Summary
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundshas received a new update on consoles that adds destructible terrain to one map, weapon balance changes, a Ducati crossover, and more. PCPUBGusers received the same update on April 9.
Earlier this year,PUBGrevealed its 2024 roadmapthat included promising improvements like a switch to Unreal Engine 5, support for user-generated content, and upgrades to matchmaking. PUBG Studios also revealed a destructible terrain feature coming in 2024 that would allow players to carve out their own cover or attack routes, adding a new layer of strategy to the popular battle royale. Following the feature’s recent introduction to PC, console players can now try out this radical upgrade too.
PUBG’s 29.1 update added destructible environments to the Rondo map, where users can now destroy any terrain that’s not made of concrete, cement, rock, or stone by using tools like frag grenades, mortars, sticky bombs, or the new pickaxe. The pickaxe is a melee weapon that doubles as a terrain-destruction tool and only spawns in Rondo. Users can dig down to a maximum of 1.3 meters with the new terrain feature, allowing them to create a sort of foxhole when stuck in a vulnerable position or deciding to wait for enemies. The update also made minor changes to various sections of Rondo, like Lo Hua Xing and Rai An. Additionally, more objects and ridgelines have been added to open areas with limited cover.
The update’s weapon changes include slight buffs toPUBG’s SCAR-L and AKMand a volume increase to the Mk12’s suppressed shots. An equipping animation was added to the Panzerfaust and the launcher’s spawn rate in Vikendi was increased. Also, firing from a driver’s seat was nerfed by limiting the angle from which drivers can shoot and increasing bullet dispersion when firing from the wheel.
Update 29.1 also adds a Ducati container to the starting islands of multiple maps. This container can only be unlocked by players who own Ducati skins and will remain in the game for one month.PUBG’s Ranked modealso received some changes, including the addition of Rondo, which has a 10% of being selected, and the rollout of rewards from the previous season of Ranked.
Furthermore,PUBG’s botswere upgraded by making their movement and behavior patterns more realistic. Update 29.1 also improved Erangel’s Hall of Fame to honor the winners of PGC 2023, implemented UI improvements to the Survivor Pass, added eleven new combat and survival medals, and introduced lots of bug fixes.
※ The times shown below are subject to change.
Map Service
※ PC players can anticipate the next rotation every Wednesday at 2 AM UTC, while Console players can expect the same every Thursday at 7 AM UTC.
May 8
May 16
Random Map Regions - NA, EU, RU, OC, SA & Console
※ Rotations featuring Deston will have a 20% probability for each map. For Weeks 1, 3, and 5, fixed and favored maps will each have a 22% probability and etc. maps will be 11% each.
※ The following features are available only in Rondo.
New Feature: Destructible Terrain
Unveiling the Destructible Terrain feature, the first chapter of the environmental destruction feature we’ve announced in our2024 Roadmap.
< Dev’s Comment >
We’ve all had moments of frustration when we faced enemies in areas with limited cover. The Destructible Terrain feature we’re introducing with this update was designed to provide a breakthrough in such situations. As outlined in our roadmap, our goal is to go beyond mere environmental destruction and open up new strategies and tactics. Through this addition, we aim to infuse PUBG with greater dynamism and unpredictability, fostering advanced strategy. Furthermore, we will continue to develop and expand upon the environmental destruction feature, including this update’s destructible terrain feature.
New Weapon: Pickaxe
Introducing Rondo’s new melee weapon, the Pickaxe! Looks quite perfect for destroying terrain, doesn’t it?
EMP Zone
The following changes have been made to the EMP Zone to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Emergency Cover Flare
Modifications have been made to the Emergency Cover airdrops deployed when you throw an Emergency Cover Flare.
Rewards
Area Modifications
Taking into account player feedback and thorough gameplay analysis, we’ve enhanced some of the terrain, objects, and environmental elements within Rondo that were hindering active engagements or increasing the difficulty beyond our intentions.
Firing From the Driver’s Seat
In this gunplay update, we’ve incorporated some of the insights you shared with us, focusing on minor adjustments and balance tweaks rather than significant shifts in the meta.
After considering player feedback highlighting the limited usability and low win rates of the SCAR-L and AKM, we’ve implemented adjustments to enhance their performance. Firstly, we’ve introduced a slight damage boost for the AKM to provide it with a competitive edge in terms of damage output, among other ARs. Additionally, we’ve made alterations to the SCAR-L, which include a slight increase in its rate of fire and a reduction of both vertical and horizontal recoil by 4%. These recoil adjustments aim to offset the perceived increase in recoil resulting from the rate of fire adjustment. The revamped SCAR-L, now boasting reduced recoil and a slightly higher DPS, is available in Update 29.1.
Many of you probably have been eliminated in a flash by the Panzerfaust in hot drops or close-quarter combat. As an explosive weapon, the Panzerfaust is intended to deliver significant firepower. However, we’ve recognized that its current state, allowing for rapid firing with limited opportunity for opponents to react, has posed a challenge. Feedback on the Panzerfaust has been diverse, ranging from player sentiments to input from Esports leagues. As a response, we’re introducing a new equipping animation for the Panzerfaust, which prevents firing immediately after picking up or equipping the weapon.
The Mk12 currently stands as the prevailing choice among DMR weapons, and we’ve received significant feedback about the difficulty in discerning its firing sound when equipped with the Suppressor, especially in comparison to other DMRs. This has raised concerns about the weapon potentially being overpowered when both the Suppressor and the Lightweight Grip are attached.Consequently, although we are keeping the Mk12 unchanged for now, we are slightly increasing the gunfire sound when the Suppressor is attached.This adjustment aims to enhance its visibility during mid-range engagements.
While not commonly utilized, we’ve noticed that firing from the driver’s seat can be remarkably effective in Solo mode, posing a challenge for opponents. This tactic can provide a significant advantage in specific directions since the driver can take cover within the vehicle and fire from multiple angles. To address this, we’ve implemented adjustments to make it more realistic. By considering arm positioning and the vehicle’s structure, we’ve restricted firing angles to prevent shooting excessively far to the rear. Additionally, we’ve increased bullet dispersion to reflect the inherent difficulty of firing one-handed.
Collaboration: Ducati
Experience unparalleled speed and sophistication with the new Ducati Special Vehicle skins.
Season 28 Rewards
Below are the rewards you’ll be receiving based on your final Tier from the previous Ranked season.
Animated Platinum PUBG ID Emblem Ranked Parachute Skin Platinum Medal
Diamond
Animated Diamond PUBG ID Emblem Ranked Parachute Skin Platinum, Diamond Medal
Master
Animated Master PUBG ID Emblem Animated Master Nameplate Ranked Parachute Skin Platinum, Diamond, Master Medal
Gameplay
Bot Refinement
To make players' interaction with bots a meaningful experience, we’ve enhanced bots' movement and behavior patterns to make them smarter.
A new Survivor Pass: Comic Chaos is prepared for the 29.1 update. Read more details on theApril Store Updateannouncement!
Workshop
Special Crafting
Introducing the new Special Vehicle skins - craftableonlythrough Special Crafting at the Workshop! Check out the full details on the upcomingPUBG x Ducati announcement.
Special Crafting Closing Date
※ The Special Crafting - Ducati tab will be accessibleonlyuntil the following dates. ensure to use up your Ducati Tokens before the closing date!
Two new costume sets have been added to Artisan Crafting.
Mastery Medal
Eleven new Combat and Survival medals that can be obtained through gameplay have been added.
1/10/100/300
10/100/1000/3000
UX/UI
Items & Skins
※ Clipping issue: Graphics that are shown outside the visible part of an image/object.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
WHERE TO PLAY
Fight to be the last player standing in an action-packed battle royale. Parachute into a treacherous battleground with only your wits for protection, as you loot gear and outsmart your enemies in a fierce battle royale. Build the ultimate soldier from scratch and test your mettle against up to 99 other players across three unique maps. Only one life. Only one shot at victory per match. Wreak havoc on your own or take on the challenge in a squad of up to four players to increase your chances of survival - and glory. Squad up and join the Battlegrounds for free and experience the original battle royale.
