PUBG Productions Launches Closed Beta for New Single-Player Survival Roguelike Prologue: Go Wayback! — Play Now via Discord
The fifth public test for the experimental single-player spinoff is live now through May 14; Early Access expected Summer 2025.
PUBG Productions has officially kicked off a new closed beta for its upcoming single-player survival roguelike, Prologue: Go Wayback!. As the fifth major playtest since the game's surprise reveal in December 2024, this testing period marks another step in refining the game ahead of its Early Access launch, which is currently planned for Summer 2025.
Running from May 7 through May 14, the closed beta is now live on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Unlike traditional betas that rely on selection lotteries, PUBG Productions has opted for a first-come, first-served format. Interested players simply need to join the game’s official Discord server to request a key—no waiting, no approval process. However, access is limited, so fans are encouraged to act quickly.
“Signing up gets you a code—you don't have to wait to be accepted into the beta,” reads the announcement. “Codes are being handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, so move fast.”
What is Prologue: Go Wayback!?
While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds revolutionized the battle royale genre, Prologue: Go Wayback! ventures into a different direction entirely. Described as a single-player, survival-focused roguelike, it puts players into a dynamic, procedurally generated world that evolves with each run. Early footage and previous playtest feedback highlight a heavy emphasis on exploration, resource management, and experimental mechanics that deviate sharply from PUBG’s traditional gameplay loop.
Unlike the PvP-oriented nature of the PUBG franchise, Prologue: Go Wayback! is an offline narrative and survival experience, aiming to appeal to fans of atmospheric, risk-reward gameplay reminiscent of titles like The Long Dark, Darkwood, and Don't Starve.
More Tests Ahead
If you don’t manage to grab a beta code this round, don’t worry. PUBG Productions has already confirmed that a sixth playtest will take place starting June 2, 2025, again open via Discord access. Depending on how testing continues, fans could see an Early Access release as soon as August—though no fixed date has yet been announced.
The development team remains active in Discord, sharing progress updates and encouraging testers to submit feedback to help shape the title before its Early Access debut.
Are you excited to see PUBG Productions tackle a single-player survival roguelike? Have you tried a playtest? Let us know your impressions or expectations below!
