PUBG expands loot boxes and tests a new type of microtransaction

PlayerUnknown’s Battleground’s second major post-release update is currently live on the test servers, bringing with it changes to how PUBG Corp handles cheating, performance and balance tweaks. PUBG is also expanding its loot crates as well as possibly adding in a new type of microtransaction, but in a bid to minimalise controversy, it has also disclosed the drop rates.

Until now, loot crates in PUBG have been tame, with players unable to buy them with real world currency. Instead, loot crates were bought with in-game currency called Battle Points, earned by performing well in matches. Now, PUBG Corp is introducing keys which cost £1.85 / $2.50 a pop to open a selection of premium loot crates.

This new system will be tested with an exclusive two crates, one of which will be free and the other requiring the purchased key to unlock. Of course, testers aren’t expected to pay for keys, with each being given 100,000 Battle Points and 6 Early Bird keys to try it out, and neither will be transferred to the main servers once the patch goes live.

Desperado is the new paid loot box, with Biker being the free one, opened with Battle Points. Each will have a high rate of 40 percent drop rate on the test server in comparison to the older ones, Wanderer and Survivor sitting at 10 percent each. This is likely to be more balanced on the main server, after testing purposes have been served.

While the publisher, Bluehole has assured fans that “crate items are purely cosmetic in nature and provide no gameplay advantage,” there is still a randomised element to which crate a player might receive once they spend their Battle Points, meaning at any point a player might get lumped with crates that they cannot open.

Further trying to achieve balance, PUBG Corp has implemented a limit of 6 paid Desperado crates being opened in a week to prevent people abusing the system and getting caught by addiction. Moreover, the rarest items are placed in the free Biker crate, although there are still incredibly rare items sitting in the paid crate too.

It seems that all loot box content is still set to remain purely cosmetic, with each new addition having their drop rate disclosed upon release.

Desperado Crate Items:

• Sleeveless Turtleneck Top (Gray): 8.00%
• Leather Boots (Black): 8.00%
• Punk Knuckle Gloves (Black): 7.50%
• Baggy Pants (Black): 7.50%
• Striped Tank-top: 7.50%
• Wide Pants (Red): 7.50%
• Punk Knuckle Gloves (Red): 7.00%
• Sleeveless Turtleneck (Black): 7.00%
• Baggy Pants (Brown): 5.00%
• Long Leather Boots (Brown): 5.00%
• Striped Shirt (Gray): 5.00%
• Beanie (Brown): 5.00%
• Horn-rimmed Glasses (Black): 4.50%
• Training Pants (Light Blue): 4.50%
• Leather Boots (Brown): 4.50%
• Horn-rimmed Glasses (Brown): 2.50%
• Aviator Sunglasses: 1.30%
• Checkered Jacket: 1.30%
• Long-sleeved Leather Shirt: 0.60%
• Leather Hoodie (Black): 0.32%
• Leather Hoodie (White): 0.32%
• Cloth Mask (Leopard): 0.16%

Biker Crate Items:

• Long-sleeved T-shirt (Red): 15.00%
• School Shoes (Brown): 15.00%
• raglan shirt: 10.00%
• T-shirt (Pink striped): 10.00%
• Polka Dot T-shirt: 10.00%
• Dirty Long-sleeved T-shirt: 10.00%
• School Shoes (Black): 5.00%
• Skinny Jeans (Khaki): 5.00%
• Gas Mask (Half): 4.50%
• Beanie (Gray): 4.50%
• Sleeveless Turtleneck (Red): 4.50%
• Skinny Jeans (Pink): 2.50%
• Patrol Cap (Brown): 1.20%
• Sleeveless Turtleneck (Gray Striped): 1.20%
• Patrol Cap (Gray): 0.40%
• Biker Pants (Black): 0.40%
• Floral Shirt (White): 0.26%
• Sneakers (Black): 0.26%
• Padded Jacket (Purple): 0.06%
• Princess Power Tank-top: 0.06%
• Floral Shirt (Black): 0.05%
• Biker Pants (Gray): 0.05%
• Aviator Goggles: 0.03%
• Sleeveless Biker Jacket (Brown): 0.01%
• Sleeveless Biker Jacket (Black): 0.01%
• Cloth Mask (Checkered): 0.01%

KitGuru Says: Loot boxes will always be controversial, however keeping it cosmetic is definitely one way to appease people. Still, this all seems a little much for a title so soon after release. How do you feel about PUBG’s new loot crates?

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