Revolutionizing Battle Royale: PUBG: New State Restores Hope with Futuristic Gameplay

PUBG Mobile, recognized as one of the leading mobile gaming titles, faced a ban in India over a year ago, causing disappointment among players and content creators. As the quarantine dragged on, many sought alternative means to pass the time. A significant number turned to Call of Duty Mobile, immersing themselves in various game modes. Throughout this period, the hope of PUBG’s eventual return lingered.

In June 2021, the gaming community was introduced to an “Indian” adaptation of PUBG Mobile, named Battlegrounds Mobile India. Due to the prior ban, Krafton opted to omit any reference to the PUBG name. This new game, referred to as BGMI, resembled PUBG but incorporated “Indian” features. Notably, it restricted players to connecting exclusively to Indian servers, preventing gameplay on international servers. However, it appears that Krafton is now ready to reintroduce the classic PUBG brand to India, this time in the form of PUBG: New State. We have tried a few matches and here are our insights.

Initial thoughts on PUBG: New State

First revealed in February 2021, PUBG: New State officially made its debut this Thursday across Android and iOS platforms. The Android version was downloaded from the Google Play Store and was approximately 1.4GB, while the iOS version was slightly larger at 1.5GB. The launch experienced some initial server hiccups, with players stuck on the loading screen. However, following a 200MB update, we were able to access the game successfully.

In this iteration, PUBG: New State offers login options via Google or Facebook. Upon entering, users are prompted to create their character model and input their name, allowing customization akin to previous PUBG and BGMI versions.

The graphics in PUBG: New State are impressive
Photo Credit: Robin John/Gadgets360

Next, PUBG: New State inquires about your experience level in battle royale, categorizing players as novices, intermediates, or experts. Additionally, players are shown three styles of gameplay: two fingers, three fingers, and the four-finger technique commonly used by professionals. The user interface is refreshing and less cluttered than that of BGMI, lending a cleaner appearance to the lobby, reminiscent of the PC version of PUBG that was released in 2017.

The settings menu remains largely unchanged but introduces a few new graphics options. In the performance section, you can select frame rates ranging from Low, Medium, High, Very High, Ultra, Max, to Extreme. For graphics quality, choices include Lite, Medium, High, Ultra, and Extreme. A Screen Filter option is still available, but the Colorblind Mode appears to be missing. Players can also choose between OpenGL ES and Vulkan as graphics APIs. PUBG: New State features additional options in the Gameplay settings.

Overall, the graphics are visually pleasing, particularly at Ultra + Max settings. We tested the game on a Realme 6 Pro, which reached Lite + Max settings, while on the iPhone 12, we achieved Max + Ultra quality.

Exploring the PUBG New State map: Troi

PUBG: New State introduces several new maps, including a fresh terrain called Troi alongside a revamped Erangel. However, this time, Erangel is set in 2051. A new Team Deathmatch (TDM) map titled Station is also available, currently in beta testing.

We dove into a match on the new Troi map, where the lobby of players appeared familiar, with participants engaging playfully. In PUBG: New State, players can toggle their outfits using a portable closet feature, akin to that in PUBG Mobile.

Aerial views from the plane now display city names
Photo Credit: Robin John/Gadgets360

The graphics of the plane are noticeably enhanced; as it approaches the map, the names of various cities are vividly marked and displayed in real-time, creating an impressive visual. There is no chance of confusing cities now. The new map features locations such as Loganville, Mid Town, Cornwall, and Graveyard, among others.

Erangel 2051 retains familiar locations while only adding a few new areas. Jumping from the plane maintains the same animations, but upon landing, unlike in BGMI or the original PUBG, the parachute remains attached to your back, enhancing realism.

PUBG: New State — a refreshing experience

The primary goal of PUBG: New State is to present a futuristic environment for players. To achieve this, new vehicles such as sporty bikes and futuristic cars have been introduced.

In a surprising twist, trams now traverse the map, which can serve as mobile shelters. Even more astonishing, some vehicles are equipped with auto-pilot functions. While this may seem extravagant for a mobile battle royale, the futuristic theme permits such additions.

Moreover, players can now unload excess ammunition and weapons into the trunk of their vehicles if needed. Vehicles feature an engine start/stop toggle to conserve fuel. Additionally, all vehicles enable players to open doors and take cover behind them during attacks, providing a tactical advantage.

You can use a car door for cover during enemy fire
Photo Credit: Robin John/Gadgets360