Introduction: Movement is Life
In PUBG, your life is often decided before the first shot is even fired. Superior positioning and unpredictable movement can give you an insurmountable advantage. This guide explores advanced techniques that separate amateur players from seasoned veterans. Mastering these will make you a harder target to hit and a more effective hunter.
The Fundamentals of Peeking
Peeking (using Q and E) is a fundamental skill, but its advanced application is an art form. The goal is to expose as little of your body as possible while gathering information or taking a shot.
- Right-Hand Advantage: Due to the third-person camera perspective, peeking from the right side of an object exposes less of your body than peeking from the left. Always try to position yourself to take advantage of this. Force enemies to peek into you from their left.
- The "Shoulder Peek": This is a quick, information-gathering peek. You tap your peek key just long enough for the third-person camera to see around the corner, but not long enough for your character's head to be fully exposed. It's a safe way to check for enemies without risking a headshot.
- Crouch Peeking: Combining a peek with a crouch (C) can throw off an enemy's crosshair placement. You can peek, fire a few shots, and then uncrouch and re-peek from a slightly higher position, making you a difficult target.
Mastering Cover
Cover is not just something you hide behind; it's a tool you use to control engagements.
- Hard vs. Soft Cover: Hard cover (rocks, buildings) is impenetrable. Soft cover (trees, haystacks) can be shot through. Always be aware of what kind of cover you are using. A tree will not save you from a player with an MG3.
- Using Terrain as Cover: The most abundant cover on any map is the terrain itself. Use small dips, hills, and ridge-lines to your advantage. Going "prone" (Z) on the crest of a hill can make you nearly invisible to players below.
- Never Stand Still: Even behind hard cover, avoid standing still. A good sniper will be waiting for you to re-peek from the exact same spot. Constantly adjust your position.
The Art of Silent Movement
Sound is one of the most critical sources of information in PUBG. Denying your enemy that information is a powerful tactic.
- Silent Crouch Walking: Holding the "Walk" key (Left Ctrl by default) while crouched will make your movement almost completely silent. This is essential for repositioning within a building without alerting enemies.
- Weapon Swapping and Reloading: Be mindful of the sounds you make. Reloading or swapping weapons creates a distinct audio cue. Only do so when you are certain you are safe, or use the sound to bait an enemy into pushing you.
- Masking Sound: You can use the sound of the blue zone, red zone explosions, or passing airplanes to mask the sound of your own movements. This is the perfect time to make an aggressive push or a sneaky rotation.
Conclusion: Be Water, My Friend
The best players are unpredictable. They combine these techniques to create a fluid and deceptive style of movement. They peek from unexpected angles, use the terrain to their advantage, and know when to be silent and when to be aggressive. Practice these skills in every game, and you will start to see a dramatic improvement in your survival rate and your confidence in taking fights.