Krafton has finally pulled back the curtain on its extraction shooter, PUBG: Black Budget, revealing both its core gameplay loop and a timeline for upcoming tests.

The developer launched the official Steam page on the 21st. First teased during a Q2 2022 earnings call under the codename 'Project Black Budget,' the game has been shrouded in mystery despite the involvement of key PUBG developers, leaving fans itching for any scrap of information.

According to the Steam page, PUBG: Black Budget is a first-person tactical extraction shooter where you step into the boots of a veteran mercenary infiltrating an isolated island to extract classified technology. The island itself is trapped in a time loop, with a supernatural phenomenon known as 'Anomaly' steadily shrinking the map and turning up the heat.

The action unfolds across a 2.5x2.5km open world in a classic PvPvE setup. You’ll be vying for survival against both other players and AI hostiles, with up to 45 players dropping in, either solo or in squads of three.

Beyond the gunfire, the game leans into hideout management and progression. You’ll need to scrounge resources to upgrade your 'Hideout' and curry favour with three competing factions to unlock quests. It is a familiar loop of skills, proficiency, upgrades, and weapon customisation that keeps you coming back for more.

If you are keen to jump in, testing is split into two sessions: the first runs from December 12th at 6:00 PM to December 15th at 4:59 PM, and the second from December 19th at 6:00 PM to December 22nd at 4:59 PM (all times based on KST). You can sign up via the Steam page, with access available for players in North America, Europe, and Asia.