New PUBG Extraction Shooter Announced, Alpha Test Set for Next Month

The PUBG: Battlegrounds franchise is set to expand with the introduction of a new extraction shooter titled PUBG: Black Budget. Publisher Krafton has confirmed that PUBG Studios will conduct a closed alpha test for the game on PC in December.

Unlike the traditional battle royale structure the series is known for, PUBG: Black Budget leans into science-fiction and supernatural themes. The game is set on Coli, an island trapped in a repeating time loop and threatened by an enigmatic force known as the Anomaly. The phenomenon’s origins remain unexplained within the game’s narrative.

PUBG Studios describes Black Budget as placing a greater emphasis on exploration and discovery rather than constant combat. Players will search for classified technology while uncovering details about SAPIENS, a mysterious black-budget initiative tied to the island. Matches will feature PvPvE gameplay, blending encounters with both other players and hostile AI-controlled enemies.

Krafton has confirmed that information on registering for the closed alpha test is already available via Steam. The test will take place across two separate windows, running from December 12 to 14 and again from December 19 to 21, spanning a total of six days.

Participants in the alpha will be permitted to share gameplay clips and videos during the test period. In addition, access keys will be distributed through Twitch Drops, allowing viewers to earn entry by watching livestreams during the event.

The announcement comes amid broader strategic shifts at Krafton. The publisher has previously stated its ambition to evolve PUBG into a broader platform, drawing comparisons to ecosystems such as Fortnite and Roblox. Krafton has also committed significant investment toward positioning itself as an AI-focused company, a move that has prompted internal restructuring and debate within the industry.

While PUBG: Black Budget represents a notable departure from the franchise’s core identity, the upcoming alpha test will provide the first substantial look at how these new mechanics and themes translate into gameplay. Krafton has not yet announced a release window beyond the planned early testing phase.