Black Desert Online closed beta registrations are now being taken

The upcoming fantasy MMO Black Desert Online is now taking registrations for its first closed beta, which will run from December 16 to December 22. The beta promises a number of improvements over the alpha test that wrapped up last month, including greater character customization options, improved class balance, and better weather cycles.

Black Desert Online is an open-world action MMORPG that promises "the deepest character customization of any game currently on the market." It features "intuitive skill-based combat," with six character classes—Warrior, Ranger, Sorceress, Berserker, Valkyrie, and Wizard/Witch—with their own unique skills and powers. It will be sold "as a premium service, not a subscription model," with purchase prices ranging from $30/€30 to $100/€100.

Access to the closed beta will be given automatically to anyone who owns the Conqueror's Package, but if you don't want to throw 100 bucks at this thing just to see what it's like, you can put your name in the hat here and hope for the best. Registrations for the closed beta will be taken until 12 am PST on December 9.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.