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The Subnautica 2 vs Krafton Lawsuit Explained
The Subnautica 2 lawsuit has become one of the strangest gaming business stories of the year. What started as a fight over a delayed early access launch turned into a much larger battle over studio control, a $250 million bonus, and whether Krafton tried to avoid a deal it had already signed.
Now the story has reached a turning point. According to a late May report from the Korean Economic Daily, picked up by IGN and other outlets, Krafton has agreed to pay the earnout of up to $250 million to Unknown Worlds' former shareholders. The reason is simple: Subnautica 2 sold so well, so fast, that the payout Krafton allegedly tried to avoid became unavoidable.
At the center of the case is Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica. Krafton bought the studio in 2021 in a deal worth $500 million upfront, with another possible $250 million tied to future performance. That extra payment is called an earnout. In plain English, it means the sellers could earn more money later if the studio hit certain goals after the sale.
That detail matters because Subnautica 2 was not just another release on Krafton's calendar. If the game performed well, it could trigger a large payout to Unknown Worlds' former leaders. According to court findings, that financial risk became a major issue for Krafton as the game moved closer to launch. On March 16, 2026 the Delaware Court of Chancery officially ruled against Krafton and ordered the company to restore Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds.
How the dispute started
Krafton's acquisition of Unknown Worlds gave the company ownership of the studio, but the deal also protected key leaders inside Unknown Worlds. These leaders included CEO Ted Gill and co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire.
Under the purchase agreement, the key employees kept broad control over the studio as long as at least one of them remained employed. That control covered major decisions such as the product roadmap, launch plans, budgets, hiring, and other business operations. In other words, Krafton owned Unknown Worlds, but it had also agreed to let the studio's leaders keep running the business in important ways
The relationship broke down as Subnautica 2 moved closer to early access. Krafton removed Gill, Cleveland, and McGuire in 2025. It also took steps that blocked Unknown Worlds from controlling the game's launch, including control over the Steam publishing app. The court later found that Krafton had breached the agreement by firing the key employees without valid cause and by taking control away from them.
The $250 million earnout
The money at the center of the lawsuit is the $250 million earnout. This was not a simple bonus that Krafton could choose to pay or ignore. It was part of the purchase deal.
The earnout formula was tied to revenue. According to the Korean Economic Daily, Krafton agreed to pay $3.12 for each dollar of studio revenue above a $69.8 million threshold, up to a cap of $250 million. That made Subnautica 2's launch especially important. If the game sold well during the earnout period, Krafton could face a very large payment.
This is why the timing of the launch became so important. Delaying the game could have reduced or avoided the payout. The court found that Krafton's actions were tied to its desire to avoid the earnout, not just to concerns about the game's quality or readiness.
What the court decided
The Delaware court ruled that Krafton did not have valid cause to remove the key Unknown Worlds leaders. The judge ordered Krafton to reinstate Ted Gill as CEO and restore his control over the Subnautica 2 early access launch. The court also ordered Krafton to restore Gill's access to the Steam platform.
The ruling also extended the earnout testing period. PC Gamer reported that the period was extended to at least September 15, 2026, with Fortis retaining the right to extend it further to March 15, 2027. That gave Unknown Worlds more time to earn the payout that Krafton had allegedly tried to avoid.
The court did not say that every part of the case was over. Krafton said after the ruling that damages and earnout claims were still pending. As it turned out, the earnout question would be answered not in a courtroom, but on Steam's sales charts.
Why ChatGPT became part of the story
One of the more unusual parts of the lawsuit is Krafton CEO Changhan Kim's use of ChatGPT. According to the court's ruling, Kim viewed the earnout as a bad deal and felt taken advantage of as internal projections showed Subnautica 2 was on track to trigger it. His own legal department warned him that the earnout would still have to be paid even if the Unknown Worlds leaders were dismissed with cause, and that acting against them carried lawsuit and reputation risks.
Kim then turned to ChatGPT while exploring ways to deal with the earnout issue and regain control of Unknown Worlds. The chatbot initially told him the earnout would be difficult to cancel, but at its suggestion Kim formed an internal task force dubbed "Project X," with a mandate to either negotiate a deal on the earnout or take over Unknown Worlds. The court noted that over the following month, Krafton followed most of ChatGPT's recommendations.
This does not mean ChatGPT caused the lawsuit. It also does not mean using AI is automatically a legal problem. The issue is that the chatbot conversations appeared to support the claim that Krafton was looking for a way around the agreement. In court, that kind of evidence can matter because it helps show intent.
The launch made things worse for Krafton
After the court restored Gill's control, Subnautica 2 moved forward in early access on May 14, 2026. That launch became a problem for Krafton for a simple reason: the game sold very well.
Subnautica 2 sold more than 4 million copies in less than a week. The game also reportedly sold 1 million copies in its first hour and 2 million within 12 hours, and reached a peak of more than 467,000 concurrent players on Steam.
Those numbers matter because the earnout is tied to revenue. Subnautica 2 became the fastest-selling Steam game of 2026 so far, with Alinea Analytics estimating more than $100 million in revenue during its first week. With sales like that, the question stopped being whether Krafton would owe the earnout and became how quickly the bill would arrive.
Krafton reportedly agrees to pay
On May 28, 2026, the Korean Economic Daily reported that Krafton has agreed to pay the earnout of up to $250 million to Unknown Worlds' former shareholders, citing game industry sources in Seoul. IGN and other outlets quickly picked up the story.
The scale of the payment is significant. The $250 million cap is equal to roughly 35% of Krafton's operating profit from last year. That is a painful number for any publisher, and it lands on top of the legal costs and reputational damage from the lawsuit itself.
A few caveats are worth keeping in mind. The report is based on industry sources, and neither Krafton nor Unknown Worlds has publicly confirmed the agreement. The exact final amount also depends on how revenue is counted under the contract. But the direction of the story is clear: the payout Krafton allegedly built "Project X" to avoid now appears to be happening, driven by the very launch the company once delayed.
What this means for players
For players, the lawsuit does not change the basic fact that Subnautica 2 is now playable in early access. The game launched on PC and Xbox Series X|S, and it is expected to remain in early access for a long period while Unknown Worlds adds more content and features. The early access period is expected to last about two to three years, and the studio has already shared an early access roadmap teasing co-op upgrades, new biomes, vehicles, and story content
The bigger question is how the legal fight affects the studio behind the game. Court filings and reports describe a tense relationship between Krafton and Unknown Worlds. The judge also noted that putting Gill back in charge would likely create tension with the parent company, but said that did not excuse Krafton's breach of contract.
For now, the game itself appears to be moving forward, and the people who built it look set to be paid what the deal promised.
Is Unknown Worlds independent from Krafton?
No. Unknown Worlds is still owned by Krafton.
This point has caused confusion because some players saw changes to the game's Steam page and thought Unknown Worlds had fully separated from Krafton. That is not what happened. Krafton still owns the studio, but the court restored operational control to Gill under the terms of the original purchase agreement.
That means Krafton remains the parent company, while Unknown Worlds has court-backed authority over key parts of Subnautica 2's launch and operation.
What happens next?
The biggest open question, the earnout, now appears to be answered. If the reports hold, Krafton will pay up to $250 million to Unknown Worlds' former shareholders, closing out the issue at the heart of the dispute.
That does not mean every legal thread is tied off. Damages claims from the earlier ruling may still be resolved, the final earnout figure depends on the contract's revenue math, and neither company has officially confirmed the payment. Official statements from Krafton or Unknown Worlds could still add detail or complicate the picture.
The case also sends a warning to large publishers and buyers. Buying a studio does not always mean full control from day one. If a purchase agreement protects the old leadership, courts may enforce those rights even when the buyer later regrets the deal. And as the ChatGPT episode showed, looking for a way around a signed contract can end up as evidence against you.
For fans, the story is much simpler. Subnautica 2 is playable, the studio's leadership won in court, and the developers are reportedly getting the bonus they fought for.
Conclusion
The Subnautica 2 lawsuit is a rare case where the business story around a game became almost as dramatic as the game itself. Krafton bought Unknown Worlds, but the deal came with limits. When Subnautica 2 became a major release with serious revenue potential, those limits became much harder to ignore.
For fans, the best outcome is simple: Subnautica 2 is playable, the game is moving forward, and players can support it directly by playing, reviewing, and staying involved during early access. Strong player support matters even more for a game built around community feedback.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZxabvs4K1E
If you are planning to dive into Subnautica 2 and need a reliable gaming setup, the Acer Nitro V 16 AI is a strong budget friendly gaming computer for players who want smooth performance without moving into premium laptop pricing. You can also browse Acer Nitro for our other cost-effective gaming devices.
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* 1 TB SSD
If you are ready to upgrade, check out this 16 inch affordable gaming laptop from the Acer Store. Eligible students may also be able to save more through Acer’s 15% student discount with Student Beans.
FAQ
What is the Subnautica 2 lawsuit about?
The Subnautica 2 lawsuit is about Krafton, Unknown Worlds, studio control, and a $250 million earnout. Krafton bought Unknown Worlds in 2021, but the deal gave key studio leaders control over major business decisions. The dispute started after Krafton removed those leaders before the game’s early access launch.
Why did Krafton fire Unknown Worlds’ leaders?
Krafton said it had valid reasons to remove the leaders, including concerns about the timing of the Subnautica 2 launch. The court did not agree. It found that Krafton did not meet the contract’s strict standard for firing them for cause.
Is Krafton actually paying the $250 million earnout?
Reportedly, yes. In late May 2026, the Korean Economic Daily reported that Krafton has agreed to pay the earnout of up to $250 million to Unknown Worlds' former shareholders after Subnautica 2's strong early access sales. Neither company has publicly confirmed the agreement, and the final amount depends on the contract's revenue formula.
What did the court decide in the Subnautica 2 lawsuit?
The court ruled that Krafton breached the purchase agreement. It ordered Krafton to reinstate Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds, restore his control over the Subnautica 2 early access launch, and extend the earnout period.
Does Krafton still own Unknown Worlds?
Yes. Krafton still owns Unknown Worlds. The court ruling did not make Unknown Worlds independent again. It restored certain control rights to Unknown Worlds’ leadership under the original purchase agreement.
When did Subnautica 2 release in early access?
Subnautica 2 released in early access on May 14, 2026. The game launched on PC and Xbox Series X|S, giving players the chance to explore the sequel while Unknown Worlds continues to add content, polish systems, and collect player feedback.
Is the Subnautica 2 lawsuit over?
No. The lawsuit is not fully over. The first major ruling restored leadership control and extended the earnout period, but damages and the final earnout amount may still be decided later.
Why does this lawsuit matter to players?
The lawsuit matters because it affects the studio behind Subnautica 2. It also shows how business deals can shape game development, launch timing, and studio leadership. For players, the main point is that Subnautica 2 is playable and still being developed through early access.
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Introducing the Latest Gaming Desktops by Acer Nitro - The Nitro 85
Join us as we explore the latest Acer Nitro desktop lineup, breaking down all three Acer Nitro 85 configurations, comparing their CPU and GPU combinations, and helping you figure out which one deserves a spot on your desk. Building on the foundations laid by the best budget gaming desktop and mid tier budget gaming desktop systems in the Nitro family, the Acer Nitro 85 steps in as the new performance leader of the pack. All three models share the same modern platform with DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 storage, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, while the CPU and GPU combinations give each machine its own personality and strengths.
And that is where things start to get interesting. One Acer Nitro 85 pairs the gaming-favorite Ryzen 7 7800X3D with NVIDIA graphics for a proven gaming combination, another combines the Ryzen 9 with the Radeon RX 9070 XT to push hard on value and raw gaming performance, while the Intel-powered variant shows how far Intel has come as it continues closing the gap in gaming performance. All three are serious gaming desktops, but they target slightly different users, and the differences go far beyond simply choosing a CPU brand or graphics card. Let’s jump right in!
1. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38
If gaming comes first and everything else comes second, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 is arguably the play-to slay flagship of the lineup. It pairs the highly respected AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, combining one of the strongest gaming CPUs of recent years with NVIDIA’s mature software ecosystem. The result is a desktop aimed squarely at players chasing high frame rates, competitive gaming performance, and long gaming sessions without compromise.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D earned its reputation thanks to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, helping it become a favorite among gamers and benchmark charts alike. Pairing it with the RTX 5070 also opens the door to NVIDIA features such as DLSS, ray tracing, creator tools, and the broader RTX software ecosystem. For gamers who value plug-and-play features and broad game support, this combination remains extremely attractive.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has already earned a rock-solid reputation among gamers, while the RTX 5070 brings a familiar ecosystem with mature drivers, broad game support, and features that many players already know and use. It may not push the raw value argument as hard as the RX 9070 XT system, but it delivers a balanced combination of gaming performance, software support, and long-term confidence that will appeal to most serious players.
* Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (up to 5.0 GHz)
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 12 GB GDDR7
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $2,199.99
Pros: Outstanding gaming CPU, mature NVIDIA software support, strong ray tracing and DLSS ecosystem.
Cons: The RTX 5070 gives up some raw value and VRAM compared with the RX 9070 XT configuration elsewhere in the lineup.
2. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37
If the UR38 is the gaming specialist, then the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 is the value heavyweight of the family. At the same $2,199.99 price point, Acer swaps the RTX card for an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and upgrades the processor to the Ryzen 9 9900X, creating a desktop that pushes hard on raw performance and multicore muscle.
The star of the show here is the RX 9070 XT, arguably the best value GPU floating around this year. AMD’s latest card has been making serious waves thanks to its performance-per-dollar proposition, with many gamers viewing it as one of the strongest value GPUs currently available. It also brings 16 GB of VRAM, giving it an advantage over the RTX 5070 configuration when it comes to memory capacity. Combined with the 12-core Ryzen 9, this Acer Nitro desktop starts looking attractive not only for gaming but also for heavier workloads, streaming, multitasking, and creator tasks.
The RX 9070 XT is not just a value play either. In raw gaming performance it can punch noticeably above the RTX 5070, while also bringing a larger 16 GB VRAM buffer to the table. That combination of higher gaming output and extra memory capacity is a big reason why many players now view it as one of the strongest value graphics cards available.
That said, there is a tradeoff. While the RX 9070 XT delivers impressive gaming performance, NVIDIA still retains an edge in software support, ray tracing maturity, and features such as DLSS. Gamers who value those extras may still prefer the RTX route, even if AMD wins the raw performance and value conversation.
* Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (up to 5.6 GHz)
* Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, 16 GB GDDR6
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $2,199.99
Pros: Excellent value-per-performance, 16 GB VRAM, stronger multicore CPU, impressive gaming output.
Cons: NVIDIA still leads in software ecosystem features, DLSS support, and creator-focused tools.
3. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35
Three is the magic number and the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35, is the Intel-powered entry of the Nitro family and also the most affordable configuration at $1,999.99. Acer pairs the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, creating a machine that balances gaming performance, modern platform features, and a lower price tag.
AMD may have dominated much of the gaming CPU conversation recently, especially with its X3D chips, but Intel has been steadily closing the gap. The 20-core Core Ultra 7 265F gives this system plenty of horsepower for gaming while also offering strong multitasking potential. Combined with the RTX 5070 and NVIDIA’s software stack, this desktop feels like a well-rounded option for players who want gaming performance while keeping one foot in productivity, content creation, or streaming.
The biggest advantage here is value. You still get the same Nitro 85 platform, identical connectivity, DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 4.0 storage, and the RTX ecosystem, all while saving $200 compared with the AMD flagship configurations. For many buyers, that alone may make this the sweet spot.
* Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 265F (up to 5.3 GHz)
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 12 GB GDDR7
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $1,999.99
Pros: Lowest price in the lineup, modern Intel platform, strong balance between gaming and productivity, RTX ecosystem benefits.
Cons: Gaming enthusiasts chasing maximum FPS may still gravitate toward the Ryzen 7 7800X3D model.
AMD vs NVIDIA: Which Nitro 85 Configuration Should You Choose?
The Acer Nitro 85 lineup provides players with three distinct approaches to gaming performance, each opening a world of gaming possibilities. AMD has been on a remarkable run in gaming over the last few years, especially with chips such as the Ryzen 7 7800X3D becoming favorites among enthusiasts and benchmark charts alike. The Ryzen-powered Acer Nitro 85 models lean into that momentum, delivering gaming-first performance while also offering strong value.
On the graphics side, the Radeon RX 9070 XT deserves special attention. AMD’s latest card has built a strong reputation for performance-per-dollar and many gamers now view it as one of the strongest value graphics cards currently available, with far better performance than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. The combination of the Ryzen 9 9900X and RX 9070 XT in the UR37 configuration makes a compelling case for buyers who prioritize raw gaming performance and value.
Still, NVIDIA holds other important advantages. Features such as DLSS, ray tracing support, creator tools, and the broader RTX software ecosystem remain major selling points, particularly for gamers who stream, create content, or want access to NVIDIA’s mature feature stack. That is where the RTX 5070 systems continue to shine. In short, the UR38 is the gaming specialist, the UR37 is the value powerhouse, and the UR35 acts as the balanced entry point into the Nitro 85 family.
Acer Nitro 85: the choice is yours
All three desktops in the Acer Nitro 85 family share the same modern foundation with DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 storage, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and room to grow, but the CPU and GPU combinations push each machine in a different direction.
If gaming comes first, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 remains a compelling pick thanks to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX pairing. If you are chasing value and raw gaming performance, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 makes a very strong argument with its Ryzen 9 and RX 9070 XT combination. Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35 lowers the entry price while still delivering the RTX ecosystem and modern Intel hardware.
Let’s not forget: the extended Acer Nitro family now covers a surprisingly wide range of players too. If the Nitro 85 sits at the performance end of the spectrum, gamers looking for something more affordable can still explore the best budget gaming desktop in the Nitro 50 range, for other best budget gaming laptops, while the Nitro 60 handles the mid tier budget gaming desktop territory. Together they give the Nitro lineup a desktop for almost every budget and performance target.
Before we say goodbye, let’s get back to the Acer Nitro 85! Despite their differences, all three Acer Nitro desktops should remain highly capable gaming systems for 5+ years, making them solid long-term investments for players planning to keep their rig through multiple gaming generations.
Students can stretch the value even further with Acer’s 15% student discount, knocking even more off systems that are already built to last for years. And once you have sorted the desktop, do not forget the display side of the setup. If you need a monitor to match your new rig, check out Acer’s guide to 5 must-buy 4K monitors from Acer in 2026.
FAQs
Which Acer Nitro 85 is best for gaming?
The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 is the gaming-focused flagship thanks to its Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX 5070 combination, making it a strong choice for players prioritizing high frame rates.
Which Acer Nitro 85 offers the best value?
The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 makes a compelling value argument with its Ryzen 9 9900X and Radeon RX 9070 XT pairing, delivering strong raw gaming performance and 16 GB VRAM.
Is the RX 9070 XT better than the RTX 5070?
In raw gaming performance, the RX 9070 XT can outperform the RTX 5070 and also includes more VRAM. However, NVIDIA still holds advantages in areas such as DLSS, ray tracing, and software support.
Is Intel still good for gaming in 2026?
Yes. The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35 shows how Intel has continued closing the gap, pairing the Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 for a balanced gaming and productivity setup.
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How to Ride a Dragon in Crimson Desert
The Blackstar dragon is one of the most exciting mounts in Crimson Desert. It lets you fly across Pywel, attack enemies from the air, and clear enemy camps with fire-based attacks. But you do not unlock it early, and the game does not simply hand it to you after the first encounter.
To get the Blackstar dragon mount in Crimson Desert, you must first meet and cleanse Blackstar during Chapter 9, then progress to Chapter 11 and complete the Golden Star boss sequence. After that, return to the Nest of Valor to unlock Blackstar as a permanent summonable mount.
This guide explains every step, including the Stamina requirement, the Chapter 9 riding sequence, the Chapter 11 boss fight, and how Blackstar works once unlocked.
Quick answer: how to unlock the dragon mount in Crimson Desert
You unlock the Blackstar dragon mount near the end of Chapter 11.
Here is the basic process:
* Progress through the main story until Chapter 9.
* Complete the Shattered Stars quest chain in Urdavah.
* Make sure your Stamina is at least Level 5.
* Ride and cleanse Blackstar during the Chapter 9 sequence.
* Continue the story until Chapter 11.
* Defeat the Golden Star boss during the Foreboding Shadow quest chain.
* Return to the Nest of Valor.
* Blackstar becomes your permanent dragon mount.
Spoiler warning: This guide includes story details from Chapter 9 and Chapter 11.
When do you first meet Blackstar?
You first encounter Blackstar during Chapter 9 as part of the Shattered Stars quest chain. This section takes you to Urdavah, where you find the wounded dragon and remove a spear from its body during a story cutscene.
At this point, Blackstar is not your mount yet. The scene only introduces the dragon and sets up the next part of the unlock process. After the cutscene, you will need to return to Urdavah and complete a riding sequence to cleanse Blackstar.
Before you start: level your Stamina to Level 5
Do not start the Blackstar riding sequence unless your Stamina is at least Level 5.
This is the most important requirement in the entire process. During the Chapter 9 sequence, you must perform an Aerial Maneuver after grappling onto Blackstar. That move costs 200 Stamina, so you will not be able to complete the objective if your Stamina is too low.
If the sequence feels impossible, check your Stamina first. In most cases, the issue is not your timing. It is that your character does not have enough Stamina to perform the required action.
How to ride and cleanse Blackstar in Chapter 9
After the first Blackstar cutscene, return to Urdavah. When you are close enough, open the pause menu and look for the “Wait” option. Selecting it moves you to the battlements, where Blackstar will fly toward you.
Here is what to do:
* Wait for Blackstar to approach the battlements.
* Jump and glide as the dragon passes below you.
* Use Axiom Force to grapple onto Blackstar’s back.
* Immediately press the jump button to perform the Aerial Maneuver.
* Hold the “Resist” prompt whenever Blackstar dives, twists, or rolls.
* When prompted, activate Focus.
* Charge Force Palm.
* Aim at the glowing mark on Blackstar’s back and release the attack.
If done correctly, this purifies Blackstar. The dragon will fly away afterward, but you still have more story to complete before it becomes your permanent mount.
Why can’t I complete the Blackstar riding sequence?
If you are stuck during the Chapter 9 dragon sequence, check these common issues.
Your Stamina may be too low. You need Stamina Level 5 because the Aerial Maneuver costs 200 Stamina.
You may be grappling too late. Jump and glide before Blackstar is directly below you so you have enough time to target its back.
You may not be pressing jump after grappling. Latching on is not enough. You need to trigger the Aerial Maneuver immediately.
You may be missing the Resist prompt. Hold the prompt when Blackstar dives or rolls. If you ignore it, you may lose your grip.
You may be releasing Force Palm too early. Wait until the attack is charged and the glowing target appears on Blackstar’s back.
How to unlock Blackstar permanently in Chapter 11
Blackstar becomes a permanent mount during Chapter 11, not Chapter 9.
Continue the main story until you reach the Foreboding Shadow quest chain. This sends you to Delesyia, where you eventually fight Golden Star, a mechanical dragon boss.
Golden Star uses heavy attacks such as flame tornadoes and explosive barrages, so keep moving and avoid staying directly in front of it for too long. When the boss becomes immobile, throw spears to deal major damage. This is one of the fastest ways to push the fight forward.
Once you reduce Golden Star’s health enough, Blackstar appears and helps finish the encounter. After the battle, return to the Nest of Valor, the location connected to your earlier Chapter 9 sequence. Blackstar will be waiting there. From that point on, it becomes your permanent dragon mount.
Can you use Blackstar anywhere?
Blackstar can be summoned while exploring Pywel, but there are limits. You cannot freely use it in every location, and it cannot be summoned inside the Abyss realm.
The dragon is extremely powerful, so the game limits both how long and how often you can use it. Blackstar can only be used for 15 minutes at a time, and after that, it has a 60-minute cooldown before you can summon it again.
Because of this, Blackstar is best treated as a high-impact mount for long-distance travel, enemy camps, and large outdoor fights rather than something you rely on every few minutes.
Blackstar dragon abilities and controls
Once unlocked, Blackstar gives you both flight and combat options.
Blackstar can:
* Fly across the open world
* Shoot fireballs
* Lock onto targets for multiple fireball attacks
* Use fire breath at close range
* Perform mid-air evasive rolls
* Clear enemy camps quickly
The lock-on fireball attack may not always behave consistently, so fire breath and direct fireball attacks are often more reliable when fighting groups of enemies.
Blackstar is powerful, but its use is limited. Each summon lasts up to 15 minutes, followed by a 60-minute real-time cooldown. Save it for major travel routes, large outdoor fights, or clearing enemy camps when you want to make the most of its short active window.
Can you give armor to Blackstar?
Yes. After unlocking Blackstar, you can later craft the Abyssal Dragon Armor, a late-game upgrade that changes Blackstar’s appearance into a more mechanical, armored dragon.
This does not unlock a new dragon mount. It is armor for Blackstar. To get it, you need to progress well into Chapter 11, defeat the Golden Star boss, and then follow the Flight: Wings of Iron quest under the Faction Quests: Hernand - The Witches tab.
The process is not very clearly explained in-game. In short, you need to craft the Small Kuku ATAG first, then use it as part of the recipe for the Abyssal Dragon Armor. Important materials include a Kuku Iron Pot, Abyss Cells, Cogwheels, Small Batteries, Golden Star’s Component, Core: Ore of Resipiscence, and Aeserion’s Scale. The Golden Star’s Component is received after defeating Golden Star in Chapter 11.
Once the armor is crafted, track Flight: Wings of Iron and return to the Nest of Valor. Walk to the marked spot to trigger a cutscene, and Blackstar will receive the Abyssal Dragon Armor.
Are there other flying dragon or wyvern mounts?
For now, Blackstar appears to be the only flying dragon mount available in the current version of Crimson Desert.
Some sources mention other possible flying mounts, including the Abyssal Dragon, Ember Wyvern, Highland Wyvern, and Storm Drake. However, those mounts do not appear to be available as rideable flying dragon or wyvern mounts at this time.
The confusion likely comes from pre-release trailers and promotional footage, which showed the player character riding other dragon-like or wyvern-like creatures. Those scenes suggested that more flying mounts could exist in the full game, but so far, Blackstar is the only confirmed flying dragon mount players can actually unlock and use.
That may change in future updates, DLC, or post-launch content. For now, though, if you want a flying dragon mount in Crimson Desert, Blackstar is the one to get.
Conclusion
The Blackstar dragon mount is not an early-game reward in Crimson Desert. You first meet the dragon in Chapter 9, but the permanent unlock does not happen until Chapter 11. The key requirement is Stamina Level 5, which allows you to complete the riding and cleansing sequence in Urdavah.
Once you defeat Golden Star and return to the Nest of Valor, Blackstar becomes one of the most powerful mounts in the game. It can fly across Pywel, attack enemies from the air, and make exploration feel much faster. Just remember that Blackstar can only be used for 15 minutes at a time and has a 60-minute cooldown after each use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZxabvs4K1E
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FAQ
What chapter do you get the dragon mount in Crimson Desert?
You unlock Blackstar as a permanent dragon mount in Chapter 11 after completing the Golden Star boss sequence and returning to the Nest of Valor.
Do you ride Blackstar before Chapter 11?
Yes. You ride and cleanse Blackstar during Chapter 9, but it does not become your permanent mount at that point.
What Stamina level do you need for Blackstar?
You need Stamina Level 5 or higher. The Chapter 9 riding sequence requires an Aerial Maneuver that costs 200 Stamina.
Where do you unlock Blackstar?
The process starts in Urdavah during Chapter 9. The permanent unlock happens later, after the Chapter 11 Golden Star boss fight, when you return to the Nest of Valor.
Can you summon Blackstar in the Abyss?
No. Blackstar can be used while exploring Pywel, but it cannot be summoned inside the Abyss realm.
Are there other flying dragon or wyvern mounts in Crimson Desert?
No. Blackstar is currently the only rideable flying dragon mount in Crimson Desert. Other names like Abyssal Dragon, Ember Wyvern, Highland Wyvern, and Storm Drake appear online, but they are not available as rideable mounts in the current version.
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