Miramar Revamped: Unleashing Intense Action and Thrilling Encounters in PUBG’s New Compact Battleground

Highlights

Miramar map in PUBG has been revamped with tighter areas and upgraded mechanics, offering familiar but fun gameplay for players.

The Sandstorm feature affects visibility and combat dynamics by impairing vision and gradually reducing player health.

To enhance mobility and enable strategic navigation on the challenging terrain of Miramar, ziplines have been implemented. However, only a limited range of weapons can be utilized while using the ziplines.

The arid deserts of Miramar have remained a beloved map for PUBG enthusiasts since its release in late 2017. It provides OG players with a refreshing change of pace from the game's forested cityscape of Erengal. In the 25.1 Update, PUBG has revamped Miramar, giving both veterans and newcomers to the battle royale title an enhanced desert map. The new version features tighter areas and upgraded mechanics.

In an interview with Game Rant, Taehyun Kim, the In-Game Production Director of the PUBG team, discusses the design philosophy behind the Miramar upgrades. Unlike other games that completely change their maps in large-scale reworks, the Miramar rework introduces new features while keeping the map's hardcore essence intact. This reflects the PUBG team's goal of enhancing the player experience in the game that popularized the battle royale genre. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Q: Can you provide more details about the key goals for the Miramar Update and how it will benefit new and returning players?

A: The Miramar Update aims to enhance the player experience by revitalizing maps and their gameplay. While old maps have their charm in being familiar, they can also become monotonous over time. In order to address this, we have introduced new updates while preserving the core elements of each map. Our goal is to offer a familiar yet enjoyable experience in a fresh way. With the updated Miramar, we hope to provide players with more opportunities for early-game loot, a wider range of movement paths, and strategic choices. At the same time, we strive to maintain the map's original concept and unique gameplay.

As developers of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, we are dedicated to consistently enhancing the map to enhance gameplay variety and equilibrium. Our objective is to disrupt the established meta and enhance accessibility for all players on Miramar.

A: How does the new Sandstorm feature function in conjunction with Miramar's existing dynamic weather system? When we introduced the concept of a snow map in Vikendi last year, we incorporated a Blizzard Zone with powerful winds and snowstorms. This inspired us to develop a new feature that is in sync with Miramar's natural surroundings, leading to the idea of the Sandstorm. As a result of Miramar's geographical attributes, the Sandstorm operates independently from the Dynamic Weather system.

A: How specifically does the Sandstorm feature impact combat? The Sandstorm drastically affects visibility, obstructing players' ability to see clearly. During combat, this limited vision can greatly alter the dynamics of the fight. Additionally, the Sandstorm slowly diminishes the health of players inside, regardless of their location - whether they are in a vehicle or inside a building. It also slightly slows down movement speed. Furthermore, the powerful gusts of wind extinguish Smoke Grenades and Molotovs, while the static electricity generated by the swirling sands renders certain electronic equipment useless, such as Jammer Packs, Drones, Spotter Scopes, Blue Chip Towers, and Blue Chip Transmitters.

With the activation of the Sandstorm, players are alerted through an in-game warning message, while its location is clearly indicated on the world map. This offers players the opportunity to anticipate the direction and path of the Sandstorm. It is advisable to assess its location and plan an alternative route to bypass the storm or execute a strategic maneuver to take advantage of the Sandstorm.

Q: The inclusion of ziplines introduces an additional dimension of mobility in PUBG, which is a crucial aspect in every match. How does this addition influence micro-rotations and the time gap between combat situations?

A: The team approached balancing ziplines by considering their impact on combat encounters and how they could improve the gameplay in Miramar.

With the introduction of Ziplines, players can strategically traverse the islands and diverse ridges of Miramar with ease. Difficult-to-reach areas, such as those guarded by enemies, can be swiftly breached using Ziplines, allowing for stealthy maneuvers. This feature not only adds an exciting element to combat dynamics but also helps address the challenging terrain of Miramar. To maintain balance, only a limited selection of weapons can be used while utilizing Ziplines. SMGs or Handguns are viable choices, but it is important to note that reloading becomes impossible once their ammunition runs out.

Q: Why were certain locations removed and were other potential locations considered?

A: Based on player landing data, less popular remote areas with low looting efficiency were identified and removed. Additionally, players tend to land in towns closer to the center due to the higher likelihood of the circle being located there. To address this, we have relocated remote areas closer to the center, ensuring a balanced gameplay experience, and improved the looting opportunities in these locations.

Q: In what way do the changes to certain areas, particularly Brick Yard and Truck Stop, align better with PUBG's current philosophy?

A: Maps are essential in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS as they offer players diverse gameplay experiences and introduce new changes. However, it is challenging for the Dev team to create a specific location that guarantees the intended gameplay experience for players.

Given the characteristics of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, it is essential to acknowledge the diverse variables and chances that arise from the interrelationships among different locations on an expansive map. To foster a truly immersive gaming experience, it is imperative that the map itself exudes a sense of realism. We aim to empower players to employ their unique strategies on a map that encompasses authentic and believable locales. To achieve this objective, we have meticulously enhanced the less favored locations, ensuring their realism while preserving their original concepts.

A: The design of the new Resort location in PUBG differs from other locales due to its unique concept. Derived from an abandoned retreat, the Resort stands gloriously atop a hill, providing breathtaking views of the expansive southern seascape. Unlike the densely populated house sets in the southern locations of Miramar, the Resort offers improved looting efficiency. Additionally, players no longer have to navigate through rough fields, as the challenging landscape has been eliminated. This becomes especially beneficial when the Blue Zone moves towards this area.

The paddy fields have been removed to improve gameplay, transforming the area into the Resort - an exciting new spot for scavenging. We have also made changes to the terrain to address issues players were facing in the absence of vehicles around the paddy fields. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the house sets and roadways.

Located by the sea, this location offers a vacation-like experience with breathtaking sunset views. The Resort appears stunning from the outside, but upon closer inspection, players may notice scribbles on the wall hinting at a mysterious past incident. This adds an intriguing element, leaving players curious about what transpired at this once beautiful resort.

A: The goal was to attract players to Partona by offering them a visually appealing landscape visible from the plane. Additionally, we decided to incorporate a tequila festival theme to create a vibrant atmosphere that contrasts with the typically barren feel of Miramar.

I want players to have a great time exploring the enhanced terrain, discovering new locations, and experiencing unique features like the Sandstorm and Ziplines. At the same time, I hope they appreciate the distinctive hardcore nature of Miramar.

[END]

The Miramar map revamp went live on August 2, 2023 alongside Update 25.1 of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.