Publisher KRAFTON announced this week that their free-to-play battle royale ‘PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS’ will be receiving its 28.2 update across all platforms—now live on PC as of the 13th and for consoles as of the 21st. It’s been seven wholes years since the popular battle royale launched and you’re invited to the party as Erangel has been turned into a venue for celebration.

Alongside the ‘Gunplay Labs’ feature introduced which was mentioned in the game’s 2024 roadmap, the publisher will be running a “7th Anniversary Screenshot Event” where winners can take home hardware such as the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Razer Gaming Set, Samsung 990 Pro 1TB, and a customized PUBG 7th Anniversary Keycap Set.

Check out the full release notes below for more details on the patch and exact timings of the update for console platforms. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is available on PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.

Event 3: 7th Anniversary Screenshot Event

Participation Guidelines

• Navigate to Erangel and let the 7th-anniversary decorations set the stage for your screenshots.
  • Whether it’s amidst the dazzling display of anniversary fireworks or at any of the festive party locations dotted around Erangel, any setting that captures the essence of the celebration is perfect. It’s all about commemorating the journey we’ve embarked on together.
• Once you’ve captured that perfect moment, it’s time to share it. Upload your screenshot to any publicly visible online platform such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, or Naver Cafe. Make sure to accompany your post with:
  • Your PUBG : BATTLEGROUNDS in-game nickname.
  • The platform you play on, such as Steam, Kakao, Epic Games Store, Xbox, or PlayStation®.
• To finalize your participation, please enter the link of your uploaded post and provide the necessary details for winner identification in the survey found at the link below:

Live Maintenance Schedule

※ The times shown below are subject to change.

• PC: March 13, 12 AM – 8:30 AM (UTC)
• Console: March 21, 1 AM – 10 AM (UTC)

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.

Schedule

Live Server – Normal Match

Map Select Regions (AS, SEA)

Map Select Regions – KR/JP, KAKAO

Random Map Regions – NA, EU, RU, OC, SA & Console

※ Rotations featuring Deston will have a 20% probability for each map. For Weeks 1 and 3, fixed and favored maps will each have a 22% probability and etc. maps will be 11% each.

Live Server – Ranked

• Erangel (25%) / Miramar (25%) / Taego (20%) / Vikendi (20%) / Deston (10%)
• The map service for Ranked is updated on a season-by-season basis.

※ Please note that the features and updates described below are subject to change or removal due to issues such as bugs, in-game problems, and community feedback. The images used are intended as visual references only; the actual game may look different as the builds are continually developed and refined before release.

World

For the seventh birthday of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Erangel has turned into a venue for a grand celebration – check out the upcoming PUBG 7th Anniversary announcement for more details!

• Erangel’s School has been transformed into a lively venue for our 7th Anniversary celebration, while the cafeterias scattered across the map have been decorated as anniversary cafes. Step into our 7th Anniversary cafes, and you’ll stumble upon vending machines with a playful twist: there’s a cheeky 7% chance they’ll serve you a precise bounty of 7 energy drinks – because who doesn’t love a little lucky number synergy?
• There will be throwable cupcakes and surprise gift boxes scattered across the starting island of each map.
• 7th Anniversary billboards will go live in Erangel, Miramar, Sanhok, Vikendi, and Rondo.
• You’ll also find a variety of other 7th Anniversary objects and decorations.

Gunplay Labs

As outlined in the PUBG 2024 Roadmap announcement, the SMG Rebalance is now available in the Arcade. We’ve also prepared a survey to gather player feedback on the changes, so let us know what you think! 

• Survey
• Survey Period
  • UTC: March 13, 1 AM – April 4, 1 AM

Schedule

• PC
  • UTC: March 13, 1 AM – March 27, 1 AM
• Console
  • UTC: March 21, 1 AM – April 4, 1 AM

※ Arcade Points are not granted for SMG Rebalance play sessions.

※ The SMG Rebalance is also accessible in Custom Match.

SMGs

Movement Speed

Basic movement and sprint speeds when wielding SMGs have been modified to align with the speeds of an unarmed state.

• Basic movement speed increased by approximately 2.6%.
• Sprint speed increased by approximately 2.4%.

MP5K

• Damage increased from 33 → 34.
• Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 7%.
• Vertical recoil decreased by approximately 5%.

Micro UZI 

• Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 10%.
• Vertical recoil decreased by approximately 15%.

Vector & Tommy Gun

• Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 5%.
• Vertical recoil decreased by approximately 7%.

PP-19 Bizon

• Damage increased from 36 → 38.
• Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 5%
• Vertical recoil decreased by approximately 5%.

UMP45

• Damage increased from 41 → 43.
• Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 5%.

Damage by Distance

Adjustments have been made to damage reduction and minimum damage by distance for all SMGs, with the exception of the P90.

• Increased damage reduction for medium and long-range shots.
• Reduced the minimum damage for long-range shots.

SMGs boast high rates of fire and outstanding damage, all while being accessible to players with varying levels of experience, rendering them an appealing choice for less experienced players. With this update, we’re introducing the SMG Rebalance to the Arcade and Custom Match, aiming to elevate their strategic significance and make the characteristics of different weapon categories more noticeable across various distances and scenarios.

We would like to offer players the opportunity to test the SMG Rebalance, which is targeted for release around mid-year, before finalizing the balance adjustments. We’ll be refining the specifics based on player input, so feel free to let us know what you think.

Read more about our plans for gunplay updates in our PUBG 2024 Roadmap announcement.

Recall System

Based on your feedback, the Recall System will now replace Comeback BRs on Vikendi and Taego.

• Available in Normal Match.
• Comeback BRs have been removed from these maps.
• The recall system setting for Vikendi and Taego has been added to Custom Match.

Utility Belt

As explained in the Patch Notes – 28.1, the Utility Belt will be removed in this update, and its capacity feature will be integrated directly into the character’s basic stats.

• Utility Belt skins will also be removed, and players who currently own Utility Belt skins will receive the following compensations once the live server opens. The distribution of compensations may require some time.

Gameplay

To help you make better use of your outerwear, we’re adding a dedicated inventory slot for the Ghillie Suit.

• When equipping the Ghillie Suit, your existing outerwear will be hidden instead of dropping to the ground.
• When equipped with the Ghillie Suit, any outerwear looted will automatically be hidden.

Weapon Mastery

We’ve heard your suggestions and have decided to expand Weapon Mastery with a dynamic addition: Throwables and more. Now show that your aim is true, both with a bullet and a throw!

• Seven new weapons have joined Weapon Mastery.
  • Frag Grenade, Molotov Cocktail, Sticky Bomb, BZ Grenade, C4, Panzerfaust, Mortar
• Damage inflicted with these weapons will reflect in your stats, visible on the End of Match, Career, and Match Report pages. The weapons that make the final hit will also be featured on your profile.
• Weapon Mastery stats for these weapons will accumulate starting from this update onwards.
• Note: Data such as Headshot Rate, Hit Distribution, and Time are not available for these weapons.

※ Starting from Update 28.2, kills recorded from vehicle explosions will no longer count toward your Match Report or Weapon Mastery stats.

Bug Fixes

Gameplay

• Fixed an issue where the character would be moved to an unusual location if you attempted to dismount from a vehicle while traveling and there was no space to dismount.
• Fixed the issue where the Ranked and Esports Match Safe Zones of Phase 4 and 8 being set in the water, which occurred after the 28.1 update.
• Fixed an issue where the first player who leaves the End of Match screen does not receive Arcade Points in a certain situation in the Bluebomb Rush mode.
• Fixed an issue where, in a certain situation, the reload animations for the DBS, S1897, and Win94 are not displayed but the weapons are reloaded.
• Fixed an issue where the character’s face is distorted when holding the Emergency Cover Flare.
• Fixed an issue where a fallen Mountain Bike moves on its own. 
• Fixed an issue where the character can hide beneath the road.
• Fixed an issue where the Random Weapon Crate is floating in the air on Miramar in the Intense Battle Royale mode.
• Fixed an issue where specific flame effects are displayed as normal flames when set to Simplified Chinese.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the character teleports when attempting the co-op climb on the Motorbike.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the 8x and 15x scopes do not detect fine movement when the in-game scope sensitivity is set as 12 or below with a mouse DPI of 400.
• (PC) Fixed the crashing issue that occurs after the character’s movement and position are incorrectly seen in Replays.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the character would rapidly move forward with a vaulting motion following the use of a throwable weapon.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the game process would remain active after exiting the client instead of terminating properly.

World

• Fixed collision, texture, performance, and some other general Deston issues.
• Fixed an issue where the textures of the sky in Taego and Rondo are unevenly split.
• Fixed an issue where shooting while riding the Zipline in Miramar is disabled when Additional Action Queuing is active.
• Fixed an issue where the Radio Message does not display the word ‘Safe’ when placing a Screen Ping Marker on a Safe in Rondo.
• Fixed an issue in Rondo where the Emergency Cover airdrop(s) are missing when a player respawns with the recall system and moves to the location in which multiple Emergency Cover Flares have been used.

UX/UI

• Fixed the issue where the token image is missing from the pop-up when you receive the Spring Fest 2024 Tokens, which is obtainable after reaching level 50 on the Crafter Pass.
• Fixed the issue where the following a player icon is misaligned when your teammate mutes their mic.
• Fixed the issue where the Blood Hunter Mask’s icon is incorrectly displayed.
• Fixed an issue where the required Pass XP for the next level did not match between the Pass banner and the Pass page.
• Fixed an issue where specific hairstyle items that were previously equipped remained visible in the preview when applying item previews on the Survivor Pass Rewards page.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the Emergency Cover Flare option in Settings – Key Bindings – Combat tab is incorrectly phrased in English/Korean language settings.
• (Console) Fixed an issue where the Console icon is missing when previewing the Human Billboard emote in Store.

Items & Skins

※ Clipping issue: Graphics that are shown outside the visible part of an image/object.

• Fixed the clipping issue on the legs when wearing the Red Nova’s Outfit and Tang Sanzang’s Boots together.
• Fixed an issue where the Kill Effect for [PROGRESSIVE] Sun Wukong – M24 skin is intermittently missing. 
• Fixed an issue where the Rare Skin Cosmetics effect of [PROGRESSIVE] Sun Wukong – M24 is not displayed from a certain distance in another player’s point of view.
• Fixed an issue where the Rare Skin Cosmetics effect of [PROGRESSIVE] Sun Wukong – M24 skin differs from its preview when inspecting the weapon in FPP.