How to Join the PUBG: Black Budget Playtest — Full Guide for Players Who Want Early Access

PUBG: Black Budget is finally coming into view. A new extraction-style shooter from PUBG Studios. Fast movement. Dark atmosphere. Tense PvPvE fights. Looting inside collapsing districts. No wonder players everywhere are asking the same question:

"How do I qualify for the closed alpha test(Playtest)?"

This guide explains exactly that --- how to join, how to get invited, what to prepare, and how to play smoothly even if you're not close to the game's Korean servers.

What Is Closed Alpha Test(Playtest)?

The closed alpha test is the public hands-on session for PUBG: Black Budget. It's not a full release. It's not even early access. It's a limited test with limited slots.

Why it matters:

• You get to play the game before everyone else.
• No NDA this time. You can stream, record, clip, and share.
• Developers gather feedback directly from players.

For fans of extraction shooters, this is the moment to jump in early.

Closed Alpha Test Schedule

The test is split into two weekends. Easy to remember. Easy to plan for.

1. First Test Window: Dec 12 -- Dec 14, 2025
2. Second Test Window: Dec 19 -- Dec 21, 2025

Each weekend is short, but that's typical for a closed alpha test. Enough time to test servers, weapons, and the overall flow of the game.

How to Join the Closed Alpha Test?

There are two main ways to get access. Both are simple. But neither guarantees a slot, because the closed alpha test only accepts a limited number of players.

1. Request Access via Steam

This is the main and official method.

1. Go to the PUBG: Black Budget Steam store page.
2. Click the green "Request Access" button to complete the application.
3. Wait for the official eligibility notification.

If approved, Steam will unlock the closed alpha test on your account automatically.

This is the most important step, but remember: Requesting access does NOT guarantee acceptance.

2. Earn a Key via Official Streams (Twitch / Chzzk)

During the Black Budget test period, official channels will run live streams. Watching them can reward players with Drops --- sometimes including guaranteed test keys.

This method may seem simple, but it actually has drawbacks:

• The watch tasks take a long time, and you may not necessarily obtain testing eligibility.
• This means you need to keep the webpage open for a long time.
• It may interfere with other uses of your computer.

So, if you don’t want to spend a lot of time watching/keeping streams open, we have a better solution: GearUP Black Budget Twitch Drops — a feature that can help you AFK (idle) and complete the watch tasks. It’s built into the GearUP client, and you can also use it via the web.

What to Prepare for the Black Budget Playtest?

System Requirements - Make Sure Your PC Is Ready

PUBG: Black Budget isn't a lightweight title. Before the closed alpha test begins, double-check your system. The game needs modern hardware to run smoothly.

Minimum Requirements

• OS: Windows 11
• CPU: Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 (8 GB) / AMD RX 6600
• DirectX: 12
• Storage: 30 GB available

Recommended Requirements

• OS: Windows 11
• CPU: Intel i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD RX 6800
• DirectX: 12
• Storage: 30 GB available

If your PC matches the recommended specs, you'll enjoy smoother combat and better stability during the closed alpha test.

Important: Servers Are Located in South Korea

Here's the part many players overlook.

Although the closed alpha test is open to multiple regions --- including North America, Europe, and Asia --- the actual test servers are hosted in South Korea.

This matters for players outside Korea, because:

• Latency will be higher
• Hit-registration may feel inconsistent
• Rubber-banding can appear
• Extraction fights may become unfair
• PvPvE encounters may feel delayed

Even players in nearby regions like SEA or Japan may notice lag spikes due to the distance to Korea.

So, you’ll need GearUP — it automatically adjusts your connection so data is sent to the server more quickly and stably, lowering your ping in Black Budget and giving you a relatively stable, smooth experience even when connecting across regions. The biggest benefit of GearUP is that players don’t have to spend time tweaking network settings; it’s simple and easy to use, and after one-click acceleration you can just focus on the match.

Follow the steps below and you’ll find GearUP is extremely simple to use:

Step 1: Click this button to download GearUP.

Step 2: Search for PUBG Black Budget.

Step 3: Choose a server; “Auto” means GearUP will automatically connect you to the best server.

Step 4: Start acceleration, then launch the game — you can view real-time network changes through GearUP.

TL;DR

If you plan to participate in the PUBG: Black Budget Playtest, pay attention to the following reminders to help you get the best experience:

• Apply early on Steam --- don't wait.
• Use GearUP’s Twitch Drops feature to help you easily obtain playtest redemption codes.
• Prepare your PC and update drivers.
• Install GearUP ahead of time if you're outside Korea.
• Remember the test runs only on PC, and only in FPP mode.

The closed alpha test is your first real chance to see what PUBG's new extraction shooter feels like. If you love tense firefights, tactical looting, and risky extractions, this is definitely worth trying.