PUBG: Battlegrounds is the battle royale that launched the genre into the mainstream, dropping 100 players onto massive maps with realistic gunplay and vehicle mechanics. Now free-to-play, the game features seven maps ranging from the classic 8x8km Erangel to the compact 2x2km Karakin. PUBG's emphasis on realistic bullet physics with bullet drop, travel time, and zeroing makes it the most mechanically demanding BR. The game continues to receive regular updates with new maps, weapons, and seasonal content.
PUBG: Battlegrounds features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erangel | All skill levels | Core PUBG experience, balanced loot, diverse engagements | Sniper |
| 2 | Miramar | Intermediate+ (favors snipers) | Long-range combat skills, vehicle rotation mastery | Sniper |
| 3 | Sanhok | All skill levels (action-heavy) | Fast-paced combat practice, frequent engagements | Aggressive Pusher |
| 4 | Vikendi | Intermediate+ | Tracking skills, snow camo meta, moderate-pace gameplay | Aggressive Pusher |
| 5 | Taego | All skill levels | Second chance mechanics, unique loot items, diverse terrain | Aggressive Pusher |
Erangel — Starting Area
The original 8x8km map with the most diverse terrain — cities, farms, military bases, and forests. Pochinki, School, and Military Base are famous hot drops. The military island bridge creates iconic choke points. The most balanced and played map.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All skill levels |
| Key Rewards | Core PUBG experience, balanced loot, diverse engagements |
| Recommended Build | Sniper |
| Key Equipment | Beryl M762 |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of bullet drop physics — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Miramar.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Miramar — Early Game
An 8x8km desert map with long sightlines, rolling hills, and sparse cover. Sniping dominates here. Pecado and Hacienda are hot drops. Vehicles are essential due to the map size. The most punishing map for poor positioning.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate+ (favors snipers) |
| Key Rewards | Long-range combat skills, vehicle rotation mastery |
| Recommended Build | Sniper |
| Key Equipment | Beryl M762 |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering vehicle combat — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Beryl M762 if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Sanhok.
Sanhok — Mid Game
A 4x4km tropical map with dense vegetation and fast-paced gameplay. The smaller size means more frequent engagements and faster zone closings. Bootcamp is the hottest drop. Loot density is high, so even cold drops get decent gear.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All skill levels (action-heavy) |
| Key Rewards | Fast-paced combat practice, frequent engagements |
| Recommended Build | Aggressive Pusher |
| Key Equipment | Beryl M762 |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- M416 becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master zone rotation for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Vikendi — Late Game
A 6x6km snow map with footprint tracking — enemy footprints in snow reveal their path. Moderate size balances action with strategy. Dino Park and Castle are popular POIs. The tracking mechanic adds unique tactical depth.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate+ |
| Key Rewards | Tracking skills, snow camo meta, moderate-pace gameplay |
| Recommended Build | Aggressive Pusher |
| Key Equipment | M416 |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- M416 should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- leaning mechanics mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Taego.
Taego — Endgame
An 8x8km Korean-themed map with comeback mechanics — eliminated players can return via the Comeback BR arena. Unique self-revive item and environmental storytelling. Palace and Resort are popular drops.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All skill levels |
| Key Rewards | Second chance mechanics, unique loot items, diverse terrain |
| Recommended Build | Aggressive Pusher |
| Key Equipment | M416 |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Bridge Camper for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Erangel → Miramar → Sanhok → Vikendi → Taego. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More PUBG: Battlegrounds Guides
- PUBG: Battlegrounds PUBG: Battlegrounds Overview
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Best Builds
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Tier List
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Walkthrough
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Beginner's Guide
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Tips & Tricks
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Weapons Guide
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Combat Guide
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Boss Guide
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Crafting Guide
- PUBG: Battlegrounds Classes & Characters
