2 min read
The PUBG universe is expanding once again. Yesterday, November 21, PUBG Corporation and Krafton officially announced PUBG: Black Budget. This new title moves the franchise away from its Battle Royale roots and into the intense world of extraction shooters.
This marks the second major PUBG project revealed in 2025. It follows PUBG: Blindspot, a tactical 5v5 shooter announced back in February. With competitors like Arc Raiders and the newly launched Escape from Tarkov 1.0 dominating the scene, Black Budget faces stiff competition. However, Krafton aims to shake up the genre with unique supernatural elements.
Surviving the Anomaly
PUBG: Black Budget is built around tension and the unknown. The developers designed the game primarily for a first-person perspective. Players enter a mysterious island trapped in a time loop. Furthermore, a supernatural entity known as the “Anomaly” surrounds the island. Similar to the “Blue Zone” in the original game, the Anomaly shrinks the playable area as the match progresses.
The Steam page confirms several key features for the upcoming title:
- Open World: A 2.5 x 2.5km map.
- Player Count: 45 players per session in PvPvE encounters.
- Squads: Matchmaking supports up to 3-player squads.
- Duration: Sessions are designed to last up to 30 minutes.
Outside of combat, the game offers deep meta-progression. Players can customise and upgrade a personal base. Additionally, a research station offers narrative progression. You can also align with three rival factions. These factions provide unique missions and rewards based on a loyalty system.
PUBG: Black Budget Closed Alpha Sign-Ups Are Live
Currently, Krafton has not confirmed an official release date. However, eager fans can jump into the action soon. You can sign up for the closed alpha test right now via the game’s official Steam page.
The alpha will focus on testing combat pacing, extraction balance, and player progression. The testing periods are strictly scheduled:
- Week 1: Friday, Dec 12 (01:00 PST) – Sunday, Dec 14 (23:59 PST)
Friday, Dec 12 (14:00 Pakistan Standard Time) – Monday, Dec 15 (12:59 Pakistan Standard Time) - Week 2: Friday, Dec 19 (01:00 PST) – Sunday, Dec 21 (23:59 PST)
Friday, Dec 19 at (14:00 Pakistan Standard Time) – Monday, Dec 22 at (12:59 Pakistan Standard Time)
