Unleashing the Epic Miramar Revamp: PUBG's Team Reveals an Unparalleled Realistic & Hardcore Experience

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Miramar is the go-to map for PUBG players seeking a more exhilarating experience away from the usual urban setting. Introduced in 2017 as the second map, following the forested cityscape of Erengal, Miramar offered a much-needed alternative with its vibrant landscape and expansive areas that challenged players to adapt their tactics.

With the 2023 version of PUBG featuring a total of 9 maps, both seasoned players and newcomers to the battle royale genre have a wide range of environments to choose from when they're in the mood for chaos. In an interview with Game Rant, Taehyun Kim, the In-Game Production Director of the PUBG team, explains how the Miramar update in Version 25.1 aims to enhance the intense appeal of the desert cityscape. This includes a renewed emphasis on tighter spaces and unique mechanics, further amplifying the hardcore nature of the map.

Realism Leads To Immersion

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Given the expansive nature of battle royale games like PUBG, it is nearly impossible for development teams to anticipate every possible approach players may take on a map like Miramar. This is why player interaction is often more invaluable than mere data. Therefore, much of the effort put into revamping Miramar focused on providing players with a gameplay environment that offers both realistic visuals and mechanics that facilitate more dynamic gameplay. This approach allows players to discover their own strategies and capitalize on the unique qualities of the map.

Considering the distinct features of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, numerous variables and opportunities arise from the interconnectedness of various locations on a vast map. It is essential to empower players to devise their own strategies when confronted with a map that boasts realistic locations.

Where Immersion Blends With Gameplay

The Miramar revamp focused on enhancing the graphics to create a more immersive experience for players in the map's iconic desert landscape. The remote areas on the map have been made more realistic, with an increased presence of PUBG vehicles in the paddy fields for easier travel. In addition, new residential areas have been added to the southern hemisphere of the map, featuring more houses along the roadways. Notable additions to the Miramar revamp include the stunning yet abandoned Resort, offering a breathtaking view of the southern seascape, and the lively Partona that contrasts the desolate cityscape of Miramar with its vibrant colors. Both areas provide ample opportunities for looting and engaging in combat.

Update 25.1 brings more than just upgraded looks to PUBG gameplay. The Miramar revamp takes immersion to the next level by introducing new gameplay mechanics. Alongside the creation of a bustling cityscape in condensed areas, Kim and the PUBG team have utilized Miramar's desert landscape to introduce a variety of environmental hazards.

We enhanced the snow map concept of Vikendi last year by introducing a Blizzard Zone that included strong winds and snowstorms. This inspired us to create a new feature that would be suitable for Miramar's natural environment, leading to the idea of the Sandstorm.

Similar to Vikendi's Blizzard Zone, the Sandstorm in the Miramar update inflicts constant damage while also impairing visibility and movement. Additionally, the Sandstorm extinguishes fires and disables electronic equipment, mimicking its real-life counterpart. To avoid the Sandstorm, players are encouraged to explore the revamped map's numerous locations. However, there is a risk of encountering snipers on the opposing end of classic Miramar's ridges. Thankfully, the updated map now includes a new Zipline feature, enabling faster movement between areas and giving players an advantage.

Ziplines have been introduced to allow players to navigate the islands and various ridges of Miramar more efficiently. They offer a quick and stealthy way to breach difficult-to-access enemy-guarded areas. By incorporating Ziplines, the game not only adds an exciting element to combat dynamics but also helps to overcome the challenging terrain of Miramar.

Although Ziplines make traveling between areas easier, they come with limitations. Players can only access SMGs and Handguns while using Ziplines, and their ability to reload is reduced. However, this feature can still be advantageous as players can quickly escape Sandstorms or surprise opponents on their way to a destination. The intense gameplay blends seamlessly with the realistic desert landscape of Miramar.

Familiar Should Be Fun, Not Boring

The Miramar revamp incorporates new mechanics and improved graphics, demonstrating an intentional effort by Kim and the team to preserve the map's classic appeal. As the second map to be introduced in PUBG gameplay, there is a certain sentimental value attached to its iconic areas. However, the development team recognizes that simply relying on familiarity does not always guarantee an enjoyable gameplay experience.

The allure of older maps lies in their familiarity, but there comes a point where familiarity can breed boredom, turning what was once an advantage into a drawback. With this in mind, we have introduced new updates while keeping the core elements of each map intact. Our goal is to provide a familiar yet refreshing experience that is enjoyable in a new and exciting way.

The philosophy of incorporating elements of the past into the present is evident in the redesign of Miramar. Residential areas have been strategically placed in the typically deserted southern hemisphere of the classic map, and housing sets have been updated. The major objective was to encourage players to change their tactics by rearranging remote locations. Analysis of data revealed that many players were opting for areas closer to the center, resulting in the neglect of various regions in Miramar. To revitalize these areas and make them more appealing, they have been moved closer to each other and their loot has been increased. Additionally, the introduction of Ziplines has provided a means of connecting these areas, further enhancing their potential as destinations for players to explore.

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