KRAFTON and PUBG Studios have officially announced PUBG: Black Budget, a first-person extraction shooter for PC. Closed alpha tests will run from December 12–14 and December 19–21 across North America, Europe, and Asia, and players can sign up now via Steam. With this release, the franchise shifts into a tense, tactical first-person experience that combines survival, exploration, and high-stakes extraction. As a result, fans can expect a fresh twist on the PUBG formula.

Players take on the role of a Contractor, a seasoned veteran hired for a classified operation on a remote island. They must recover top-secret technology from an abandoned research facility. However, the island traps them in a time loop, and a supernatural phenomenon called the Anomaly constantly adds danger. Therefore, players must extract artifacts, conduct research, and uncover the truth behind the black-budget initiative, SAPIENS, while navigating unpredictable challenges.

Gameplay Overview: Tension, Survival, and Extraction

PUBG: Black Budget blends player-versus-player-versus-environment combat with exploration and survival. Each session lasts up to 30 minutes, which forces players to balance combat, extraction, and strategy. Meanwhile, the Anomaly gradually shrinks the playable area, creating tense and unexpected scenarios in every loop. Players retain their inventory only if they successfully extract; otherwise, they lose everything they brought in.

In addition, between missions, players expand their Base, craft equipment, and improve character skills, ensuring meaningful progression. Furthermore, the game increases difficulty based on player level and time spent inside the loop, keeping each encounter challenging and unpredictable.

Features and Progression

The game presents a 2.5 by 2.5 km open-world island with diverse biomes, underground facilities, and points of interest. Additionally, players can join squads of up to three and compete in sessions with 45 participants, using level- and squad-based matchmaking. Players grow their characters, enhance skills, and upgrade Bases with crafting stations and stash expansions.

Moreover, three rival factions provide contracts, missions, and loyalty-based rewards, while research stations serve as hubs for narrative and progression. Players also customize weapons, gear, appearance, clothing, and equipment skins, and they use healing items and stimulants to improve performance. As a result, every session offers a highly strategic and immersive experience.

PUBG: Black Budget promises a tactical, high-stakes experience where every decision can determine survival. Finally, players can view the first screenshots in the Steam gallery and are encouraged to sign up for the closed alpha tests this December. For more updates on the game, follow their official X account.

System Requirements