There is a quality about the tundra, a suggestion of infinite space and freedom, that induces a sense of excitement, a release from the ordered world of men. Can you survive the coldness of the unknown realm? 

Introduction 

Vikendi is the fourth map, introduced by Krafton. When the map was initially released, it looked entirely different. It used to be a 6x6 km map (now: 8x8 km) and some of the old, familiar, well-liked locations from the original version have been taken out for good (like the Hot Springs, Abbey, Goroka, etc.).

Not everybody in the community was happy with the massive overhaul of the map and this holds up to this day. Many players have been playing the older version for years, and became acquainted with it.

To put it nicely, this change was quite drastic.   

Drop Locations

However, on this map below, you find red, orange, and blue circles. The red circles stand for a high probability to face other players, as they are famous locations, as well as hot drops. Orange circles are less likely to take you into an early battle. The blue circle marks the bear caves.  

Be aware that most of the orange circles are not suited for four-player squads, as there won’t be enough loot. As a solo player or in duos, these places are ideal. 

10. Cluster of Buildings North 

This cluster of buildings in the north is suited for a very short stay. There are only a few houses, but you most probably will never encounter any other players. You can gather the most essential gear, find the nearest vehicle, and chase for the first airdrop, or snatch some loot from the bear’s caves. 

What makes the Cluster of Buildings North great: 

• It’s very central, at least for the northern part of the map. 
• You won’t encounter other players here, and if you do, they are less experienced. 

9. Cluster of buildings South

These buildings in the south are far off the flown track. You most likely won’t encounter any other players here, at least no experienced players. It’s just another example for a spot with few large warehouses, where looting can be done swiftly. Usually, you find your essential loot items here, and you can proceed to the next circle quickly, having an advantage over best spots in a new area. 

What makes the Cluster of Buildings South great: 

• Large Warehouses, easy to loot. 

8. Cluster of Buildings East

In this eastern location you find a street, separating two areas of the compound. In either compartment, you find large buildings to get some proper loot. If you encounter a second team here, you can take the opposite side of the street when landing. If you geared up, you know where your opponent is. It always makes for a well balanced fight, unless the loot really sucked on your side. 

What makes the Cluster of Buildings East great: 

• Overseeable compound, when the flight path is close, it is very likely to encounter other players. 
• Large buildings to be geared up properly. 

7. Cluster of Buildings Center

Actually, this is a rather famous spot for players. So, in most cases, you can expect other teams to land here as well. However, the buildings are stretched like a hose, so you can start off on the other side of the team. This gives you time to loot and the option to approach your opponent in an early fight. 

What makes the Cluster of Buildings Center great: 

• There are enough houses for solo and duo plays, so you can equip accordingly. 
• You always have the chance for an overseeable, early fight. 
• It’s in the very center of the map, so you can travel towards the next circle quickly. 

6. Naros

Located in the center of the map, Naros marks an excellent spot to start off your round. The best places are situated on the western side of the street, with bigger houses scattered around the frozen lake. From there you have some distance towards the center of the small city. 

What makes Naros great: 

• The geographical location offers a flexible starting point. 
• There is enough loot for a squad, with crow-bar buildings (accessible with crow bar). 
• Almost every time you will have some other teams in Naros, but you can stay out of early battles if you like. 

5. Deka Mesto

Deka Mesto is the largest city on Vikendi. It is located a little south of the center of the map. 

Obviously, you find enough loot and houses to find cover when shit goes down. Despite  the time-consuming process of looting houses, starting here might be a good idea if you’re new to the game. 

What makes Deka Mesto great?

• The sheer size makes it great, literally. 
• Enough loot for squads.

4. Lumber Yard

This location really got an overhaul from the older version of Vikendi. It used to be a relatively small saw mill, however, now it's grown to a large industrial complex. 

Here, you’ll find many hangars with enough loot to supply a platoon of PUBG players. The location is good to oversee, giving you some degree of overview in close-quarters combat. 

What makes the Lumber Yard great:

• Sheer endless amounts of loot, easy to find. 
• Relatively central location, advantageous for further travel. 
• Great place for early combat if desired. 

3. Dinoland

Jurassic park battle royale? Only on Vikendi. This theme park is one of the famous locations, which stem from the original Vikendi map. 

It's a large amusement park, worth paying a visit. It is a tourist magnet, so you might have to stand in line if you like to go on a rollercoaster ride. That's for sure, it never gets boring in Dinoland. 

What makes the Dinoland great:

• Great scenery, interesting to see.
• Plenty of loot for an entire squad. 
• Large area to gear up before fighting.

2. Castle

The castle is another famous drop location, which was originally introduced in the original version of Vikendi. It used to be a stronghold in the center of the map, now it is situated further towards the southeast of the newer version of the map.

However, it still resembles its original structure. The castle is always busy, so if you're going on a sightseeing trip, be aware of other armed guests with a trigger happy finger. 

Once you clear them out of the way, you will most likely get all the loot you need to crusade out in the vastness of the ice cold tundra. 

What makes the Castle great: 

• Iconic location; great to snipe from there.
• Plenty of loot to get you sorted. 
• Always opponents for an early skirmish.

1. Train Station 

Like trainspotting? Come and check out the train station. The only drawback  might be that this place is the new buzzing hotspot on Vikendi, so expect it to be busy 24/7. 

While there is obviously a lot of loot, there are also a lot of other trainspotters, who are addicted to PUBG as well. Maybe even worse. You want a perfect day? Fight for it. 

What makes the Train Station great:

• It's the one and only true hotdrop on Vikendi. 
• Plenty of loot for the squad. 
• Lies centrally, good for further travel.

Bear Caves

Another interesting feature that has been added to the map is the bear caves. These hidden places are protected by massive polar bears, who are hard to take down. If you try to, make sure to bring enough ammunition to pull it off. You need a lot.

Another strategy would be to do the classic in-and-out really quick. Grab a car, drive inside of the cave, grab the loot, which can include a level 3 helmet, and get the **** out of there asap. 

Conclusion 

Vikendi has become one of the largest maps in PUBG. It does resemble the vastness of the tundra quite realistically. This also means that there are plenty of spots to land. 

In the end it comes down to two options: fight or flight. Either you engage in battle early, or you avoid any early confrontation. Rank over kills. Choice is yours. Have fun!   

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