PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is joining in the April Fools fun with a huge, fantasy-themed game mode. The limited-time mode, dubbed “Fantasy Battle Royale,” has players take on the role of traditional tabletop RPG classes. The characters are based on Dungeons & Dragons classes of Paladin, Barbarian, Ranger, and Wizard. Each one comes with their own set of skills and attributes, cobbled together from equipment found on the fantastical Dragon’s Isle (which is actually just Erangel).
In the announcement, PUBG Corp says that, due to the impact of COVID-19, they wanted to ensure that players had opportunities to interact while maintaining social distancing. “In a time when people are keeping themselves safe and indoors, we believe that video games offer a diversion from solitude and a way to be social while still staying safely apart,” said PUBG Corp. “For these reasons, we’ve chosen to go forward with our planned event in hopes that it offers a little bit of lighthearted fun during this necessary isolation.”
For this reason, PUBG will not require players to make additional purchases to earn all rewards from the event. Fantasy Battle Royale also introduces a crafting system to PUBG, as a test to see how to implement it in the main game.
PUBG’s DM Guide
Players will pick their classes once matchmaking starts. Squads can have multiples of classes, but players of the same class will have to share loot. Meanwhile, the blue zone will be revealed before the match starts, and it will close much faster than a regular PUBG match.
Here are all the basics:
- Fantasy BR takes place on the Dragon’s Isle (Erangel)
- TPP only, 20 Squads of 4 (maximum of 80 players per match)
- Fantasy BR does not support 1 man or 3 man squad but will automatically find suitable companions for you
- Friendly fire is disabled (unless we’re talking the mendingstar and heal bomb, which are the friendliest fire of all)
- Fantasy BR does not grant XP rewards but BP is earned based on your total gameplay time
- Fantasy BR matches don’t count towards the Survivor Pass. However, there are separate Fantasy BR exclusive missions
- Complete Fantasy BR exclusive missions to earn special Fantasy BR mode rewards
Choose your fighter
Each class has unique weapons and abilities tied to it, all with a PUBG twist. The barbarian recovers HP over time while boasting high speed and strength stats. Rangers can attack from a distance and make for the perfect stealth class. Wizards can shoot fireballs and call down meteors to attack enemy squads. Rounding out the party is the paladin, a healing and tanking class to keep the squad moving.
Just like PUBG‘s normal Battle Royale, the last squad standing takes home Ye Old Chicken Dinner. Players can also earn the new in-game currency of Gold, which they can use to purchase special event content. Eight costumes can be earned, two for each class. If players want to unlock everything early, they can also purchase the set for $9.99.
Fantasy Battle Royale is live now and will be up until April 11. For more PUBG news, make sure to follow Daily Esports. We’ll see you on Dragon’s Isle!