By Sagar V. Mankar 
KRAFTON and PUBG Studios have recently unveiled Project ARC, an innovative spin-off that dramatically departs from PUBG’s traditional battle royale format.
While PUBG: Battlegrounds established itself with immersive first and third-person perspectives, Project ARC opts for a top-down view. This dramatic shift represents more than just a change in camera angle – it’s a complete reimagining of the PUBG combat experience.
According to the press release, the developer stated that this new 5v5 top-down tactical shooter promises to deliver “an unprecedented gaming experience” by combining realistic shooting mechanics with a unique perspective rarely seen in competitive shooters.
What Makes Project ARC’s Gameplay Unique?
Unlike conventional top-down shooters, Project ARC introduces several groundbreaking features:
- Realistic shooting mechanics including target height and hit zones
- Destructible environments
- Gun recoil system
- Character-specific weapons from the PUBG universe
- Unique gadgets like Med Kits and Grenade Launchers
- Shared line-of-sight mechanics for enhanced team coordination
What Game Modes Will Be Available?
At launch, Project ARC will feature two primary game modes:
- Team Deathmatch: Fast-paced combat focused on eliminations
- Demolition: A strategic mode similar to Valorant, featuring a unique “Decrypter” hacking device instead of traditional bombs
What Combat Features Set Project ARC Apart?
The game introduces several innovative combat elements:
- Deep CQB (Close-quarters Battle) cooperative tactics
- Real-time line of sight shared with teammates
- Various specialized gadgets and weapons
- Tactical elements like wall destruction and barricades
- Unique character abilities and loadouts
How Does Project ARC Connect to the PUBG Universe?
Unlike other spinoffs like The Callisto Protocol, Project ARC maintains direct ties to the PUBG universe. This connection is evident through:
- Familiar weapons from PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
- Iconic gadgets like the Blue Zone Grenade
- The innovative Folded Shield system
- Various elements from PUBG’s military combat style
What’s Behind the Development?
Interestingly, Project ARC is being developed by a small but dedicated team of less than 15 people. According to PUBG Studios’ statement to Digital Trends, this small team size allows for “swift and bold experimentation” in game development, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the gaming industry.
Why Compare Project ARC to Helldivers?
An interesting parallel emerges when comparing this move to Arrowhead Game Studios’ evolution with Helldivers. While Helldivers made the successful transition from top-down to third-person view with its sequel, Project ARC is taking the opposite path. This creates an intriguing case study in gaming evolution, though with a unique twist:
- Helldivers 2 found massive success with its perspective shift, selling over 12 million copies
- Project ARC faces the challenge of moving against the traditional gaming current
However, considering PUBG Studios’ established history of innovating within gaming genres and the loyal fanbase from PUBG: Battlegrounds, Krafton may well find success with a new genre.
What Could This Mean for Gaming’s Future?
Project ARC’s release could potentially:
- Revitalize interest in top-down shooters
- Create a new hybrid genre combining tactical gameplay with accessible perspectives
When Can We Expect to Play Project ARC?
Key release details include:
- Early Access launch on PC via Steam in 2025
- Potential console release following controller support implementation
- No mobile version is planned at the moment.
- Final pricing model (free-to-play vs. premium) still under consideration
While Project ARC represents a significant gamble for PUBG Studios, it also showcases the studio’s commitment to innovation. Whether this bold move will pay off remains to be seen, but the rapidly evolving gaming industry has shown that taking risks can lead to revolutionary success.