PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

Xeno Point added a cooperative PvE roguelite set in Miramar, where squads fought an alien invasion through escalating sectors and boss battles. PUBG x PAYDAY followed with a separate high-stakes heist mode, while Terrain Destruction and PUBG: Playgrounds expanded the sandbox and community-mode options.

• Xeno Point: The mode introduced the HUB, mission-based sector unlocking, Normal/Hard/Impossible difficulties, craftable and upgradeable Supers, the Xeno Cannon, and bosses culminating in the Architect.
• PUBG x PAYDAY: PAYDAY gave squads a coordinated robbery-and-escape mode, supported by a limited-time event and the PUBG x PAYDAY Streamer Challenge.
• Battlefield and combat changes: Terrain Destruction expanded across Erangel and the major competitive maps, while the Blue Zone overhaul shortened early and final phases, reduced safe-zone sizes, and removed the Land-Prioritization Algorithm. The update also added the Hybrid Scope, Emergency Support Flare, and new uses for enemy BlueChips through BlueChip Towers.
• Community-created modes: PUBG: Playgrounds added a matchmaking hub for player-made modes, supported by mode tags, dedicated details pages, data-driven selection, and monthly rotations.
• Esports and event content: PUBG Nations Cup 2026 brought a 24-team Seoul tournament with a $500,000 prize pool, while PUBG Global Series Circuit 3 ran PGS 7–9 in Shanghai with 24 teams, a progressive Group/Winners/Survival/Final format, and doubled PGS Points in the second half of the season. PUBG’s 9th Anniversary Celebration also added nine community missions, and new 2026 Team Edition Skins and the PGC 2025 Champion Set expanded the esports cosmetics lineup.

Erangel: Subzero launched on December 3, 2025, transforming the classic map into a winter landscape following a catastrophic satellite crash. This update also introduced the BZ Grenade Launcher, a new weapon that creates a Blue Zone sphere upon impact, adding fresh tactical options. Additionally, Porsche vehicles were added, featuring high-end models like the Panamera Turbo S and 911 Carrera GTS.

• New Terrain Features: The December update introduced significant environmental changes, including snow piling, frozen rivers, and altered terrain across Erangel.
  • New Freezing Effect in Blue Zone: A freezing effect was added to the Blue Zone, impacting gameplay dynamics.
  • Dynamic Weather Changes: Snowfall and changing visibility conditions were implemented, altering game strategies.
• Esports Roadmap: On December 18, PUBG announced a transition to Third-Person Perspective (TPP) for the 2026 esports season to bring player and viewer experiences closer together.
• Seasonal Events: The Endless Survival Event launched on September 25, featuring unique missions and rewards, while the Nightmare Overrun Event followed on October 2.
  • PUBG x G-DRAGON Events: Multiple events centered around G-DRAGON were introduced, offering themed missions and rewards, including special skins and items.
• Balance Changes: Spawn rates for various weapons were adjusted, increasing the M79's spawn rate while reducing that of the P1911, P92, and R1895.
• Increased Support for Esports: The 2026 roadmap also announced increased support funds and prize pools for Global Partner Teams and qualified teams to support a sustainable esports ecosystem.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS kicked off Year 7 with a major update to the Rondo Map on January 10, 2024, introducing unique gameplay elements and a variety of new items. This major update also included the Survivor Pass: Dragon's Rise, themed for the Year of the Dragon, and the new EMP Zone, which disables electronic devices in its vicinity.

• Rondo additions: The map, launched in December 2023, gained new features in January.
  • Market Feature: Players can buy items using BR Coins at different Market types within Rondo.
  • In-Game Challenges: New challenges were added for players to earn rewards in Rondo.
• New Items: Several new items enhanced gameplay, including:
  • Pillar UAZ Vehicle: An exclusive vehicle available through Grade I Markets.
  • Emergency Cover Flare: A throwable item that deploys cover airdrops.
  • Colored Smoke Grenades: New colors (Teal, Coral, Blue) were introduced.
• Gameplay Adjustments: The Killfeed Team Numbers became visible in streamer mode, improving visibility for players.
• Seasonal Events: A series of events celebrated the new content, including:
  • Capture Your Rondo Moment: Winners were announced for this event on January 17, 2024.
  • Event Token Shop: Launched on January 10, offering rewards for completing missions.
  • PUBG Drops Day Events: Multiple events rewarded players for completing missions with various rewards.
• Balance Changes: Adjustments were made to improve gameplay, such as:
  • Spawn Rate Adjustments in Rondo: Certain item spawn rates were modified to enhance the experience.
  • Blizzard Zone and Sandstorm Adjustments: The frequency and duration of these events were reduced.

Year 6 of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS saw the launch of the new map Rondo on December 6, 2023, alongside a significant update that introduced a host of new content and gameplay features. Notable highlights included the introduction of new game modes, vehicles, and a revamped Survivor Pass system, enhancing the overall experience for players.

• New Map: The launch of Rondo, an 8x8 km map featuring sunny and sunset weather, brought fresh gameplay environments.

  • New Vehicle: The Blanc, an SUV exclusive to Rondo, has an innovative trunk system.
  • New Weapon: The Stun Gun, a secondary weapon available only in Rondo, disorients enemies temporarily.

• New Modes:

  • The Bluebomb Rush mode debuted on July 12, 2023, featuring strategic 6v6 battles on the Riviera map.
  • The Bizarre Battle Royale mode launched on March 31, 2023, introduced unique gameplay elements including a giant chicken monster and hordes of zombies.

• Survivor Pass Updates: The Survivor Pass: Rondo, launched on December 6, 2023, offered new missions and rewards, continuing the trend of seasonal content.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • A new Reputation system was implemented on July 5, 2023, allowing players to earn rewards based on their reputation level.
  • Tactical Gear returned with a significant overhaul, becoming essential gameplay components.

• Seasonal Events: The Halloween Battle Royale mode returned on September 27, 2023, featuring new classes such as Executioner and Ranger, each with unique abilities.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS transitioned to a free-to-play model on January 12, 2022, marking a significant shift in the game's accessibility and community size. This update introduced new account types and rewards, along with the BATTLEGROUNDS Plus upgrade for players seeking additional features. The Survivor Pass: Vikendi Reborn also launched later in the year, offering fresh missions and rewards.

• New Map: Deston: The highly anticipated 9th map, featuring diverse biomes including a flooded downtown and murky swamps, launched on PC on July 13, 2022, followed by consoles on July 21. The July 6 patch notes described the test-server preview.
• Comeback BR on Vikendi: The existing Taego mechanic was adapted for Vikendi, giving players up to three return opportunities. It was previewed on November 29 ahead of Update 21.1’s December rollout.
• Vikendi Reborn Map: Expanded from 6x6km to 8x8km, this remade map included new environments and reached PC live servers on December 6, 2022, after its November 29 test preview. The announced console rollout was December 15.
• PUBG X Dead by Daylight LABS Mode: This collaborative mode debuted on October 19, allowing players to take on roles as Survivors or the Killer, enriching the game's diversity.
• Ranked Season Updates: Ranked Season 19 launched on August 3, 2022, and Season 20 began on October 5, resetting leaderboards and introducing new competitive gameplay.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS announced a free-to-play transition on December 10, 2021; it began in January 2022, after this window. The introduction of the Taego map on July 7, 2021, also stands out, featuring unique terrain and gameplay mechanics that refreshed the gameplay experience. Additionally, the Survivor Pass: Taego was previewed on June 29 and opened July 7 on PC and July 15 on consoles, providing themed rewards for players.

• New Map: The Taego map launched on July 7, offering diverse environments and exclusive features like the Comeback BR mechanic, which allowed players to re-enter matches after dying in the first Blue Zone phase.
  • Survivor Pass: Taego: The pass opened July 7 on PC and July 15 on consoles and provided rewards for players reaching level 50.
• New Gameplay Modes: A variety of modes were added, including Zombie Survival Mode on August 4 and Futsal Mode on July 21, bringing fresh challenges to players.
• New Vehicles and Weapons: The Mountain Bike and M79 were introduced, alongside the Porter truck, enhancing mobility and combat options in the game.
• Gameplay Mechanics: New features like the Self AED item and the Carry Feature improved player dynamics, allowing for strategic gameplay adjustments.
• Seasonal Events: Notable events included the PUBG Global Championship 2021, which began on November 19, featuring a significant prize pool and competitive elements.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS saw the launch of the Haven map on December 16, 2020, featuring urban combat and a new enemy faction. This year also introduced the remastered Sanhok map, enhancing visuals and gameplay balance, along with the introduction of Ranked Mode, allowing players to compete in skill-based matches.

• New Maps: Haven launched on December 16, 2020, an industrial island with new gameplay mechanics.

  • Paramo was introduced on October 21, 2020, featuring dynamic elements like active lava flows.
  • Karakin, a small island map, became available on January 22, 2020, introducing unique hazards like the Black Zone.

• Gameplay Enhancements: The Ranked Mode replaced the Survival Title system on May 20, 2020, with a new skill-based ranking system.

  • Driver Shooting functionality allowed players to shoot while driving, enhancing combat during vehicle use.
  • Dynamic Map Locations on the Paramo map changed key landmarks each match, requiring players to adapt strategies.

• New Weapons and Items: The MG3 LMG and C4 explosives were added, expanding tactical options in combat.

  • The Decoy Grenade was introduced on August 19, 2020, disorienting enemies by mimicking gunfire sounds.

• Seasonal Events: The Battle Bride Pass launched on November 11, 2020, focusing on character Sadiya with exclusive skins.

  • The PCS2 Tournament was announced, extending the tournament period with matches across multiple regions.

• Balance Changes: Significant weapon balance adjustments were made, including tweaks to the M416 and SLR to improve gameplay diversity.

  • Vehicle mechanics were updated to introduce damage zones and a delay before explosions, enhancing player safety during vehicle combat.

Survivor Pass 3: Wild Card launched on March 28, 2019, introducing a host of new cosmetic items themed around espionage, alongside improved missions and up to 60 rewards. Additionally, the Weapon Mastery System debuted on April 16, allowing players to level up weapons through gameplay, enhancing the progression experience. A limited PUBG Labs Motor Glider test beginning December 19 offered an aerial transport option, further diversifying gameplay.

• New Content: Motor Glider: A two-seater vehicle tested in PUBG Labs; general availability followed in January.

  • PGC 2019 Mode: Launched on November 20, this special mode mimicked professional play styles for the PUBG Global Championship.
  • Spike Trap: Added on November 20, allowing players to disable vehicles by deploying traps.
  • DBS Shotgun: Introduced on September 25, this powerful weapon was available in care packages.
  • Survivor Pass 4: AFTERMATH: Released on July 17, featuring over 100 rewards and cooperative missions.

• New Systems/Mechanics: Weapon Mastery System: A new progression feature to level up weapons and earn rewards based on performance.

  • Survival Mastery System: Introduced on September 18, focusing on non-lethal gameplay and player survival skills.
  • PUBG Labs: Launched on November 13, this feature allowed players to experiment with new modes and provide feedback.

• Balance & Gameplay Changes: Aim Punch Adjustment: Reduced the aim punch effect on March 28, improving aiming stability after being hit.

  • First Aid Kit Healing Change: Modified healing mechanics to take 2 seconds instead of instant restoration.
  • Erangel Loot Balance: Increased item spawn rates by approximately 28% on April 17.

• Seasonal Events: FACEIT Global Summit Tournament: Kicked off on April 2, providing competitive opportunities and in-game items.

  • Halloween 2019 Skins: Released on September 24, featuring themed costumes available for a limited time.

Vikendi Map launched on December 20, 2018, introducing a snowy 6km island with diverse locations and unique gameplay mechanics. This update marked a significant expansion in the game's world, alongside the introduction of the Survivor Pass: Vikendi, which offered over 100 levels of rewards. Additionally, the Training Mode was announced on August 22 and released on PC with Update 21 in September, allowing players to practice various gameplay aspects in a dedicated environment.

• New Maps: Sanhok Map: Released on June 22, 2018, this 4km x 4km map was designed for faster-paced gameplay.

  • Miramar Map: Initially added at launch, it features distinct gameplay elements and weather types.

• New Systems: Survival Title System: Introduced on December 6, 2018, this system focused on personal growth and skill improvement through Survival Points.

  • Event Pass System: Launched with Sanhok, allowing players to unlock rewards through missions.

• Gameplay Enhancements: Training Mode Features: Included various practice areas for driving, shooting, and combat.

  • Ballistics Overhaul: Improved projectile behavior by factoring in air drag, enhancing hit calculations.

• Seasonal Events: Global Championship: Announced for the end of the season, featuring a prize pool of at least $2 million.

  • PGI 2018 Event Mode: Launched on July 26, 2018, allowing players to compete under pro rules.

• Balance Changes: Weapon Balance Update: Implemented significant changes to weapon balance in Patch 12, enhancing gameplay experience.