (Retired)”?
When selecting Black Desert, you’ll access your server. Selecting Black Desert (Retired) means you cannot access the game.
8. Why are games still region locked?
Games are region locked to stagger releases, avoid sales conflicts with foreign publishers, maximize localization impact, hinder grey market imports through price discrimination, and prevent unauthorized access.
9. Can I use a VPN to play region-locked Black Desert Online?
Yes, you can use a VPN to change your IP address and connect to servers in a different region. However, this is often against the terms of service for most online games, and you run the risk of account suspension or permanent bans.
10. Is Black Desert Online pay to win?
While some players consider the convenience or ability to purchase items from the marketplace as pay-to-win aspects, Black Desert is very playable without spending real money. The game is considered grinding heavy, so time spent in the game is just as if not more impactful than spending money.
11. What are the best ways to make silver in Black Desert Online?
Effective ways to earn silver include questing, AFK fishing, NPC trading, horse breeding, managing worker empires, making investments, marketplace flipping, and bartering.
12. Is Black Desert Online a good game for solo players?
Yes, Black Desert Online has extensive PVE content that can be enjoyed solo. PVP content is optional to unlock, so solo play is a very viable way to enjoy the game.
13. What is the best starting character in Black Desert Online?
The Dark Knight is often recommended as a great class for beginners due to its damage output, mobility, and ease of play.
14. How many players does Black Desert Online have?
As of a recent estimate, Black Desert Online has approximately 248,115 daily players, with a total player base of around 13,058,693.
15. Is Black Desert Online appropriate for all age groups?
The game’s character outfits are very revealing, with some nearing borderline nudity. With this in mind, the game has been considered to deserve an Adult Only rating for these reasons.
Understanding the regional differences and limitations in Black Desert Online is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the game, this information will help you navigate the global world of Black Desert. Be mindful of your region and server selection to fully engage with the game and its community.