Get ready for a blast from the past, folks, as the latest iteration of PUBG, DED.NET, promises to shake things up with its unique blend of shooter gameplay and roguelite progress. Announced during Opening Night Live 2026, this new game is not just a mode for the existing PUBG battle royale experience, but a whole new beast altogether. I had the chance to sit down with PUBG creative director, Dave Curd, to dive deeper into the makings of DED.NET and what inspired this wild new direction.
The Birth of DED.NET
Dave Curd’s vision for DED.NET was born out of a desire to create a game that would appeal to a new audience, one that might not have been served by the traditional PUBG experience. With its roots in the automotive industry, Curd drew inspiration from the idea that a single company can produce multiple models to cater to different audiences. In the case of PUBG, this meant creating a new game that would offer a fresh take on the battle royale genre. As Curd puts it, “PUBG is an infinite story engine tool, so that got me to ask the question: ‘Could we be the first game to have a battle royale go on a multi-match journey and extend that story?'”
A New Kind of Battle Royale
DED.NET promises to deliver a unique experience that combines the best of battle royale with the excitement of roguelite gameplay. Players will embark on a multi-match journey, with each game building upon the last. The twist? You don’t need to win every match to progress. Instead, you’ll earn “career hit points” that will determine your overall progress. As Curd explains, “If you’re the first one out, you might lose 20 of those 100 hit points. But, if you kind of finish in the middle of the pack, you might only lose five or 10 hit points.” This new system opens up a whole new world of possibilities, where players can experiment with different strategies and playstyles without the pressure of having to win every single match.
Deck-Building and Injuries
One of the most exciting features of DED.NET is its deck-building system. Players will have access to a wide range of abilities and injuries, which will add a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay. With over 75 abilities to choose from, players will be able to craft unique builds that suit their playstyle. But beware, as injuries can also be added to the mix, making each match a thrilling and unpredictable experience. As Curd boasts, “We’ve got something for any kind of player fantasy.” From the mundane to the bizarre, DED.NET’s deck-building system promises to deliver a level of customization and replayability that’s unmatched in the battle royale genre.
The Perfect Blend of Old and New
DED.NET is not just a rehashing of old ideas, but a bold new direction for the PUBG franchise. While it retains the core elements that made PUBG a success, it also introduces a slew of new features and gameplay mechanics that will appeal to both old and new fans. As Curd puts it, “We’re not just only going to be reading surveys, and we read all of them, but we are also going to vigorously check what they did in game.” This dedication to community feedback and player engagement is a testament to the team’s commitment to creating a game that truly resonates with its audience.
In conclusion, DED.NET is a game that promises to shake things up in the battle royale genre. With its unique blend of shooter gameplay and roguelite progress, it’s an experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats. As Dave Curd so aptly puts it, “If you like raw, unhinged, points of view and if you’re willing to try something that no one is doing, I think this is the game for you.” So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the beta and get ready to experience the future of battle royale gaming. Just don’t forget to pack your sense of humor and a healthy dose of skepticism, because in the world of DED.NET, anything can happen, and probably will.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
