If you thought PUBG was content with just being the grandfather of battle royale, think again. The internet is currently dissecting a massive leak that has given us our first real look at PUBG: Black Budget, the studio’s ambitious pivot into the extraction shooter genre.
For months, “Project Black Budget” was just a name on a financial report. But thanks to a fresh thread over on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, we now have eyes on actual gameplay. And let me tell you—it looks like Escape from Tarkov and PUBG had a very angry, very tactical baby.
The Leak: What Did We See?
The footage, which surfaced earlier this week, confirms a major shift in tone. While the classic PUBG DNA is there—specifically in the gunplay and movement—the pacing is entirely different.
Here is the breakdown of what the leaked alpha build showcased:
- First-Person Focus: Unlike the TPP peeking wars of classic PUBG, this appears to be a strict FPP experience, ramping up the immersion and tension.
- The “Anomaly”: Instead of a simple Blue Zone circle, the map is plagued by a mysterious “Anomaly.” It shrinks the playable area, forcing squads together, but it fits the lore of a time-loop island named Coil.
- PvE Elements: It’s not just other players you have to worry about. The leaks confirmed the presence of AI enemies and—wait for it—alligators. Yes, the wildlife bites back.
Extraction is the New Battle Royale
Why the pivot? It is simple. The Battle Royale market is saturated, but the Extraction Shooter genre (popularized by Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown) is the new frontier. Krafton wants a piece of that high-stakes pie.
In Black Budget, the goal isn’t just to be the last one standing. It is to get in, complete contracts, loot valuable tech, and get out alive. If you die, you lose your gear. That simple loop changes everything about how you play. You stop running toward every gunshot and start weighing the risk versus the reward.
PUBG vs. Black Budget: What’s Different?
If you are a veteran of Erangel, you might be wondering how this differs from the game you have played for years. Let’s break it down.
| Feature | PUBG: Battlegrounds | PUBG: Black Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Be the last survivor (1 vs 99) | Loot, complete missions, and extract |
| Inventory | Resets every match | Persistent (Keep what you extract) |
| Enemies | Players (PvP) | Players + AI + Monsters (PvPvE) |
| Map Size | Massive (8x8km) | Compact & Dense (2.5×2.5km) |
The “Coil” and the Loop
The setting is an island called Coil. The lore suggests the island is trapped in a time loop, which is a clever narrative device to explain why we keep dropping into the same location to kill the same bosses over and over.
The leaked footage showed off underground facilities and dense urban ruins, suggesting a map that is much more vertical and claustrophobic than the open fields of classic PUBG. This is where the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade really shines—the lighting in those dark corridors looks terrifying.
FAQs
1. When can I play PUBG: Black Budget?
A closed Alpha test is scheduled for mid-December 2025 (specifically Dec 12-14 and 19-21). You can check the Steam page for sign-up details if you are in NA, Europe, or Asia.
2. Is this PUBG 2?
Not exactly. It is a spinoff set in the same universe but with a completely different gameplay loop. Think of it as a cousin to the main game, not a replacement.
3. Is it free to play?
Official pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet. While PUBG eventually went free-to-play, many premium extraction shooters launch with a price tag. We will have to wait and see.
4. What happens if I die in the game?
Like other extraction shooters, death has consequences. You will likely lose the gear you brought into the match and whatever loot you found, though there may be a “secure container” mechanic for small items.
5. What engine does it use?
The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, which explains the significant graphical leap over the original PUBG.
Conclusion
Project Black Budget is shaping up to be more than just a trend-chaser. By combining the satisfying gunplay of PUBG with the high-stakes tension of extraction mechanics, Krafton might just have another hit on their hands. We will know for sure when the servers go live for the Alpha this December. Until then, keep your head on a swivel.