PUBG Vikendi map: vehicles, size, best start locations and snow map strategies

PUBG's Vikendi Map, is the game's first snow map, and one of its most unusual, with some unique features and playstyles specific to it.

It's an interesting one, sitting in the mid-size territory between the smaller Sanhok and larger Erangel and Miramar maps, and it brings some new mechanics and strategic elements like footprints with it, too.

Here, we'll run through some suggestions for the best Vikendi start locations as well as some Vikendi strategies that we've picked up from our time with it, plus all the essential details on exlusive Vikendi vehicles and gear, too.

This page is part of our guides to each of PUBG's maps. For more, head to our dedicated pages on Sanhok, Erangel and Miramar, Vikendi or look at all of the best PUBG loot locations in one place.

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PUBG snow map Vikendi explained - map size, footprints and details

Vikendi, PUBG's new "snow map", mixes up the formula of regular maps like Erangel and Miramar, with it slotting into a new, medium size between those larger maps and the more recent, pocket-size Sanhok. Here's a look at the map itself before we dive into specifics.

Snow Map Vikendi size, footprints, new parachuting and other new details

Vikendi is a 6x6 map, plonking it firmly between the 4x4 kilometre map of Sanhok and the 8x8 kilometre Erangel and Miramar ones as we noted above. In effect, it's designed to play like a hybrid of the two sizes, too: a little faster than the two large ones but a little more 'tactical' than Sanhok, and in practise that's largely the case.

The other main Vikendi-specific feature to note is the addition of footprints, which seem pretty insignificant but can, in some cases, make a real difference to your approach. They're essentially the open doors of the wilderness, if you want to sound poetic - or in other words they're an indicator that someone has been there recently.

They last for ten minutes as one keen player, TheDirewolf, shows in this video, which if anything actually makes them slightly less impactful: with Vikendi matches lasting around twenty minutes, a ten minute timer on footprints means the person who was once in that spot could be long gone by now.

There are changes to vehicles on Vikendi, too: regular vehicles, including four-wheel-drives like the Jeep, will struggle in snow, particularly when going up-hill, and will slide around a little when trying to steer - which is fun! That's mitigated by the introduction of a new vehicle, the Snowmobile, which is a rather gorgeous two-seater that handles much better on snow, but much worse on regular terrain like roads and regular ground.

The newer form of parachuting, too, means that almost the entire Vikendi map is available from the off on almost any flyover route, but you'll of course be landing much later than your opponents if you choose to glide over a long distance.

Let's Play PUBG Vikendi Gameplay with Aoife and Ian - THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS

Watch on YouTube

PUBG update #29 is live: here's our guide to the latest PUBG patch notes for update 29 to get you up to speed. Meanwhile, we've dedicated pages on the Sanhok map, Erangel map and Miramar map and Vikendi map, too. If you're after some broader advice, our list of PUBG tips and tricks, PUBG weapon damage stats and the best weapons and best PUBG loot locations can help.

Vikendi vehicles, items and unique features

Vikendi has several unique characteristics, including Vikendi-specific vehicles, weapons and even weather conditions. Here's a rundown of what's special to this map in particular.

Vikendi Unique vehicles:

• Snowmobile - 2 seater land vehicle
• Snow Bike - 2 seater snow motorbike
• Zima - 4 seater SUV replacing the UAZ

Vikendi Unique weapons:

• MP5K - SMG replacing the Vector

Weather, night more and other things unique to Vikendi:

• Vikendi has three kinds of weather available: Day (clear), Snow, Moonlight (night).

PUBG Vikendi start locations and snow map strategies

After a slightly imbalanced launch (DMR attachments, anyone?) Vikendi has settled down into a rather unique blend of Erangel and Sanhok, with some added tactical elements like footprints and nighttime weather thrown into the mix. Here's a look at our picks for the best Vikendi start locations and Vikendi strategies so far.

PUBG Vikendi best start locations:

• Secret Loot Cave - This is found at the dark spot on the map between Peshkova and Podvosto. Look for a rocky wall, and crash into it with a vehicle or throw a grenade at it to break the rocks to find a secret tunnel to a cave full of loot! This used to feature Crate-exlusive items but has now been nerfed, since the secret's out. Still a fantastic, small area with a very high density of high-quality loot.
• Cosmodrome - A big, fun area, but stay away from the main tower, as the loot is too spread out in there. Stick to the smaller surrounding buildings though and you'll do very well.

• Dobro Mesto - The large central building has fantastic loot (we've found level three helemts, armour and backpacks all in one go before), and there are plenty of buildings around it to supplement. Also a safer bet being away from the busy centre of the island which helps.
• Dino Park - The loot is slightly spread out, but it's perfect for a solo or duo run in particular, which a medium amount of high-quality stuff.
• Castle - A huge amount of loot at a good quality, but it's dangerously central and relatively cut off, making it hard to escape safely. It's also easy to get lost in, so it's not the fastest to sweep for gear, but almost always worth the risk.
• Villa - PUBG loves a good central villa full of loot. Not quite as good as Miramar's Hacienda but not far off. Expect a fight though!
• Volnova - Very high loot density, but as it's a typical large town it's going to take you time to work through all the separate buildings, and there'll always be someone there, which doesn't make it any easier.
• Winery - A personal favourite, the Winery, which you can quickly follow up with the Abbey, has loads of good loot in relative close proximity, and it's quieter than most other spots, being down on one coast of the island. Why not stay a while and relax here with a glass of red?

Remember to head to our dedicated PUBG loot locations page too, for a look at where to loot on every map in more detail!

PUBG snow map strategies

• Dress for the occasion - If you're really keen, have a set wardrobe of gear you can equip when you know you're going to be playing Vikendi. Go for light coloured clothes if you're going to be quitting and retrying until you get a daytime game, or black and dark clothes if you want a night map!
• Beware your own tracks, and look out for others - vehicles in particular leave big, obvious tracks in the snow. Factor in the way tracks disappear after a set amount of time, and leaving tracks of your own, or spotting others, is a big clue for enemies or yourself. Be especially aware of leaving footprints if you're planning on camping somewhere, as they'll make it extra easy for someone to find and flank you.
• Vikendi is one of the stealthiest maps - between the camouflage-friendly environment, the moderate size and the varied, hilly terrain, Vikendi is great for stealthy players. A sniper or DMR combined with a flexible AR is the go-to loadout for most players.

As we mentioned above, we'll be looking at these in more detail in the coming days and weeks, and will circle back to update with some more detail as the slightly strange loot situation settles down.