PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has revealed 2025 roadmap for the game, a main year that sees it reach its eighth anniversary.
The roadmap details a set of updates, new content, and improvements intended to deliver a better gaming experience for players everywhere. Top priority areas are working on new content, enhancing live-service content, and building stability.
One of the features of the 2025 roadmap is the addition of new maps and environments. This comprises a new 1×1 map and an updated version of the favorite Erangel map.
KRAFTON also intends to add the Destructible Terrain feature to current maps such as Taego, Miramar, and Erangel by the year’s end.
The roadmap also features a number of new gameplay mechanics and elements. A new ballistics system, better vehicle handling, and a weather system are some of the features that will enhance gameplay realism.
Additionally, the addition of the Contender character system will enable players to further customize their characters, just like weapon and vehicle skins have done for the customizable experience.
Another addition is the roguelike mode Project Cyclops, which will introduce a new dimension of challenge and thrill to the game.
In 2025, PUBG Esports will launch a new TPP Tournament Roadmap, presenting a wider platform for competitive third-person perspective play. This encompasses regional competitions and international events such as the PGS, PNC, and PGC, with a chance for outstanding performers to move up to higher-level tournaments.
The roadmap also places a focus on quality of life enhancements. Some of these include improved matchmaking, more robust anti-cheating via machine learning-driven detection technology, and improved assistance for new players.
The anti-cheat program will be of high priority, providing fair play by improving player account security and taking action against cheating. KRAFTON also intends to improve the Survivor Pass and Crafter Pass programs.
KRAFTON is dedicated to interacting with the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS community and including feedback in game development.
Regular community events, surveys, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) will be organized by the company to hear player feedback and suggestions. In this way, the game keeps evolving according to the players’ likes and needs.
By late 2025, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS will move to current-generation consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S). The move would make the game less laggy and more immersive on consoles.
KRAFTON is also looking into the utilization of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future updates.
Top 5 Things to Know About PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS 2025 Roadmap
1. Transition to Unreal Engine 5 and Next-Gen Consoles
Unreal Engine 5 is the newest version of the highly capable game engine developed by Epic Games, engineered to offer developers tools for building visually appealing and engaging gaming experiences.
UE5 presents a number of features, such as Nanite Virtualized Geometry, Lumen Dynamic Global Illumination, and World Partition, that notably improve the performance of games, the quality of graphics, and the efficiency of development.
UE5’s powerful rendering will enable more detailed environments, characters, and effects.
Nanite and World Partition features will improve asset management and level streaming, possibly cutting loading times and boosting frame rates.
UE5 will enable KRAFTON to make more interactive and dynamic environments, including destructible terrain and naturalistic weather effects, which will engage players in the world of the game.
Switching to a new engine means huge development time and effort. KRAFTON will have to spend on retraining personnel and porting over current assets to support UE5.
The new-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S come with massive hardware upgrades over the previous ones.
These consoles are equipped with more powerful processors, better graphics processing units (GPUs), and quicker storage systems such as SSDs, which allow for quicker loading and better gameplay.
Also Read: Top 5 Plans for PUBG: Battlegrounds’ 8th Anniversary Celebration
2. New Content and Map Updates
Although details regarding these new maps are only slowly surfacing, KRAFTON has already confirmed that a new 1×1 map will be included in the game.
Aside from new maps, KRAFTON is also set to give the classic Erangel map a makeover. Erangel is one of the original and most popular maps in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, which features varied landscapes and strategic points.
The makeover will probably involve new points of interest, fresh terrain, and perhaps new gameplay mechanics to keep the map fresh and interesting for veteran players.
One of the important updates to present maps such as Taego, Miramar, and Erangel is the feature of Destructible Terrain. This will make it possible for players to design new routes, blow up objects, and remodel the battlefield on the fly.
For instance, players can excavate trenches, make holes through walls, or blow up walls to escape or set up traps for enemies.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features:
- Vehicle Camouflage Net: This aspect will enable the player to camouflage the vehicle. This may come in handy for sneaky gameplay tactics.
- Enhanced Flare Gun UI: The Flare Gun is employed for the purpose of requesting supply or notifying teammates. An enhanced UI will enable the player to more efficiently utilize this gadget.
- Gas Tank Explosions: Gas tank-equipped vehicles will now become explosive dangers if they are hit, introducing a new factor of danger and tactics into automobile warfare.
3. Enhanced Live Service and Anti-Cheat Measures
KRAFTON furthering the live service aspects of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. Improving the general stability and responsiveness of the game is part of this, with the goal that players can enjoy a smooth experience without interruptions. Some of the main areas are:
- Matchmaking Improvements: Making improvements to the matchmaking system seeks to minimize waiting times and get players matched with opponents of equivalent skill levels to provide more enjoyable games.
- Server Stability: KRAFTON will work to optimize server performance to reduce lag, disconnections, and other problems that interfere with gameplay.
- Regular Updates and Events: The roadmap promises regular updates with fresh content, events, and game modes. This will keep the game exciting and new.
KRAFTON is also working on improving anti-cheat systems to prevent unfair play in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. Cheating has been a nagging problem with online multiplayer games, and proper anti-cheat systems are vital to provide an equitable and fun experience for everyone.
- Machine Learning-Based Detection: The roadmap includes the application of machine learning-based detection technology to detect and prevent cheating. This technology can monitor player behavior and flag anomalies that can be used to detect cheating.
- Improved Player Account Security: KRAFTON is going to enhance player account security features to secure player accounts against unauthorized access and safeguard player progress.
4. User-Generated Content and Customization
In PUBG UGC Project players are able to create, share, and play user-generated game modes and maps within PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS.
Features of the UGC System
Custom Game Modes:
The game will allow players to design their own game modes with special rules through a rounds-and-points-based system. The initial implementation of this system will be a Team Deathmatch (TDM)-type mode, providing shorter, fast-paced game sessions.
World Editing Tools:
There is also a world editing functionality in progress, enabling players to set buildings, terrain, and other assets anywhere on maps. This feature will allow creators to create new environments from scratch or alter current ones for certain gameplay situations.
Save, Load, and Share:
Players can save their custom modes and access them at any time to use in the future. There will be a sharing feature to enable creators to share their custom modes with other players.
Player-Driven Creativity:
The system is designed to promote experimentation and creativity, allowing players to experiment with the fundamental aspects of PUBG in novel ways. The emphasis is on short-form game formats that can be easily customized to suit individual or group tastes.
The first iteration of the UGC system will be released in 2025 as part of the Custom Match feature. In the future, KRAFTON will continue to develop its capabilities based on player input. This incremental process allows the system to grow in accordance with demands and expectations.
The roadmap unveils the Contender Character System, a new paid-for customization aspect meant to enrich player uniqueness and engagement.
This system expands upon PUBG’s current customization avenues (e.g., weapon skin, vehicle skin) by highlighting character-based progress and customization.
5. Esports Content
KRAFTON has a very strong focus in 2025 on developing esports, specifically third-person view (TPP) tournaments. This entails a solid roadmap for regional and international competitions so that there is a healthy and engaging environment for players and fans alike.
New TPP Tournament Roadmap
An overhauled esports ecosystem will emphasize TPP gameplay, addressing the mode’s popularity in some markets.
The plan entails regional events leading to global tournaments such as the PUBG Global Series (PGS), PUBG Nations Cup (PNC), and PUBG Global Championship (PGC).
Enhanced Spectator Tools
Spectator tool enhancements seek to enhance the viewing experience for spectators by offering improved graphics, real-time data, and interactive camera angles.
Increased Prize Pools
KRAFTON aims to up the ante by offering larger prize pools for competitions, which will encourage the best players and teams to compete. This should draw more talent to the competitive pool and raise the overall level of play.
Player Development Programs
In order to cultivate fresh talent, KRAFTON can launch programs such as training programs or amateur leagues that filter into professional circuits. These programs serve to maintain a constant supply of talented players in the esports universe.
