The famous Prop Hunt mode lands in PUBG with new rules

For April 1st, PUBG is shaking things up with the arrival of the famous Prop Hunt mode. No more classic battle royale, it’s time for a huge game of hide-and-seek where players transform into objects in the environment to escape ruthless hunters.

Traditionally, the developers at KRAFTON take advantage of April 1st to bring a dose of light-heartedness to their usually tough battle royale universe. After introducing giant chickens, 8-bit environments, and classes inspired by tabletop games in the past, this year the studio is opting for a classic online video game mode. Starting today, PUBG players can experience a complete reimagining of the popular hide-and-seek game mode, where discretion is more important than firepower.

Known by many video game enthusiasts, popularized by Garry’s Mod back in the day (which will have a spiritual sequel with s&box), the concept of Prop Hunt divides participants into two distinct camps. On one side, hunters must track and eliminate their targets. On the other, the prey can uniquely morph into elements of the environment to blend in. In this adaptation for KRAFTON’s battle royale, twelve players compete in sessions divided into three rounds, pitting three hunters against nine camouflaged targets.

The prey are not completely defenseless against armed assailants. To maximize their survival chances, hidden players have an arsenal of tactical tools. They can deploy decoys, change their appearance during the game, or use blinding and disorienting grenades. These abilities create exciting escape situations when cover is compromised.

The real innovation of this edition lies in the shooting mechanics for hunters. Unlike traditional versions where players unload their magazines on every suspicious pot or chair, this iteration imposes a major constraint. Every stray bullet that hits an ordinary object reduces the shooter’s health points.

This mechanic radically changes the hunters’ approach, requiring observation and restraint rather than blindly shooting. However, each round ends with a temporary acceleration phase called “Fever Time.” During this short period, the hunters have increased firepower and no longer receive penalties for missed shots, forcing the targets to be extra cautious.

To accompany this festive launch, the development teams have devised an original communication campaign, parodying traditional shopping TV shows. This initiative highlights the studio’s desire to offer a quirky experience, contrasting with the usual seriousness of competitive battles.

This new game mode is accessible now through the Arcade section of the main menu. The battles take place on several iconic maps from the game, including Rondo, Vikendi, and Miramar. Players eager to test their hiding or hunting skills must act fast, as the event will close its doors permanently on April 8th.