Crimson desert players cultivate armies of cats in unexpected gameplay twist
Players in the sprawling open-world RPG Crimson Desert are finding novel ways to engage with its mechanics, embracing an unexpected pastime: turning the game into a feline simulator.
Players are amassing virtual cat armies, some even honoring beloved pets
The phenomenon, highlighted by viral screenshots on platforms like Reddit, shows players meticulously training and adorning in-game cats, often resembling their real-life companions. The trend involves exploiting the game's animal taming system, which allows players to build trust with creatures through feeding and petting. Achieving a 100% friendship rating unlocks the ability to “take in” the animal.
One player, known as ButeosDolichovespula, has taken this dedication to a remarkable extreme, amassing an army of 30 cats in the Pywell region. The endeavor requires considerable patience and a specific feeding strategy, primarily involving cooked bird meat. According to ButeosDolichovespula, the meat yields 20+ trust points per feeding, allowing for three feedings per in-game day.
The game features a hidden cat village called Pororin, brimming with a variety of feline breeds. Players are also using this virtual hobby as a form of remembrance, with some honoring pets lost in the real world. “We had a Calico pass away a few years ago so now I know who my companion will be!” shared one player. Another user expressed joy at finding a cat resembling their deceased pet. But the practice isn't without its darker side; some players have discovered they can drown the animals.
This unexpected embrace of a domestic life within a fantasy RPG speaks to the enduring human desire for connection and companionship, even in virtual realms. It also underscores the depth of emergent gameplay possibilities within Crimson Desert. While developers continue to address bugs and refine the experience, players have already found ways to forge their own unique narratives.
Image credit: ButeosDolichovespula / reddit
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. You can find him on Twitter at @wyp100. He can be reached at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].