Reliving the Classics: A Nostalgic Tour of PUBGs Original Battlefields

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has been a defining force in the battle royale genre since its release in 2017. While the game has evolved with new maps, mechanics, and updates, many players still hold a deep nostalgia for the original maps that shaped their early PUBG experiences. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the classic PUBG maps, focusing on their English names, key locations, and the unique gameplay elements that made them unforgettable.

Erangel: The Birthplace of PUBG

Overview

Erangel (pronounced "Eh-ran-gel") was the first map introduced in PUBG and remains one of the most iconic battle royale maps in gaming history. Set in a fictional post-Soviet island, Erangel features a mix of rural and urban environments, dense forests, and military bases, creating a balanced and unpredictable battleground.

Key Locations

• Pochinki: The heart of Erangel, this small town is infamous for its intense early-game firefights due to its central location and high loot density.
• School & Apartments: A hotspot for aggressive players, the School and nearby apartment buildings offer close-quarters combat and high-tier loot.
• Military Base (Mylta Power): Located in the southeast, this high-risk, high-reward area is a favorite for squads looking for top-tier gear.
• Georgopol: A large industrial area with warehouses and shipping containers, providing ample loot but also attracting many players.
• Prison & Hospital: Remote but loot-rich, these locations often lead to isolated but intense battles.

Gameplay Dynamics

Erangel’s open fields and rolling hills make long-range engagements common, requiring players to master sniping and positioning. The map’s unpredictable blue zone and vehicle-dependent rotations add to the tension, making every match unique.

Miramar: The Desert Wasteland

Overview

Miramar (pronounced "Meer-ah-mar") was PUBG’s second map, introducing a stark contrast to Erangel’s greenery. Set in a vast desert, Miramar emphasizes long-range combat, verticality, and strategic positioning.

Key Locations

• Pecado: A gambling town with an arena-style fight club, Pecado is a chaotic drop spot with non-stop action.
• Hacienda del Patrón: A luxurious villa with high-tier loot, often contested by squads.
• Los Leones: The largest city in Miramar, offering urban warfare with multi-story buildings and sniper perches.
• El Pozo: A factory town with tight corridors and industrial loot spots.
• Water Treatment: A remote but loot-heavy area with open sightlines, ideal for snipers.

Gameplay Dynamics

Miramar’s vast open spaces and lack of cover make movement risky, forcing players to rely on vehicles and smoke grenades. The map’s elevation changes and urban sprawls create diverse combat scenarios, rewarding tactical play over brute aggression.

Sanhok: The Tropical Jungle

Overview

Sanhok (pronounced "San-hok") was PUBG’s third map, offering a faster-paced, close-quarters experience. Inspired by Southeast Asian jungles, Sanhok is smaller than Erangel and Miramar, leading to quicker matches and constant engagements.

Key Locations

• Bootcamp: A military training ground with tight corridors and non-stop gunfights.
• Paradise Resort: A high-loot resort area with multiple buildings and flanking routes.
• Ruins: An ancient temple complex with vertical gameplay opportunities.
• Docks: A coastal area with shipping containers and close-range combat.
• Pai Nan: A riverside village with a mix of urban and natural cover.

Gameplay Dynamics

Sanhok’s dense foliage and frequent rainstorms reduce visibility, encouraging stealth and ambush tactics. The smaller play area means the blue zone moves faster, keeping players on the move and minimizing camping.

Vikendi: The Snowy Escape

Overview

Vikendi (pronounced "Vih-ken-dee") introduced a snow-covered map with a mix of medieval villages and modern structures. The dynamic weather system, including snowstorms, added a new layer of immersion.

Key Locations

• Dino Park: An abandoned amusement park with dinosaur statues, offering unique cover and loot.
• Castle: A high-ground fortress with multiple entry points, ideal for squad battles.
• Volnova: A large industrial city with warehouses and sniper nests.
• Cosmodrome: A rocket launch site with open areas and high-tier loot.
• Cement Factory: A multi-level complex with intense close-range fights.

Gameplay Dynamics

Vikendi’s snow mechanics, such as footprints, added a tracking element to gameplay. The map’s mix of open fields and tight urban zones required adaptability, making it a favorite for players who enjoyed both long-range and close-quarters combat.

Karakin: The Barren Desert

Overview

Karakin (pronounced "Kah-rah-kin") was a smaller, more experimental map set in a North African-inspired desert. It introduced destructible walls and a black zone that could destroy entire buildings.

Key Locations

• Hadiqa Nemo: A central town with underground tunnels and high loot.
• Bahr Sahir: A coastal village with tight alleyways and ambush spots.
• Al Habar: A ruined city with vertical gameplay opportunities.
• Zharki (Karakin Version): A remote area with hidden loot caves.

Gameplay Dynamics

Karakin’s fast-paced matches and destructible environments encouraged aggressive play. The black zone mechanic forced players to stay mobile, preventing prolonged camping.

Conclusion: The Legacy of PUBG’s Classic Maps

Each of PUBG’s original maps—Erangel, Miramar, Sanhok, Vikendi, and Karakin—brought unique gameplay experiences that shaped the battle royale genre. From Erangel’s balanced engagements to Miramar’s sniper duels, Sanhok’s jungle chaos, Vikendi’s snowy immersion, and Karakin’s destructible mayhem, these maps remain beloved by veterans and newcomers alike.

While PUBG continues to evolve with new maps like Taego and Deston, the classic maps hold a special place in the hearts of players. Whether you’re dropping into Pochinki for a nostalgic firefight or exploring Miramar’s vast deserts, these battlegrounds will always be remembered as the foundation of PUBG’s success.

What’s your favorite classic PUBG map? Let us know in the comments!

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