The iconic map of Erangel, featured in the popular battle royale game PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Its sprawling landscape, diverse terrain, and strategic locations have made it a staple in the gaming community. However, a question that has lingered in the minds of many players is: Is Erangel a real place?
The Inspiration Behind Erangel
While the game’s developers, PUBG Corporation, have never explicitly stated that Erangel is based on a specific real-world location, it’s undeniable that the map draws inspiration from various sources. The developers have publicly acknowledged that the map’s design incorporates elements from various real-world locations, including:
H2: Russia and Eastern Europe:
Erangel’s overall aesthetic and geography strongly resemble regions of Russia and Eastern Europe. The map features sprawling forests, rolling hills, and large cities, all characteristic of these regions.
H2: The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone:
The abandoned military base, known as “Military Base” in-game, bears a striking resemblance to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a real-world location in Ukraine. The dilapidated buildings, overgrown vegetation, and eerie atmosphere evoke a similar sense of desolation and decay.
H2: The City of Sosnovka:
The central city on the Erangel map, Sosnovka, is a fictional creation but its design is influenced by real-world cities like:
- Moscow: The city’s layout and architecture share similarities with Moscow, including its iconic Kremlin-like building, reminiscent of the Kremlin in Moscow.
- St. Petersburg: Sosnovka’s sprawling streets, bridges, and waterways echo the layout of St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital.
Analyzing the Map’s Details
Beyond the general inspiration, certain specific details on the Erangel map further fuel speculation about its potential real-world counterparts:
H3: Abandoned Military Bases:
Erangel’s presence of multiple abandoned military bases, such as the aforementioned Military Base and the abandoned airfield, suggests a history of military activity, which aligns with the history of countries like Russia and Ukraine.
H3: The Novo City:
The large city of Novo on the map, located on the coast, features a distinctive lighthouse. While no specific real-world lighthouse is a direct match, the lighthouse’s design and its location on a coastal city resemble many lighthouses found in coastal regions of Russia and Eastern Europe.
H3: The Geographic Features:
The map’s geographical features, including its sprawling rivers, dense forests, and mountainous terrain, are typical of regions in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Separating Fact From Fiction
While Erangel undoubtedly draws inspiration from real-world locations, it’s important to remember that it’s primarily a fictional creation. The developers have combined various elements from different locations to create a unique and immersive gaming experience.
H4: The Fictional Narrative:
The in-game lore surrounding Erangel suggests a fictional narrative of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war. This narrative is not based on any specific real-world event or location.
H4: The Artistic License:
The game’s developers have taken artistic license to create a map that is both visually appealing and strategically engaging. This involves exaggerating certain features and combining elements from different locations to create a unique and distinctive landscape.
Conclusion: A World of Its Own
While Erangel is undoubtedly inspired by real-world locations, it’s ultimately a fictional world built by the game’s developers. The map’s success lies in its ability to capture the essence of real-world locations while creating a unique and immersive gaming experience. It’s a testament to the developers’ ability to combine real-world inspiration with creative imagination to craft a world that has captivated millions of players around the globe.
While the mystery of Erangel’s exact real-world counterpart may never be definitively solved, the map’s enduring popularity and its impact on the gaming community is undeniable. It serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the ability of video games to create captivating and unforgettable worlds that continue to inspire and entertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Erangel a real place?
No, Erangel is not a real place. It is a fictional island created for the popular battle royale game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). While the map is inspired by real-world locations, the island itself doesn’t exist in reality. The game developers combined elements from different locations to create the unique landscape of Erangel, including the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and the rural villages of Eastern Europe.
2. Where is Erangel based on?
Erangel is inspired by several real-world locations, primarily in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. The mountainous terrain and dense forests resemble areas like the Caucasus Mountains and the Carpathian Mountains. The villages and settlements on the map are inspired by traditional villages found in rural Russia and Ukraine. However, Erangel combines these elements into a fictional island, creating a unique and immersive setting for the game.
3. Are there any real-world locations that resemble Erangel?
While Erangel is fictional, some real-world locations share similarities with specific areas on the map. For example, the mountainous region of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia and Georgia resembles the mountainous terrain of Erangel. Additionally, the city of Chernarus in the popular game DayZ, which is based on the Czech Republic, shares visual similarities with the urban areas of Erangel.
4. Did the developers say anything about Erangel’s inspiration?
The PUBG developers have not explicitly stated the specific inspiration behind Erangel’s creation. However, they have acknowledged that the map is inspired by real-world locations and has elements drawn from different regions. The overall aesthetic and layout of the map suggest a combination of Eastern European and Russian influences.
5. What are some of the real-world inspirations for Erangel’s locations?
The iconic locations on Erangel, like the city of Novorepnoye, the abandoned prison, and the military base, are all inspired by real-world locations. The city is based on typical Eastern European urban centers, while the prison and military base are inspired by similar facilities found in Russia and Ukraine. The developers aimed to create an atmosphere of realism and authenticity by referencing real-world structures and landscapes.
6. Is there any evidence of Erangel’s existence in the real world?
There is no evidence to suggest that Erangel exists as a real place. The map is entirely fictional and created within the game’s universe. The inspiration for the map comes from real-world locations, but the island itself is a product of the developers’ imagination and creativity.
7. What is the purpose of using real-world inspiration for Erangel?
The developers of PUBG used real-world inspiration for Erangel to create a more immersive and relatable experience for players. By referencing real-world locations, the map feels more grounded and familiar, even though it is entirely fictional. This approach allows players to connect with the environment and feel a sense of immersion in the game’s world.