Testers are currently playing on the new Savage map of PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds). They are thrilled!
The developers from Bluehole are currently working on the new map for PUBG, which is known under the title “Codename: Savage”. One of the most noticeable changes from the existing maps Erangel and Miramar is the size: Instead of an area of 8×8 kilometers, Savage only has 4×4 kilometers of space.
This affects the duration of matches and brings more intense fights. The feedback on the new map has been mostly positive, with few exceptions.
Little clothing, many weapons
On the test servers, the loot distribution has changed significantly. On the new Savage map, there is no clothing as loot, but there are many weapons and useful items. Players on Reddit are happy about this.
User ZainCaster writes: “No joke. In one block of houses, I walked past a lot of ammunition packs and many M4s. There is simply loot everywhere out there.”
Many PUBG players do not mind missing the clothing spawns. One wonders who would voluntarily pick up clothing at all. It would only cover the important items hidden on the ground. A large part of the community would prefer to keep the new loot rules without clothing spawns.
This wish was also acknowledged by a designer from Bluehole, PUBG_Meta. He explains that work is still being done on the map, and all content could still change. They are working towards a great experience on the 4×4 map. He would relay the positive feedback on the disabled clothing spawns.
The increased loot spawns on the small map are intentional. If all goes well, Savage will also have increased loot spawns on the live servers. This justifies its smaller size compared to the maps Erangel and Miramar.
Weather effects are back – playing in the fog
Players are thrilled with the look of the new map. Finally, weather effects like fog or rain are back. Many players have missed dynamic weather and are excited to see it again on the test servers.
Reddit user dabears1020 writes: “WHOA, the weather is back! And it’s dynamic! The game started in haze and then became darker. After five minutes in the game, a mighty thunder rumbles and it starts to rain. This implementation of the weather is so much better than last time. I love it.”
Faster than the blue zone – gripping fights
Another change compared to the known maps is the speed of the blue zone. It moves in a circular motion in different phases toward a point on the map. Anyone outside the circle takes damage.
On the Savage map, the speed at which the zone closes has been adjusted. This way, one can run away before each shrinkage without being overtaken by the zone. Reddit user dimcorner comments: “Every circle, every side of it can currently be outpaced on the test server. That’s how the game should play.” He finds it much better that one can fight against other players and knows that the blue zone will not rush by at the speed of light.
This observation is supported by many users. User Porcupickle writes that the zone now leads more to fights rather than directly to deaths.
In a new patch on April 4, the timing of the blue zone was adjusted. This aims to speed up the gameplay during the first phase of a match.
Criticisms mainly revolve around bugs
Of course, the map is not error-free. It is currently on the test servers of PUBG and is still under development. The houses are empty; you will find hardly any furnishings.
The huge temple currently has only gray surfaces instead of decorated walls. While this helps performance, it also shows a major construction site of the map.
Moreover, the map sometimes plays the wrong sound files. You will hear something different than what you see. There is still a lot to be done before release, but this is hardly a surprise.
Beautiful visuals, gameplay
The map has an Asian theme with many rivers and nature. On the map, you will find many waterways that are now much more interesting than on Erangel. With jet skis, you can easily move from one spot to another, reposition yourself, or bypass enemies.
- In the west, you see a smaller island. There is a military boot camp and a manufacturing zone with many buildings. In the middle of the western island is a large mountain with deep ravines.
- The island in the south is a bit larger. There you will find more military buildings and also an ancient temple, which is still not finished designed. Four entrances lead into the temple, which leads to a central room. A death trap.
- On the main island, there are rarely hills where a sniper would feel at ease. The map rewards you more for staying in motion. This matches the desired fast gameplay.
Generally, the map demands a different playstyle. Shooting is often done at close range; there could be an enemy waiting around every corner. There is simply much less space for opponents to spread out. This creates a different atmosphere.
In the following video, you can see Shroud in his first match on the new Savage map:
