PUBG: Black Budget Closed Alpha - Dates, Access, Regions, and More
KRAFTON has officially begun the first public testing phase for PUBG: Black Budget, and interest is ramping up quickly. This Closed Alpha marks the earliest opportunity for players to experience the game’s new PvPvE extraction-focused direction while providing critical feedback to the developers.
If you are wondering when the test takes place, how to gain access, which regions are supported, or what kind of game Black Budget actually is, this guide covers everything currently confirmed.
When Is the PUBG: Black Budget Closed Alpha
The Closed Alpha runs across two separate weekends, each spanning Friday through Sunday (PST). This staggered structure gives players multiple chances to participate and allows the development team to gather feedback between sessions.
Closed Alpha Schedule (PST):
• Weekend 1: December 12 (Friday) at 01:00 → December 14 (Sunday) at 23:59
• Weekend 2: December 19 (Friday) at 01:00 → December 21 (Sunday) at 23:59
Splitting the test into two sessions is a smart move. It gives the developers time to review early data, apply tuning changes, and evaluate performance under varying player loads during the second weekend.
Can Anyone Join the Closed Alpha
While this is not an open test, access is still attainable for many players. There are two official ways to enter the Closed Alpha:
1. Steam Playtest Invites
KRAFTON is sending out random Steam Playtest invitations to players who request access on the game’s Steam page. Selection is not guaranteed, and availability depends on capacity.
2. Twitch & Chzzk Drops
Players can also earn access keys by watching partnered Twitch or Chzzk streamers during the test period. To qualify, you must link your KRAFTON ID to your Twitch or Chzzk account.
Keys from Drops may be limited, so waiting until the final hours can significantly reduce your chances of getting one.
How Do You Sign Up for the Closed Alpha
The signup process is straightforward and handled entirely through Steam.
Steps to request access:
1. Visit the PUBG: Black Budget Steam page
2. Click “Request Access” under the Playtest section
3. Wait for a notification via Steam Alerts or email
If you earn a key through Twitch or Chzzk Drops, simply redeem it on Steam as you would any other product key.
If you receive both a Playtest invite and a Drop key, you may choose which one to activate. However, you cannot use both simultaneously.
Is There a Full Release Date for PUBG: Black Budget
No release date has been announced yet.
This Closed Alpha represents the very first public testing phase, with the development team primarily focused on:
• Early gameplay systems
• Combat pacing
• Extraction mechanics and balance
• Player progression flow
Given the scope and intent of this test, the full release is still some distance away. That said, a multi-weekend Alpha is a positive indicator that development is progressing steadily.
Which Regions Can Participate
Steam Playtest access is officially supported in the following regions:
• North America
• Europe (including CIS)
• Asia
Players outside these regions may still participate if they obtain a Twitch or Chzzk Drop key. However, those players should expect potential issues such as higher latency, unstable matchmaking, or longer queue times due to server distance.
Is the Closed Alpha PC-Only
Yes. The PUBG: Black Budget Closed Alpha is PC-only and available exclusively on Steam.
No console testing has been announced at this stage. Given that this is an early Alpha with frequent balancing and system changes, focusing on PC first is a standard and logical approach.
Additionally, the Alpha is a first-person perspective (FPP) only, allowing the developers to fine-tune a single, consistent gameplay experience during early testing.
Is There an NDA? Can You Stream or Record Gameplay
There is no NDA for the Closed Alpha.
Players are free to:
• Stream gameplay
• Record footage
• Upload clips and videos
• Discuss the game openly on social media and forums
This open approach suggests KRAFTON is actively seeking widespread feedback and visibility. Expect a large influx of gameplay videos across YouTube and streaming platforms during both weekends.
Will There Be More Tests After the Closed Alpha
Almost certainly. Most modern multiplayer games follow a structured testing pipeline: Closed Alpha → Closed Beta → Open Beta → Full Release
While KRAFTON has not officially confirmed future testing phases, additional tests will likely follow once feedback from this Alpha is reviewed and implemented.
What Kind of Game Is PUBG: Black Budget
Despite the PUBG branding, Black Budget is not a traditional battle royale. It is a PvPvE extraction shooter that blends PUBG-style gunplay with high-risk looting, exploration, and extraction decision-making. The closest comparison is Escape from Tarkov, though Black Budget maintains familiar tactical shooting mechanics for PUBG fans.
Core gameplay elements include:
• PvPvE encounters
• Tactical gunfights
• High-stakes loot extraction
• Strategic risk-versus-reward decisions
The Closed Alpha heavily emphasizes early systems and extraction balance, so expect frequent tuning and mechanical experimentation.
Final Summary
The PUBG: Black Budget Closed Alpha is a PC-only, FPP-focused test running across two weekends starting December 12 and December 19. Players can gain access through Steam Playtest invites or by earning keys via Twitch and Chzzk Drops. There are no NDA-supported regions, including NA, EU, and Asia, and the test focuses on early gameplay systems and extraction balance.
While a full release date has not been announced, this Alpha represents the first major step toward larger testing phases and eventual launch. If your hardware meets the requirements and you enjoy tactical extraction shooters, this is a test worth participating in. Follow MMOexp for the latest information, PUBG Black Budget items, Black Budget boosting services, and more. Good luck!
MMOexp PUBG Black Budget Team