PUBG Studio and publisher Krafton have revealed PUBG: DED NET, a new roguelite first-person shooter set in the 1990s. Creative director Dave Curd described the game as "unhinged" and "unfiltered," emphasizing a significant departure from the tactical pace of the original PUBG: Battlegrounds.
DED NET is designed to be a faster, more aggressive experience. Curd explained that the "DED" in the title stands for "dog eat dog," reflecting a core theme of sacrifice for power. This concept is embodied in features like "sword hands," which offer formidable melee capabilities at the cost of the ability to manipulate firearms or drive vehicles. Players can expect over 70 unique abilities and modifications that can be discovered and utilized across multiple runs, allowing for significant build variety.
"Every run starts different, and you'll always have something in mind," Curd stated. "Maybe this run I want to be the very close quartered, door kicker, riot shield guy. Maybe this run I want to be more of a trickster or prankster, and I'm going to hack payphones and play dead, and maybe indulge in a little bit of light cannibalism."
The game's distinct '90s setting is more than just a visual theme. Curd highlighted the era's unique tension between the analog and digital worlds, influencing in-game mechanics and atmosphere. This '90s vibe extends to the soundtrack, featuring grunge and hip-hop stations with artists like Toadies, Nine Inch Nails, Local H, Biggie Smalls, and Ice Cube.
PUBG: DED NET differentiates itself from its predecessor with a smaller, denser map and more athletic player mechanics. "PUBG is deliberate and thoughtful and tactical. This is not that," Curd asserted. While the core PUBG experience prioritizes tactical gameplay, DED NET focuses on the immediate intensity of its roguelite structure and build crafting.
The game is currently offering a chance to register for a closed beta test. The announcement was accompanied by a trailer that prominently features the game's '90s aesthetic and fast-paced action.