"PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS,“ consistently prioritizing the stability and content revolving around the new map Rondo, now unveils Destructible Terrain as its latest feature for smoother gameplay.
Last week, KRAFTON released the update 29.1 for its flagship survival shooting game, "PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS (hereafter referred to as PUBG)." The update, focusing on additions to the latest map Ronde and firearm balance adjustments, garnered attention for potential smoother gameplay changes.
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Ronde is the tenth new map introduced to “PUBG“ by KRAFTON last December. The 8x8 large map, blending modern and historical settings uniquely, with notable environmental distinctions between its north and south regions, provided players with a diverse gameplay experience. This made it a popular choice among users upon its release.
The latest update to “PUBG“ prioritizes expanding Ronde, aiming to enrich gameplay diversity and offer a distinct experience from existing maps by introducing new elements. KRAFTON's recent effort includes the addition of the first-ever electric vehicle, the PICO Bus, to set Ronde apart from other maps.
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The new item Pickaxe can be utilized for the Destructible Terrain feature of Rondo.
The latest addition in the update 29.1 for Ronde is the Destructible Terrain feature, a novel concept not found in other maps. This allows users to create barricades and alter terrain using explosives like the Pickaxe, Frag Grenade, and Panzerfaust.
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The Destructible Terrain feature can be utilized using explosives if a Pickaxe is unavailable.
Players in “PUBG“ have frequently expressed struggle in flat-terrain battles. This stems from the game's emphasis on battle royale dynamics conflicting with individual shooting abilities. Consequently, the need for barricade-type vehicles and smoke-based tactics has become a significant obstacle for casual players.
The Destructible Terrain feature introduced in Ronde is expected to bring about significant changes to gameplay in “PUBG.“ In critical situations, just two Frag Grenades can create cover, making it possible to take shelter even on flat terrain, while tools like a Pickaxe offer increased mobility.
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The flat terrain becomes a depression or hole.
Real-world experience with the Destructible Terrain feature revealed its diverse applications. In unfavorable combat scenarios, players can leverage Smoke Grenades and Frag Grenades to create temporary shelters. These makeshift defenses offer both immediate protection and the ability to manipulate the battlefield layout, potentially turning a disadvantageous situation into an advantageous one.
Certainly, the Destructible Terrain feature has its drawbacks. Players appeared vulnerable to attacks from others who utilized Frag Grenades and other explosives within their trenches. Additionally, devising effective countermeasures against vehicular ramming attacks proved challenging. Moreover, the scarcity of suitable terrain for destruction limited players' ability to plan and execute strategies from the outset.
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The Destructible Terrain feature offers a two-stage process for deeper strategic manipulation.
The limitation of the Destructible Terrain feature to specific terrains posed challenges in establishing it as a core strategy from the start. Rapidly assessing its usability in urgent situations proved challenging, often resulting in incidental or temporary applications.
Despite its limitations, the Destructible Terrain feature holds the promise of revitalizing the 'PUBG' Ronde map. It introduces a new dimension to traditional flat-terrain strategies, serving as a potent tool for breaking stalemates. Even a 1.3-meter trench can dramatically shift the dynamics of the battlefield.
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The introduction of new features and ongoing updates to the Rondo map are meeting players' demand for diverse gameplay and generating even more anticipation for the future. Indeed, the metrics are also favorable. Since the recent Rondo map update, "PUBG" has surpassed 620,000 concurrent players on the Steam platform, once again gaining popularity.
Moreover, in mid-last month, the game achieved its highest concurrent player count in three years on the Steam platform, reaching 760,000 players. This marks the highest concurrent player count since the game went free-to-play in January 2022, successfully reversing a downward trend that had once seen the player count drop to as low as 350,000.
With its emphasis on diversity within the Rondo map, "PUBG" is actively pursuing sustained growth, generating interest and anticipation for the new content that will delight players through upcoming updates and developments.
김태만 기자 ktman21c@gamevu.co.kr
