PUBG Studios has unveiled its most ambitious battlefield yet – Rondo – marking a seismic shift in the battle royale's seven-year evolution. As the game's first 8x8km map blending futuristic cities with traditional Asian architecture, Rondo introduces destructible environments, interactive wildlife, and a terrain-altering SUV designed to redefine strategic combat. In an exclusive interview with In-Game Production Director Taehyun Kim, we explore how these innovations address player demands while maintaining PUBG's signature tension.

A panoramic view of Rondo's contrasting urban and rural zones

Destructible Environments Reshape Combat

For the first time in PUBG history, players can destroy bamboo forests to create new pathways or defensive positions. "The bamboos aren't just visual props – they're tactical tools," Kim emphasizes. Experimental destructible hay bales and building entrances are being tested, with potential rollouts to older maps like Erangel pending player feedback. Early gameplay footage shows squads using fireworks to disorient enemies mid-firefight – a mechanic that could revolutionize urban warfare strategies.

New interactive elements:

  • 🎆 Deployable fireworks for audio camouflage

  • 🐦 Distractable birds that reveal enemy positions

  • 🎚️ Operational nightclub turntables altering acoustics

The Blanc SUV emerges as Rondo's essential traversal tool, boasting SUV-level durability with sports car agility. Kim confirms: "Without Blanc, crossing Rondo's rice terraces and neon-lit downtown would feel punishing." Data from playtests indicates 73% shorter rotation times between zones compared to Miramar, though some veterans argue this reduces late-game tension.

The Blanc SUV maneuvering through Rondo's destructible bamboo forest

Map Rotation Dilemma: Quantity vs Accessibility

With ten maps now in rotation, PUBG faces mounting pressure to revamp its controversial random map system. While Kim acknowledges fan frustrations, he maintains technical limitations prevent region-wide map selection: "Implementing pick rates could double queue times in smaller regions." The studio's compromise – reducing rotation cycles from 14 to 7 days – has only partially appeased the community.

Current rotation strategy:

Region Maps Available Rotation Cycle
North America 8 Weekly
Asia 10 Bi-weekly
Europe 9 Weekly

Future of PUBG's Map Design

Despite Rondo's scale, Kim hints at downsizing future content: "We're testing Rondo districts as 2x2km Intense Battle Royale zones." This modular approach allows experimenting with urban verticality and rural choke points separately. The director reaffirms commitment to annual map releases but warns: "Quality gates remain non-negotiable – no rushed clones of existing biomes."

Concept art of Rondo's downtown area adapted for smaller-scale battles

People Also Ask

  • ❓ Will destructible walls come to School or Pochinki?

  • ❓ Can fireworks permanently damage vehicles?

  • ❓ Why don't birds react to suppressed gunfire?

FAQ

Q: Will older maps like Vikendi get destructible features?

Kim: "We're prototyping destructible ice walls for Vikendi's rework, but player surveys will decide implementation."

Q: Why can't regions with high player counts like Asia enable map selection?

"Even in populous regions, splitting queues by 10 maps would cripple matchmaking fairness. Our MMR system requires dense player pools."

Q: Will Rondo leave rotation after its 3-month 'honeymoon period'?

"Unlike Haven or Karakin, Rondo has permanent status. However, specific areas might get removed from rotation if unpopular."

Q: Is PUBG moving toward smaller maps permanently?

"Not at all! The 8x8km format remains our core identity. The modular zones simply let players experience new mechanics faster."

Close-up of destructible bamboo mechanics during squad combat

With Rondo setting new standards for environmental interactivity, PUBG proves it's still innovating in the battle royale space it pioneered. As Kim concludes: "Every bamboo cluster destroyed is a story created – that's the magic no other game offers."