Skip to main content

Soon you will be able to jump in ‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’

PLAYER UNKNOWN BATTLEGROUNDS Xbox One X Trailer (E3 2017)
On back to back days at E3, PlayerUnknown Battleground’s creator Brendan Greene too the E3 stage to discuss the massively multiplayer survival game. Fresh on the heels of announcing that the PC title will make its way to Xbox One later this year, Greene revealed major new updates for PlayerUnknown Battleground’s during the PC Gaming Show.

In the short term, Greene addressed a number of playability updates that many users have wanted since launch. The most notable? Well, users will soon be able to jump. Those who have played so far know that getting around in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds without a jump button can be pretty aggravating. With the update, players will be able to jump freely, and even vault over small barriers like fences, which will certainly make both evading and tracking down enemies much easier. Players will also be able to climb buildings, dive through windows, and slide across cars.

Recommended Videos

Up until now, it’s been either a bright, cloudless day or a torrential downpour on the battlefield. A new dynamic weather system will change that, by introducing new conditions that not only change the aesthetic, but affect gameplay. When it’s foggy, you won’t be able to see as far in front of you, and during a sunset, you may have a harder time aiming with the glare.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Greene also announced a new 3D replay replay system with slow motion features, and a free-roaming camera. After a match, you can go back and relive the carnage. This could serve as both a way to make awesome slow-mo replays for social media, and to devise new strategies for future matches.

The short term emphasis, overall, is to make PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds more stable and playable for its thriving user base.

As for long term updates, Bluehole Studio is currently working on two new maps. The first is set in desert ruins in Peru, while the second will be located on the snowcapped mountains near the Adriatic sea.

For more of our E3 coverage, tune in here.

Steven Petite
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven is a writer from Northeast Ohio currently based in Louisiana. He writes about video games and books, and consumes…
In 2024, early access video games went mainstream
Key art for The Rouge Prince of Persia Update 10.

In 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 demonstrated the strengths of putting a big game through early access ahead of a wide release. The RPG's successful years of early testing shaped it into a better game, making it a clear Game of the Year winner.

In 2024, early access games only continued to thrive. Some of the biggest games of the year, like Palworld and Hades 2, became big hits even though they were part of a Steam program that allows developers to release games before they hit 1.0 in order to get feedback from players to inform development. Other hits that popped up throughout the year -- like Enshrouded, Manor Lords, Abiotic Factor, and No Rest for the Wicked -- were all early access titles as well.

Read more
3 games leaving Xbox Game Pass you should play this weekend (December 20-22)
A custom car built drives around Lego 2K Drive.

No more new games are coming to Xbox Game Pass for the rest of 2024. In fact, the service is going to lose some games at the end of the month. All of the games leaving the service on December 31 are very entertaining, and the lineup encompasses wacky racing games, hardcore strategy games about the history of humanity, and goofy fighting games where players control cute animals. These games are worth checking out this weekend as they're leaving Microsoft's gaming subscription service very soon.
Lego 2K Drive
LEGO 2K Drive | Awesome Reveal Trailer | Coming May 19

Racing games are some of the most approachable ones out there, so it makes sense that the genre would be a perfect fit for a Lego game. Visual Concepts and 2K went a step further than they had to with Lego 2K Drive, though, adding large open areas full of missions and minigames to experience. Lego 2K Drive is a light and breezy arcade-like racer that doesn't ask too much from players unless they want to spend a lot of time building vehicles piece by piece. After this game leaves the service at the end of the month, Forza Horizon 5 will be your only option when it comes to open-world racing games on Xbox Game Pass.

Read more
3 new PS Plus games that you should play this weekend (December 20-22)
Frey in Square Enix's Forspoken.

The latest batch of new PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalog additions was released this week. As a result, PS Plus subscribers have a ton of new options when it comes to what to play as we approach what is many people's holiday break. Games from this most recent batch are what I'm recommending people check out this weekend. One of the titles is technically a Christmas game, so it's fitting to play this time of year, while my other recommendations are good options if you're looking for something to play with others.
Forspoken
Forspoken - Official Launch Trailer

Square Enix's Forspoken is a high-profile action RPG console exclusive that was released on PlayStation 5 in 2023. While its quip-heavy dialogue definitely isn't for everyone, the way it incorporates the player's magical abilities into combat and traversal is truly exhilarating. Dashing through large fields, surfing on top of water, and launching bullet-like streams of rocks at enemies is immensely satisfying. Forspoken's Isekai adventure technically begins with the main character, Frey, being whisked away from New York City around Christmas. That technically makes this a Christmas game, giving you all the more reason to check it out this weekend.

Read more