FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

The highly anticipated Crimson Desert is just around the corner, and many are wondering whether game sharing can be used to split the cost and achieve real savings. In this article we cover everything you need to know about game sharing applied to Crimson Desert, on both Sony and Microsoft consoles, without unnecessary technical jargon and with practical tips to genuinely save money. If you have a trusted friend and an internet connection, you can cut the expense in half while giving up nothing.

What is game sharing and why it leads to real savings

Game sharing is a built-in feature on the latest generation of Sony and Microsoft consoles that lets you share your digital games with another person. Essentially, by purchasing a single digital copy, two users can play the same title simultaneously, each on their own profile, without needing to buy two licenses. The system relies on a primary account mechanism (on Sony consoles) or “home console” (on Microsoft platforms): an account is set as the primary on a console different from the owner’s, allowing anyone using that machine to access the games purchased by that account. The legitimate owner, meanwhile, continues playing on their own console simply by logging in with their profile.

The result is a saving that can reach 50–70% off the list price of games and subscriptions. In the case of Crimson Desert, a title expected at full price (around $70–80), game sharing lets each person pay about $35–40: a far more accessible amount. This is not about illegal workarounds or pirated accounts: game sharing is an original console feature, designed for families or small groups of friends who share a passion for video games. However, it’s essential to follow a few rules, use it only with people you trust, and never for commercial purposes, to avoid violating the terms of service.

In practice, game sharing turns a digital purchase into a real savings opportunity without compromising the gaming experience: each player keeps their own save data, their own achievements or trophies, and the freedom to venture into the world of Crimson Desert completely independently. All it takes is a bit of organization and the understanding that sharing must always be limited to one other person at a time.

Crimson Desert: Pearl Abyss’s new masterpiece, made to be shared

Crimson Desert is the ambitious new project from Pearl Abyss, the Korean studio already known for Black Desert. It’s an open-world action RPG with a strong narrative, a deep combat system, and stunning graphics. The game was designed primarily as a single-player experience, although it includes some optional online dynamics – and it’s precisely this nature that makes it perfect for game sharing.

Unlike purely multiplayer titles, where each user must have their own license, Crimson Desert does not require additional subscriptions to be played offline. Once the digital copy is downloaded, you can explore the lands of Pywel, face colossal bosses, and follow the tormented story of protagonist Macduff without any limitations linked to account sharing. This means two friends can take turns or play at the same time without interfering with each other, enjoying the adventure at their own pace.

The expected longevity of Crimson Desert – dozens of hours of main quests plus an endless range of side activities – further increases the value of the savings achieved through game sharing. By splitting the cost with a trusted gaming partner, the hourly cost of entertainment becomes negligible, and the purchase far more sustainable even for those on a tight budget. Moreover, the almost certain support for future DLCs will make sharing even more advantageous: you’ll only need to buy one season pass to unlock the additional content on both consoles.

In short, Crimson Desert is the ideal candidate for anyone looking to take advantage of game sharing: a rich, unhurried game that doesn’t require a permanent internet connection and that lends itself to being shared without sacrificing immersion.

What you need to activate game sharing on Sony and Microsoft consoles

Game sharing on Sony consoles is based on setting an account as “primary” on a second machine. When you buy Crimson Desert on the digital store with your profile, you must log in on that friend’s console and activate the “primary account” function. Once done, all users on that console can download and play the title. You, from your personal console, can still launch the game simply by signing in with your profile, as long as an internet connection remains active for license verification. On Microsoft consoles, the mechanism is similar: log in with your account on your friend’s console and designate it as the “home console” (home function). After that, the game will be accessible to anyone using that machine, and you can play normally on your own.

For both platforms, there is one important rule: you can change the primary setting only a limited number of times per year (usually 5 changes for Microsoft consoles, while Sony doesn’t have a precise limit but too many moves may trigger checks). So once you’ve paired up with a friend, it’s best to keep it stable to avoid hassles. Additionally, both players need a broadband connection for the initial download (which can be several dozen GB) and, on Sony, for periodic license verification.

One final crucial aspect: game sharing is perfectly legitimate in a family account context or between close friends, but it must not be used to resell access or create paid shared accounts. DigitalGameSharing promotes a responsible and transparent use of this opportunity, offering turnkey solutions to save without risk. In any case, avoid any arrangements that involve buying “ready-made” accounts from strangers: immediate savings could turn into data loss or account suspension.

Step-by-step guide: how to activate game sharing for Crimson Desert

Once you understand the principles, here’s how to concretely share Crimson Desert with a friend.

1. Choose a reliable game sharing partner
The most important step is finding someone you trust, with whom you can share passwords and login details without worries. Often this is a long-time friend or a family member who loves gaming. For maximum security, you can also create a dedicated account solely for purchasing games, to be used only for sharing, thus protecting your main profile.

2. Purchase Crimson Desert in digital format
Go to your console’s store (PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store) using the account you intend to share, and buy the game. Only digital purchases allow game sharing; physical copies cannot be shared.

3. Log in on your friend’s console
Temporarily take possession of your friend’s console or, if you’re remote, obtain their login credentials (securely). Sign in with the profile that bought Crimson Desert and follow the steps to activate the console as primary:
– On Sony console, go to “Settings” > “Account Management” > “Activate as Your Primary PS5”. Select “Activate”.
– On Microsoft console, open “Settings” > “General” > “Personalization” > “My home Xbox” and select “Make this my home Xbox”.

4. Download the game
After activation, Crimson Desert will appear in the purchased games library on your friend’s console. Start the download from the store. Once completed, your friend can play using their personal profile without ever needing to log in with your account again.

5. Return to your console and play
On your personal console, simply sign in with your profile (the one that made the purchase) and launch the game. On Sony consoles, an internet connection is required for license verification; on Microsoft, the license is tied to the home console, so you can also play offline on your machine, as long as the designated home console is your friend’s.

6. Enjoy the savings
With this simple procedure, you’ve cut the cost of the game in half. If a DLC is released in the future, just repeat the purchase process and the additional content will be automatically shared. In the case of Crimson Desert, you’ll be able to explore the same world together (even though in single player), share impressions and discoveries, multiplying the fun without inflating the expense.

Tips for long-term game sharing
– Never share your credentials with more than one person, to avoid blocks.
– Always make payments using secure methods and keep recovery details up to date.
– If you notice unauthorized access, immediately change your password and deactivate the primary console from your account settings.

Conclusion

Crimson Desert is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the coming year, capable of delivering dozens of hours of adventure. Thanks to game sharing, the cost of such an experience can be slashed almost by half, with no compromises on quality. Sony and Microsoft consoles support this function natively, making savings accessible to anyone with a trusted friend to share the passion with.

For those looking for even simpler and safer solutions, DigitalGameSharing offers tested and guaranteed game sharing services, designed for you who want to save without worries. Remember that game sharing is not a trick nor an activity bordering on terms of service, but a legitimate practice when used correctly. With a bit of organization and the right precautions, you can dive into the wild lands of Crimson Desert spending much less, and perhaps invest the rest of your budget in another title to enjoy together with your gaming partner.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is game sharing Crimson Desert legal?
Yes, game sharing is a feature provided by the consoles themselves for family sharing. It is legal when done between two people who physically own their consoles and is not used to sell access to third parties. The important thing is to respect platform limits and not turn sharing into an abusive commercial activity.

How much do you actually save with game sharing?
Savings typically amount to around 50%, since a single digital purchase is split exactly in half. If Crimson Desert costs $80, sharing it means spending $40 each. In the case of subscriptions like PS Plus or the Microsoft service, the benefits are even greater because you can take advantage of monthly games, discounts, and multiplayer.

Can I share Crimson Desert with more than one friend?
No, official game sharing allows you to activate only one primary console (or home console) per account. This means only one friend can play the title using your digital library. Sharing with multiple people would require changing the setting frequently, potentially violating the terms of service and risking account suspension. For risk-free sharing, always stick to the one-to-one formula.