The world of PUBG is expanding once again, and this time, it's taking a tactical twist. Krafton, the developer behind the iconic battle royale PUBG: Battlegrounds, has officially unveiled the new name for its mysterious Project ARC, introducing PUBG: Blindspot, a 5v5 tactical shooter designed for intense, close-quarters combat.

A New Spin on PUBG

Originally teased as Project ARC, PUBG: Blindspot aims to bring a fresh yet familiar experience to fans of the franchise. Unlike the open-world battle royale mechanics of PUBG: Battlegrounds, Blindspot focuses on small-scale, strategic gameplay where coordination and environmental awareness are key. The game’s design centers on tight indoor environments with a top-down isometric perspective, making every engagement a high-stakes battle.

What We Know So Far

Krafton first hinted at Project ARC late last year, keeping details under wraps until now. The official reveal of PUBG: Blindspot was made through the game's dedicated Discord community and further confirmed via a Steam Community post. According to Krafton, choosing the game’s final title was no easy task, as they sought a name that was both catchy and representative of the game's tactical nature across different languages and markets.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Unlike traditional PUBG gameplay, Blindspot puts players in intense 5v5 PvP battles, requiring precision, teamwork, and fast decision-making. The game’s limited visibility, even with an isometric camera angle, means that players will have to rely on sound cues, map knowledge, and tactical maneuvers to outplay their opponents.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Blindspot is its connection to PUBG: Battlegrounds. The phrase "Winner winner, chicken dinner", synonymous with PUBG victories, has been spotted in promotional material, hinting at deeper ties to the original game. Additionally, a character named Apex, revealed in early teasers, has a backstory that directly references Battlegrounds. It remains to be seen how much more crossover content will be included, but fans can likely expect a few nods to the franchise’s legacy.

Beta Testing and Launch Window

A closed beta for PUBG: Blindspot has already taken place, allowing a select group of players to test out the game’s mechanics and provide feedback. Early reports suggest the game is in an advanced stage of development, though Krafton has yet to announce an official release date. Speculation points to a 2025 or 2026 launch.

Given the recent boom in lightweight, top-down shooters, especially with the growing popularity of handheld gaming consoles like the Valve Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, PUBG: Blindspot could be well-positioned to carve out its own niche. However, whether or not Krafton will allow the game to run on Steam Deck remains uncertain, especially since PUBG: Battlegrounds previously blocked Linux-based players due to its anti-cheat system.

Final Thoughts

With PUBG: Blindspot, Krafton is betting on a new direction while staying true to its battle-tested roots. The shift from open-world survival to tight, tactical skirmishes could bring a fresh competitive edge to the franchise. Whether it will live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, fans of strategic shooters will want to keep this game on their radar.

Stay tuned for more updates as Krafton reveals additional details about PUBG: Blindspot! Will it be the next big hit in tactical shooters? Only time will tell.