GTA 6 alternative surfaces as PC users say there's no reason to 'starve'

Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in precisely one month, with Rockstar Games yet to announce a PC version of the highly anticipated title.

It’s claimed in a report, however, that GTA VI could arrive on PC as early as Q1 of 2027, but there’s no need to feel left out in the meantime.

PC players “won’t have to starve” as there’s a respectable alternative on the way that’ll keep you distracted amid the GTA VI launch hype.

“I’m so glad Pearl Abyss [is] dropping DLC this month,” began Reddit user Nuclear696, referring to Crimson Desert’s Charting The Unknown. “We PC players won’t have to starve while everyone with a console will be enjoying GTA VI.”

“I have a PS5 Pro and I will still be playing Crimson Desert when GTA VI launches,” replied HDRGamingChannel.

“I’ve pre-ordered this expansion. I’m going to wait a little for GTA VI,” added Dear_Bag_6704, while user Narcotez said, “Forget GTA VI. I’m in the dilemma of whether I should dedicate more time to the DLC or Phantom Blade Zero.”

It goes without saying that Crimson Desert’s upcoming Charting The Unknown DLC is an entirely different kettle of fish to GTA VI.

2026 has been a strong year even if you take GTA VI out of the equation

The point here isn’t that PC players will get a like-for-like experience with Charting The Unknown.

Instead, the DLC’s arrival highlights strength in the breadth of this year’s release line-up; GTA VI may be 2026’s headliner, but it’s far from the only highly anticipated offering.

While many are already attempting to hand the unreleased GTA VI this year’s ‘game of the year’ accolade, Crimson Desert will surely also be in contention.

Pearl Abyss’ open-world RPG is a complete marvel, packed to the rafters with content; there’s a reason why we’re all still joking about never having left Hernand.

And the imminent arrival of the game’s Charting The Unknown DLC is only going to further bolster the positive sentiment surrounding the game.

If this is the first you’re hearing of Charting The Unknown, Crimson Desert’s first paid expansion arrives across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 29, having been delayed by two weeks.

It’ll set players back £19.99 / $24.99, with a pre-order bonus available in the lead-up to launch: a Charter’s Diving Set cosmetic outfit for both Kliff and Oongka and a Charter’s Light Diving Set cosmetic outfit for Damiane.

Here’s what’s included in Crimson Desert’s paid Charting The Unknown DLC

Pearl Abyss has been weirdly secretive about Charting The Unknown after originally unveiling it back in September.

We know that the DLC is set to introduce ocean exploration via ships, diving, and underwater mounts with the storyline seemingly taking us to a previously unexplored archipelago.

There, Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane are due to face off against new threats with upgrades to the housing system and relationship system also teased.

As it stands, there’s still nothing in the way of a story synopsis for the DLC despite Charting The Unknown’s launch date drawing closer and closer.

While Pearl Abyss hasn’t expanded on what its promise of deeper relationships means, players suspect that romance options may finally be introduced into Crimson Desert.

Charting The Unknown has been banned in several territories ahead of its release, including the United Arab Emirates, with the theory being that it may feature same-sex relationships.

If you’re a PC user and yearn to play GTA VI and only GTA VI, you’re going to have to remain patient.

For those willing to broaden their palette though, Charting The Unknown is shaping up to potentially be an equally standout end-of-year launch.