PUBG is getting some big map changes, starting with Erangel

PUBG's maps are getting a makeover, starting with the original map, Erangel. The team confirmed the upcoming changes in a statement, with a variety tweaks and new additions, including lots of new compounds, being tested internally.

The announcement is slim on details and more a response to recent leaks. Some datamined information popped up on Reddit earlier in the week, suggesting that Erangel was due a lot of new buildings and, presumably, a lot more loot spawning inside them. This handy map that accompanied the leak shows the new buildings in red.

It looks like quite a lot of new real estate, and PUBG Corp says the extra compounds aren't the only thing it's testing at the moment. Loot balance and map layout changes appear to be the focus of the update, but the team says it's working on other improvements, too.

PUBG Corp also points out that leaked images usually don't represent the "entire plan or scope" of a project, so the map we're seeing might change, or look different already. And once it gets in the hands of players for further testing, it could end up looking quite different. Plans for these tests will be shared in the coming weeks, along with more details about the improvements.

There have been a few changes to Erangel, and every map, previously, but the scale suggested by the leak seems far greater. The response hasn't exactly been enthusiastic, with some players saying they wanted more loot, not more buildings for them to search, while others are worried the changes will make Erangel lose what makes it distinct from the other maps.

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog.