Crimson Desert has received praise from David O'Reilly, a water graphics specialist in Red Dead Redemption 2.
In his first impressions video, the developer specifically noted the elaboration of water surfaces. According to him, the water in the game "looks amazing", and the developers themselves use an advanced real-time particle simulation system. O'Reilly emphasized that the project has become a rare case where rivers are implemented better than in Red Dead Redemption 2.
I say this as someone who worked on these rivers myself. It's very nice to see progress — they really understand what rivers should look like, and technology helps them achieve a great result.
The expert also reminded that creating realistic water remains one of the most difficult tasks in the gaming industry. This is especially true for rivers, where it is important to consider the current, source, and mouth. Previously, Sea of Thieves, for example, received high marks for water effects, but even against its background, Crimson Desert was able to surprise the specialist.