PUBG: DED.NET Announced: Roguelite Shooter Experience Set in 1990s Occult Horror World; CBT Applications Open

Summary

At gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, KRAFTON unveiled PUBG: DED.NET, the latest entry in the PUBG series. This time, the franchise abandons its realistic military survival shooter roots in favor of a 1990s occult horror aesthetic, blending roguelite mechanics into a multiplayer shooter experience. Players will dive into a supernatural fictional network world, cooperating with teammates to explore randomly generated stages, confront eerie monsters, and navigate unpredictable traps—each run offering a distinct challenge. The announcement also confirmed that closed beta (CBT) applications are now open via the official website. This surprising pivot marks PUBG's first foray into horror, underscoring KRAFTON's ambition to diversify and evolve beyond battle royale. The roguelite elements promise enhanced replayability and strategic depth, sparking discussions about the franchise's future direction. For fans of horror and shooter genres, this crossover is a highly anticipated experiment. For the industry, it signals that the PUBG universe is expanding into more varied gameplay territories, potentially attracting new audiences and setting a precedent for established IPs to reinvent themselves.