While being a crack shot and knowing the terrain can certainly help your chances when playing Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, knowing when to hide from potential foes can mean the difference between being one of the last few survivors (or even the very last survivor standing) and getting picked off early.
If you’re looking for tips on how to improve your survival odds, we’ve got you covered.
Staking A Claim
When a new match begins and players are hopping out of the plane to parachute in, you can ensure you’re not gunned down in the first five minutes by exhibiting a little patience and waiting to be one of the last players to jump out.
Once you’re parachuting down, try to pick a remote place to land, preferably not a popular hot spot like Sosnovka Military Base. Not only will you avoid being shot as soon as you touch the ground, you’ll also be able to search around for supplies unfettered. At least for a little while.
Just remember that, no matter how remote your landing zone is, you should move on sooner rather than later as other players will inevitably start spreading out (potentially in your direction), especially once map restriction kicks in.
My Four-Wheeled Friend
Cars can be an invaluable asset in Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, especially if you’re able to find one early. However, as you might imagine, trundling around in a loud vehicle isn’t exactly the smartest tactic if you’re trying to keep a low profile.
The best approach you can take is to find a vehicle and note where it is, but only use it if you absolutely must, like when map restriction begins and you find yourself far away from the new safe zone perimeters.
As more map restrictions are activated and the safe zone area shrinks, the need for a car will shrink as well, though you can still drive one somewhere and then keep an eye on it in the hopes that another player comes along and tries to use it themselves. Oh, and one more tip, when driving into safe zone perimeters, stop once you reach the edges. Driving straight into the center of a safe zone is a surefire way to become surrounded.
Peek-A-Boo
Even when you’re outdoors in Playerunknown's Battlegrounds, you’d be amazed how many different hiding spots are available to you. Lying down in tall grass or crouching behind a rock can save your life when it matters most, so make sure you pause occasionally to scan your surroundings even if there aren’t any immediate dangers.
Sitting around crouched in a bush may not sound very fun, but you’ll be glad you took the precaution when a player who otherwise would have spotted you wanders by none the wiser (and leaves them open to a surprise attack to boot).
When searching buildings, the same advice applies. If the building’s door is closed as you approach, make sure to re-close it behind you when you enter (and be on your guard if it’s already open). Avoid lingering in front of windows and, if you hear the door open after you’ve entered, find a hiding spot and try to ambush any enemy players who came in thinking the place is empty.
Dressing The Part
In most games, players tend to gravitate towards clothing that makes their character stand out and look unique, but in Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, you want to take the exact opposite approach: the drabber, the better.
Try to find clothing that’s dark and plain (black and camouflage are best) and a hat or a helmet that covers your character’s hair (you’d be amazed how often your character’s hair color can give you away). If you have access to a trench coat, so much the better, but it’s not a strict requirement.
The Home Stretch
This is really only something you can become better at through direct experience, but being properly prepared for when map restriction kicks in and the safe zone starts to shrink is really the best advice we can offer.
If you’re confident you have enough supplies and weaponry to hold out and potentially be the last survivor standing, you should try and find a good spot to hunker down and defend, preferably a structure of some kind so that you’re not out in the open.
For more on how to up your game in Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, be sure to read about the game’s various sniper rifles and where to find them.