The Real Pochinki: The Fiction and Reality of PUBG’s Erangel Location

Pochinki is a fictional location in the popular game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), known for its distinctive mix of residential buildings, a church, and various loot spots. However, beyond the game, Pochinki has sparked curiosity and discussion about its real-life counterpart. This article aims to explore the facts and the fiction surrounding Pochinki, shedding light on its inspiration, location, and alignment with the game's depiction.

Fiction and Inspiration

Pochinki is a created location in the map of Erangel, which is the primary setting of PUBG. This map is inspired by real-life locations in Russia, particularly regions with Eastern European influence. The name 'Pochinki,' which seems to imply a small village or settlement, is a fictional construct. However, it is based on real-world architectural and geographical elements.

Inspiration from Rural Eastern Europe

The design and layout of Pochinki are not direct copies of any specific real-world town. Instead, they are a composite of various rural towns in Eastern Europe, with particular influences from countries such as Ukraine and Russia. This blend of architectural and geographic inspiration creates the unique and believable setting seen in the game.

Real Pochinki: A Small Village in Mordovia, Russia

Contrary to the game, there is a real-life village named Pochinki, located in the Mordovia region of Russia. This small village can be found approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Ulyanovsk and 700 kilometers (435 miles) east of Moscow.

It's important to note that while the game's Pochinki is an imaginative construct, the real Pochinki is indeed a living, breathing village. It is more accurate to say that the village inspired the creation of the game's Pochinki rather than the other way around.

Architectural Influence

The houses in the real Pochinki bear a resemblance to the Russian-style houses featured in the game. The similarity between the two is not a coincidence but a reflection of the real-world influence on the game's design.

Unique Map Design: Deol Nuclear Village

Interestingly, the initial design for the PUBG maps, including Pochinki, was heavily inspired by the abandoned town of Deol, which was once a nuclear research station in Kazakhstan. The decision to use this location for inspiration was strategic, as it offered a unique setting with tangible historical significance.

The map was not only designed to mimic real-world locations but also to provide an immersive and believable game environment. The combination of real-world architectural elements and the thematic inspiration from Deol created the distinctive atmosphere of Pochinki as seen in PUBG.

Facts and Conclusions

While Pochinki in PUBG is a fictional location, it has its roots in real-world locations and architectural styles. The game developers drew inspiration from various rural towns in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, to create the setting. The real-life village of Pochinki in Mordovia, Russia, is a place that shares some architectural similarities with the game's Pochinki, but it is not the same location.

The story of Pochinki is a testament to how real-world geography, architecture, and history can inspire virtual gaming environments. It is a fascinating blend of fiction and reality that brings players into a believable and exciting game world.

Conclusion: Pochinki in PUBG is a fictional location inspired by real-world elements. The real Pochinki village in Russia, while not directly the same place, is a location that shares architectural similarities with the game's setting. The game's design is a testament to the ingenuity of combining real-world inspirations to create imaginative and immersive game environments.