Krafton unveils PUBG DED.NET, a faster, hero-driven PUBG spin-off set in Cascadia

Krafton revealed the new spin-off PUBG DED.NET on Oct. 5, 2026, following the cancellation of PUBG Black Budget; the game is set in Cascadia, a fictional region inspired by the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The developer says DED.NET retains the core PUBG formula while delivering faster-paced, arcade-style matches with hero-based abilities and roguelike progression.

Krafton describes DED.NET as departing from the traditional Erangel setting and adopting a distinct 1990s atmosphere across its map, which features abandoned towns, gas stations, payphones, aging vehicles and roadside buildings. The title uses a smaller 5×5 km map, supports up to 60 players per match and is expected to conclude around the 20-minute mark, aiming for a more aggressive tempo than standard battle royale play. Alongside conventional weapons and survival mechanics, the trailer and developer comments show new power-ups and ability-driven gameplay elements.

The Cascadia environment shown in the trailer presents a less serious tone than recent PUBG entries, emphasizing nostalgic elements and unconventional drop locations that differ from previous maps. Visuals in promotional material highlight roadside infrastructure and rundown urban features to establish the region’s period feel. Krafton has made the trailer available for public viewing.

Gameplay footage and descriptions reveal unusual abilities and power-ups, including one that summons strange creatures to assist in combat and another that allows a player to transform into a powerful monster at the cost of revealing their location on the map. These mechanics sit alongside traditional weapons and survival systems rather than replacing them, according to the presentation.

PUBG DED.NET will introduce nine playable characters, each with unique abilities, and a progression loop with unlockable perks between rounds that can include permanent injuries, creating a roguelike-style advancement path. That progression model is intended to encourage experimentation with different playstyles by altering player capabilities across sessions.

Developer commentary has also framed player choice within the title’s design; Dave Curd discussed "action agencies" in PUBG: DED.NET and described how players can opt for stealthier or more aggressive approaches. Promotional material contrasts quieter play with louder, more confrontational options to suit varying tactics.

Krafton has not announced an official release date for PUBG DED.NET, but the company is accepting registrations for future beta testing through the game’s official website.