Krafton has confirmed that PUBG: Black Budget, the upcoming PvPvE extraction shooter developed by PUBG Studios, will begin its first closed alpha test in December. The studio will run two testing sessions, scheduled for December 12–14 and December 19–21. These sessions aim to evaluate the foundation of the game before it moves into broader testing phases.
The developer notes that the alpha will focus on assessing several early systems, including combat speed, extraction balance, and character progression. This phase is designed to help the team refine the experience before adding more features. Players interested in joining the test can apply through the official Steam Store page, although access is limited to participants from North America, Europe, and Asia. The studio has also outlined the minimum hardware requirements, which include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or an equivalent AMD GPU with at least 8 GB of VRAM.
Black Budget expands the PUBG universe with a new first-person experience built around tactics and survival. Players take on the role of Contractors, mercenaries sent to a remote island that is caught in a time loop. Each mission requires gathering information about a classified operation that unfolds across multiple runs.
Matches take place on an open-world map and can run for up to 30 minutes. The island is divided into various biomes and includes different surface and underground areas for players to explore. An anomaly tied to the time loop reduces the playable zone as the session progresses. Krafton has not explained the full mechanics behind this system, but footage on the Steam page shows players moving through dense purple fog in jungle and industrial areas, suggesting this visual effect marks the shrinking boundaries.
While the studio has not shared the full gameplay structure, the Steam listing provides an overview of the progression features. Players will choose from three rival factions, each offering its own missions, contracts, and rewards tied to reputation and loyalty. The game uses a persistent progression system where character skills, proficiencies, and upgrades carry between sessions.
A personal base acts as the player’s hub. It can be upgraded with crafting stations, storage expansions, and facilities that generate in-game income. A research station within the base also contributes to story advancement and long-term growth. Weapon and gear customization appears to be a core part of the experience, with options that include faction-specific equipment, attachments, and various loadout choices. Players will also have access to healing items and stimulants designed to improve survivability during extended missions. Character customization covers clothing, gear, and cosmetic items.
The December alpha marks an early step in the development of Black Budget. With limited details available, much of the game’s structure and long-term direction will likely depend on feedback from the upcoming test sessions. PUBG Studios is expected to share more information once the first round of testing concludes.
