Thank you all for inviting your friends to the world of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS since the transition to free-to-play. Now, we would like to announce the winners of the ‘Bonus Reward’ from the free-to-play events(Link). Find out more about the rewards, how to receive them, and the list of winners below.
Note: Moving forward, our monthly Patch Notes will contain both PC and Console updates in a single announcement (thus the simple title).
16.1 Highlights
To be updated with the Live Server update.
※ Please keep in mind that the features and updates we provide below may be modified or even possibly removed due to reasons such as bugs, in-game issues, and/or community feedback. We will update our players if such changes occur.
Weapon Balance
We’re back with another weapon balance in this update to provide each weapon type a chance to shine in tactical battles and to prevent scenarios where players are all holstering the identical, overperforming weapon.
After we toned down M416’s reload time, base damage, initial bullet speed, and damage drop-off range in Update 7.2 due to the M416 being the most powerful AR and one of the top performing guns in the whole game, we noticed our players were gradually dropping the M416 for stronger ARs such as the Beryl M762. However, despite Beryl M762’s several nerfs in past updates, the weapon continues to show strong in-game performance. Additionally, out of all the DMRs, we’ve noticed the SLR was being favored due to its powerful damage – therefore, players’ options in battles seemed to be narrowed down to the Beryl M762 and the SLR.
Yet, we didn’t want to stress our players out more by nerfing well-used weapons, so instead we’ve decided to not only bring M416’s stats back up, but we also buffed the hard-hitting, high-velocity Mk12 while having it spawn in other maps to prompt more frequent 5.56mm ammo usage among DMRs.
※ Damage drop-off range: The distance at which the weapon’s damage starts to decrease from its maximum damage percentage.
M416
Mk12
SMGs and Shotguns
We heard and are aware of our players’ thoughts on our past weapon balancing on SMGs, Shotguns, etc., but the reason as to why it is difficult to actively readjust in-game balancing is due to the requirement of using several months of cumulative data as a foundation to potential changes. Therefore, we will continue tracking our players’ feedback and data to bring healthier balances to the game.
Vehicle Spawn – Ranked
Map Service
As the winter season melts away, we’ll be saying goodbye to Vikendi for a while and welcoming Karakin back to normal matches this season.
Ranked – Season 16
A new Ranked season starts with this update. But before you dive right into Season 16, check the Season 15 reward list below to see what rewards you’ll be receiving based on the final Tier you held in the previous season.
[table] [tr] [th]Tier[/th] [th]Season 15 Reward List[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]Bronze[/td] [td]Bronze PUBG ID Emblem[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Silver[/td] [td]Silver PUBG ID Emblem[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Gold[/td] [td]Gold PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute Skin[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Platinum[/td] [td]Animated Platinum PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute Skin[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Diamond[/td] [td]Animated Diamond PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute Skin[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Master[/td] [td]Animated Master PUBG ID EmblemAnimated Master NameplateRanked Parachute Skin[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Top 500[/td] [td]Bonus rewards for Top 500 players:Animated Top 500 PUBG ID EmblemAnimated Top 500 Nameplate[/td] [/tr] [/table]
Minimap
Map Service Plan - February 2022
Hello Survivors,
Back in Update 15.1, we applied a number of changes to our map service plan based on the feedback you provided. We also promised that we’d announce our future plans once they were ready to go and today we’re happy to introduce our plan for the first quarter of 2022.
Map Service Plan
(Like most things, the content of this plan may be subject to change!)
※ The plan below applies to both PC and Console.
Normal Matches
During our preparation for Update 15.1’s map rotation, we were still running tests on Haven, such as making sure bots were working properly. We ended up needing more time than expected to complete these tasks, so Haven was eventually pulled from the rotation. With those tests now complete, players will soon be able to dive back into Haven’s 1×1 urban mayhem!
We also noticed lots of questions around missing maps while they’re off rotation. This is understandable since every player’s map preference is obviously different. Still, we’ve decided to update the map rotation every monthly update, starting with Update 16.1, so players won’t have to be without their favorite map for a whole Season.
And last but not least, Sanhok will be taking a break in Update 16.2 while it undergoes several massive changes. Stay tuned for more details on Sanhok’s big update in future Patch Notes.
Ranked Mode
The three 8x8km maps shown above will continue to be permanent fixtures for Ranked.
After Update 17.1, a revised Map Service Plan will be revealed in a separate announcement, once we’ve decided on the future map rotation and general direction of map services for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. As always, your feedback is a great reference while we are making decisions and we encourage you to always keep those thoughts and suggestions coming!
Thanks, and we’ll see you on the Battlegrounds!
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team
PUBG Epic Fails Contest
Hello Survivors!
For that one Chicken Dinner, we all go through numerous challenges and failures. They can sometimes be epic and, on other occasions, a little funky! Here, we’re introducing the PUBG Epic Fails Contest, where you can share your epic moments of failures on your social media and win rewards.
Participating in the contest is easy peasy lemon squeezy. Capture your moment of challenges and post it on your social media with a few hashtags! Read on for details.
Here’s how to participate
Notes
Rewards
The event schedule is as follows. Only entries posted within the period will be reviewed, so don’t forget to participate with your epic moments of failures within the period!
Event Period
Winner Announcement
See you on the Battlegrounds.
PUBG: Battlegrounds Team
2022 Prime Gaming Rewards
Hello Survivors!
Great news! Not only are we going free-to-play, but PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is starting out the new year right by partnering up with Prime Gaming to provide our players in-game content such as exclusive skins, G-Coin boxes, contraband coupons, BP, Polymers, Survivor Pass Levels, and so much more!
Sign in to or sign up for Amazon Prime, link yourKRAFTON ID, and claim different rewards every month for a whole year starting this January.
January 2022 Rewards
Reward Claimable Date
How to Claim Rewards
FAQ
See you on the Battlegrounds.
PUBG: Battlegrounds Team
Check-In Dinner Event
Hello Survivors!
We’re here today with a special Check-In Dinner Event to provide various in-game rewards to our players regularly entering the Battlegrounds.
But before you get right into it, read on below to learn more about the event periods, conditions, and rewards!
Event 1: Weekend Check-In Event
Play at least an hour of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS during the weekends and receive different in-game rewards for each day you check in!
Check out the official event website provided above to see the obtainable rewards for each week.
Event 2: Weekly Check-In Event
Become an Orbital Vanguard by checking in to the game at least three times during the week!
A bonus Orbital Vanguard “Cadet Red” skin will be granted to players who collect all Orbital Vanguard Green, Pink, Yellow, and Blue rewards.
Important Notices
See you on the Battlegrounds.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Now Free-to-Play
Hello Survivors!
The day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here: we are now free-to-play!
We’re excited to welcome our new players, greet our returning players, and continue to provide the best service to our current players.
But before you dive right in, take a moment to remind yourself of important free-to-play details shown below that will be helpful for your best battle royale experience.
Free-to-Play Updates
For even more details on our transition to free-to-play, check out our official Free-to-Play Announcement.
We also have several Drops events prepared! Complete in-game missions, invite friends to PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and watch our Partners’ stream to earn rewards.
The event schedules for both PC and Console platforms are as follows:
Check out the Special & Partner Drops – January 2022 (link here) for more information on our events.
And last but definitely not least, we have a handful of new in-game features introduced in our latest 15.2 Update:
For more information on the features above and on even more new features in both in-game and the lobby itself, read the full PC & Console Patch Notes – Update 15.2.
See you on the Battlegrounds.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team
Special & Partner Drops - January 2022
Hello Survivors!
Have you been keeping your new year’s resolutions? We have! As mentioned in the Drops Event announcement last December, the Drops Event will continue in the new year of 2022! We have decided to ship out more rewards for all our players to celebrate the transition to Free-to-Play!
Check out the two Special Drops Events along with the Partner Drops below and participate in all three. Log in to the game every day and invite as many mates as you can. Don’t forget, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is now free for all!
Special Drops
There will be two different Special Drops events happening for both PC and Console platforms.
Special Drops 1: F2P Grand Open Event
Special Drops 2: Friend Invitation and Referral Code Event
Read on and learn how to receive rich rewards for every event!
Special Drops 1: F2P Grand Open Event
Event Mission
Clear the following daily missions during the event period shown above to collect, and exchange points for various rewards!
[table] [tr] [th]Mission[/th] [th]Points[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]Survive for 30 minutes. This includes spectating your duo/squad members.[/td] [td]40[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Loot one Helmet(Lv.2)[/td] [td]20[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Loot one Police Vest(Lv.2)[/td] [td]20[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Loot one Backpack(Lv.2)[/td] [td]20[/td] [/tr] [/table]
Event Rewards
You can exchange the points you have acquired through missions for these rewards shown below.
Special Drops 2: Friend Invitation and Referral Code Event
Friend Invitation Event Mission
As PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is now free-to-play, now is the best time to invite your friends to the world of battlegrounds. Bring in as many as you can to receive all three rewards!
Event Rewards
You are given three different rewards when you successfully invite one, three, and five friends to the game.
Enter the received referral code. You will be rewarded with 30,000 BP once you reach the Survival Mastery level of 10. Moreover, as you reach level 10 in Survival Mastery, you can participate in the Friend Invitation event to earn even more rewards.
Event Reward
Partner Drops
Over a thousand PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS’s Partners will be joining this party! Gain Partner Exclusive drops by watching our Partners’ stream!
[table] [tr] [td] [/td] [td] Reward 1: Watch the video for the first 15 minutes[/td] [td] Reward 2: Watch for another 15 minutes[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Date(PC & Console)[/td] [td]– PST: January 11, 11 PM – January 25, 3:59 PM – CET: January 12, 8 AM – January 26, 0:59 AM – KST: January 12, 4 PM – January 26, 8:59 AM[/td] [td]– PST: January 11, 11 PM – January 25, 3:59 PM – CET: January 12, 8 AM – January 26, 0:59 AM – KST: January 12, 4 PM – January 26, 8:59 AM[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Drops[/td] [td]Slick Escape Spray[/td] [td]Battle Hazard Logo Tee[/td] [/tr] [/table] Here are some notes to keep in mind for Partner Drops:
※ You’ll be able to receive drops through our PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Partners only.
※ The rewards for each week will no longer be distributed once the date for specific weekends.
※ To receive the rewards, you must have a KRAFTON ID and link it to your gaming platform AND Twitch/each region’s streaming platform.
※ Korea, China, and Thailand viewers will be receiving redeem codes instead of drops due to their different streaming platforms.
Check out the participating Partner channels from the link below now!
In this January (and a bit of February) update, meet BATTLEGROUNDS Plus, new skins and items, WSUS updates, and a reopening of Your Shop! And last but not least, don’t forget to check out the end date reminders of skins and items leaving the shop very soon.
BATTLEGROUNDS Plus
As PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is now free-to-play, this is a friendly reminder that players can now upgrade their accounts to BATTLEGROUNDS Plus for $12.99 USD to access certain in-game features and receive abundant in-game items! Read the Free-to-Play Announcement to learn more.
New Items and Skins
※ The sales periods shown below are subject to change.
Free-to-Play Starter Pack
Start out right with free-to-play with the starter package just for $1.99 USD!
Items List
Sales Period:
Tiger 2022
Do you know the twelve animals of the Zodiac? 2022 happens to be the Year of the Tiger. Therefore, we’ve prepared tiger-based items that could help players show their power and bravery on the Battlegrounds.
Items List
Sales Period:
The Magic Bomb
Yes, this song and dance is here on the Battlegrounds.
Items List
Sales Period:
Mad Love
Let’s fall madly in love with this year’s Valentine’s Day items!
Test your luck and grab discounted goods as Your Shop reopens this month!
Items and Skins End Date Reminder
Festive Season
Hey, who said Christmas was over? The festive season will continue for a little longer.
Items List
Sales End Date:
GodV
Don’t miss our collaborative items with PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS professional player GodV.
Items List
Sales End Date:
Emotes
Strut your moves with these emotes before they’re gone!
Items List
Sales End Date:
Items List
Sales End Date:
See you on the Battlegrounds.
PUBG: Battlegrounds Team
PC & Console Patch Notes - Update 15.2
Free to Play Transition
Hello, Survivors. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has advanced through various platforms to share its unique Battle Royale experience with a broader audience. Now with our free-to-play transition, we want to further expand our community, provide faster matchmaking, and the opportunity to meet more opponents. After the transition free-to-play, BATTLEGROUNDS Plus account is added and all players who have owned and played PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS before the free-to-play service transition will automatically receive the PUBG – SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE PACK.
We look forward to sharing our unique Battle Royale experience with more survivors. For details on the free play service transition, please check the Free-to-Play Announcement.
Live Maintenance Schedule
Please note that the maintenance time may take longer than usual, as we will be updating each platform’s store and distributing rewards to our existing players. The Test Server will close along with the Live Server Maintenance. Due to the transition to free-to-play, the 15.2 Live Server will go under maintenance at the same time on both PC and Console.
15.2 Highlights
To be updated with the Live Server update.
※ Please keep in mind that the features and updates we provide below may be modified or even possibly removed due to reasons such as bugs, in-game issues, and/or community feedback. We will update our players if such changes occur.
Gameplay Updates
New Feature: Tactical Gear
We’ve decided to introduce a whole new category of tactical items, Tactical Gear, that strays from pure gunplay to provide our players various options for improving their in-game performances.
As Tactical Gear will be taking up players’ primary weapon slots, we hope this will allow players to come up with more creative long-term strategies.
Tactical Gear: Drone
The Drone is a Tactical Gear that allows players to scout a far distance safely and even pick up an item without facing the risk of direct combat.