Image Credit: KRAFTON, Inc.
PUBG's First Spin-Off Takes a Bold New Direction
KRAFTON has officially announced that PUBG: Blindspot, the franchise's first spin-off title, will launch in Steam Early Access on February 5, 2026, at 6:00 AM CET (10:30 AM IST). The free-to-play 5v5 tactical shooter represents a significant departure from the battle royale formula that made PUBG a household name.
Developed by PUBG Studios (previously known as Project ARC), Blindspot trades the third-person survival gameplay for a top-down perspective that draws inspiration from tactical shooter giants like Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Rainbow Six Siege, while also incorporating elements from unexpected sources like the pixel-art SWAT game Door Kickers and the logistics-focused military MMO Foxhole.
Vision as a Tactical Resource
The core gameplay mechanic that sets Blindspot apart is its innovative Shared Vision System. Unlike traditional shooters where information is freely available, players in Blindspot have a restricted cone of view that limits what they can see. This vision is shared with teammates in real-time, transforming information control into a critical tactical resource.
"It's a top-down view, but I wanted to enable you to hide behind cover," the development team explained. "We have the cone view, and by that you can intuitively tell where you can see and cannot see."
This approach shifts the emphasis from raw aiming precision to positioning, coordination, and strategic thinking. During playtests, genre veterans from Counter-Strike and Rainbow Six Siege were reportedly surprised that despite the top-down perspective, they could still express individual skill by mastering the game's systems.
Destructible Environments and Tactical Depth
Combat in Blindspot centers around the Demolition mode, where teams compete in bomb-mission style gameplay adapted for the top-down format. The objective involves hacking into hidden Crypts within buildings by installing Decrypters, creating dynamic attack and defence scenarios.
Environmental destruction plays a major role in tactical planning. Players can utilize explosive hammers and grenade launchers to breach walls and defences, opening new angles of attack or creating unexpected ambush opportunities. This destructibility, combined with the vision-based mechanics, rewards teams that communicate effectively and adapt their strategies on the fly.
Players choose from unique Agents, each bringing distinct abilities and playstyles to build squad synergies. The class-based system encourages diverse team compositions and rewards players who master multiple roles.
A New Chapter for the PUBG Universe
For KRAFTON, Blindspot represents more than just a new game; it marks the beginning of genre expansion for the PUBG IP. Alongside PUBG: Black Budget (an extraction shooter in development), the company is testing whether the PUBG brand can sustain diverse gameplay experiences beyond battle royale.
Production Director Seungmyeong Yang emphasized the community-driven development approach: "Early Access will allow players to directly participate in the development process. Through free-to-play, open development, we aim to communicate closely with the community and complete PUBG: Blindspot together."
The development team has committed to monthly updates following the Early Access launch, with player feedback actively incorporated through the game's official Discord community.
Technical Details and Requirements
PUBG: Blindspot will be available exclusively on PC via Steam at launch. The game requires:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4430 / AMD FX-6300
- RAM: 8 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R7 370
- Storage: 8 GB available space
The game supports 13 languages including English, Korean, Japanese, and multiple European languages. Early Access will feature online PvP, online co-op options, and the core Demolition game mode.
Early Reception
Initial previews have been positive, with PC Gamer calling it "a marriage of genre and camera angle you rarely see." Game Rant noted the title is "bursting with potential" and "quite polished," suggesting it could have esports viability. VICE simply stated: "The game is fun as hell."
For those eager to try before launch, the official trailer is available on YouTube, and players can wishlist the game on Steam to receive notifications when Early Access begins.
Source: KRAFTON Press Release, GamesRadar+
