PlayerUnknown’s BattleGround (PUBG) was shown off extensively at Microsoft’s press conference at E3. We got to see new content, a new map and yes, Sanhok on the Xbox One.
PUBG’s latest map, Sanhok, has been in a testing phase on the PC for a while now, and while we thought we’d have to wait a while for it to arrive on Xbox, that doesn’t seem to be the case. PUBG Corp announced that Sanhok would be coming to the Xbox One this summer, shortly after arriving on the PC on 22 June. It’s a compact, more close-combat map – something that we haven’t really seen yet.
As well as Sanhok on the Xbox One, PUBG Corp showed off the arrival of an all-new winter-themed map that will feature snow for the first time. The more exciting news, however, was the announcement that it would be coming to both PC and Xbox One at the same time this winter.
We’re also going to be getting a new item in the PC update: the ballistic shield. You’ll be able to use it for cover when you’re in exposed territories. You can see a snippet of how it works in the E3 trailer below.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=4rG9noTfb4A
Continue reading below to see everything you need to know about PUBG and, if you’re a newcomer, head on over to our PUBG beginner’s guide to learn the ropes.
PUBG: Everything you need to know
PUBG, otherwise known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, has been on the lips of every gamer since it first opened for early access back in March 2017. The messy multiplayer jamboree has become something of a huge success in 2017, amassing sales of over 20 million copies within eight months.
If that doesn’t sound impressive, bear in mind that’s more copies than the lifetime sales of most Call of Duty games, and is on the way to hitting GTA numbers. Xbox One gamers got their hands on PUBG from 12 December and, going by the messy reception it received, it can only get better with time.
If you’re wondering why everyone is going crazy for PUBG, and whether it’s actually as good as everyone says it is, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about 2017’s breakthrough multiplayer favourite.
What is PUBG?
Inspired by the 2000 Japanese movie Battle Royale, PUBG is an online-only multiplayer shooter from PUBG Corporation that sees 100 players parachuted onto an remote island in Eastern Europe. Here, players scavenge for armour, weapons and modifications, vehicles, ammo and clothes before they begin blasting each other into smithereens.
On paper it’s as straightforward as that the last person standing wins. In practice, however, it’s not that simple.
Just like in the movie that inspired it, players are forced into progressively shrinking safe zones or risk their health depleting at an increased rate. This forces players across the map to come together and ensures they’re constantly moving. There are also sporadic raid zones that drop unpredictable bombs, meaning it’s not only other players that you need to be on the lookout for – you could be taken out by the environment around you.
How can I play PUBG?
Currently, you can play PUBG on Xbox One consoles, mobile devices or on a Windows 10 machine running Steam.
PUBG initially launched as an early-access title back in March 2017 on Steam. Its official release was listed for 20 December 2017, presumably to bring it in line with the Xbox One release that took place on 12 December 2017.
PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds has most recently come to mobile devices, likely in an effort to compete with the game’s biggest battle royale rival, Fortnite.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) began rolling out on Android and iOS across the US, UK and a heap of other territories, at the end of March, meaning you can play the 100-person shooter on the move.
The mobile port has been developed by China’s Tencent Games in collaboration with PUBG Corp., and is free to play. The global rollout followed a soft launch in Canada in March.
While a smartphone might not lend itself to a control scheme with pinpoint precision, the port should still give you a chance to get involved in the action.
In the UK, you can download the app for iOS here, and Android here.
PUBG: What’s new in the mobile update?
Last month, PUBG was updated on Android and iOS with one of the biggest changes to the game: the introduction of Arcade Mode. Adding to the existing standard 100-player mode, Arcade in PUBG’s mobile game brings things to a whole nother level!
With games restricted to just 28 players, the new mode is quick, fast and very, very intense. As soon as you start a game and are done waiting in the lobby, you’ll be dropped directly into a restricted zone. When you land, the play area will increase. You literally have no time to do anything but grab a weapon and get into a house. Arcade Mode also has one major caveat, you can only choose one single weapon to equip yourself with.
That’s probably why you’ll be using another element introduced in arcade mode. If you have a squad, players will now have the option to “follow” a designated leader. The leader will basically control the descent and the opening of the team’s parachutes, ensuring that the squad lands on the ground together.
As well as Arcade Mode, PUBG mobile’s newest update introduced a new dusk setting and a new practice mode called Training Grounds. In Training Grounds, players can test out different vehicles, try out different attacks and learn new abilities. Each training session lasts for around thirty minutes, and you’ll be joined by other players who are also taking part in the session. You won’t be able to die or lose health during these games.
Does PUBG have a PS4 release date?
PS4 may be the most popular platform of this generation, but Microsoft’s console exclusivity for PUBG on Xbox One puts a spanner in the works where the PS4 is concerned. While many people suspect a PS4 version of PUBG to arrive sooner rather than later, rumours suggest that Bluehole and PUBG Corporation are currently in talks with Microsoft to extend the exclusivity deal. If true, that means PS4 gamers will be waiting a while until the multiplayer shooter lands on Sony’s console.
Header image: PUBG
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