PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS - Update 38.1: A Fairer Battleground Awaits!
Live Maintenance Schedule
Get ready for some exciting changes! The upcoming maintenance will take place on October 15th for PC players and October 23rd for console warriors. Mark your calendars, as we're about to dive into some thrilling updates!
Map Service Report
Check out the latest Map Service Report for an in-depth look at regional map preferences and rotations. We want to ensure you have the best experience, so stay tuned for more details!
Gameplay Enhancements
Vehicles and Special Vehicle Skins:
Update 38.1 brings a whole new level of excitement to the vehicle experience. We've made some broad adjustments to ensure a fair and immersive ride. Here's what's new:
- Window tint levels have been standardized across all base vehicles, matching the sleek look of Special Vehicle skins.
- Driving performance has been enhanced for specific vehicles, including the Dacia, Mirado, Coupe RB, and the classic 'Good Ol' Days' Sedans.
Special Vehicle Skins:
When rocking these unique skins, get ready for some bullet-penetrating action! All vehicle windows are now vulnerable, regardless of skin type. Plus, we've standardized the rear penetrable area for a consistent and fair combat experience.
Developer's Insight:
Vehicles are more than just a ride; they're strategic game-changers! Our development team has worked tirelessly to maintain the unique experiences and tactical depth that vehicles bring to PUBG. Special Vehicle skins add an extra layer of joy, and we've collaborated with premium car brands to deliver an authentic driving experience within the Battlegrounds.
As we introduced more Special Vehicle skins, we noticed an unintended imbalance. The differences in size and shape created advantages, which we couldn't ignore. With players' skills evolving, these disparities became more apparent. So, we took action!
Instead of tweaking individual skins, we decided to tackle the entire vehicle system. We refined the driving experience and adjusted window transparency to make players less visible. At the same time, we've aligned the hit areas of Special Vehicle skins with base vehicles, ensuring fairness.
These changes might alter the familiar, but we believe they're crucial for a competitive and enjoyable Battleground. We value your feedback and are committed to creating a balanced environment for all.
Recall System Updates
The Recall system is getting a refresh! Here's what's new:
- The registration time at the Blue Chip Tower now scales with the number of Blue Chips. Each additional Chip adds 5 seconds.
- Players returning to the Battleground will be notified through system messages and the Match Log.
- On 8x8 km maps, the Recall flight will appear less frequently, limiting its use in the late game.
UX/UI Improvements
- The countdown message for the Recall flight is now removed from the spectator view, with the remaining time displayed on the Minimap and World Map.
- Recall-related system messages follow the same format as regular messages for a seamless experience.
- UI messages related to recalls have been updated for clarity.
Developer's Comment:
The Recall system has had a significant impact on gameplay, offering eliminated players a second chance. To reduce fatigue, we've made adjustments. Recalling multiple teammates now carries more risk, and players can view other teams' recall info, opening up strategic opportunities. By limiting recalls in the late game, we ensure it remains a recovery option for early eliminations.
Miscellaneous Updates
- Special Zones will no longer spawn outside playable areas, ensuring a fair and focused experience.
- Play Area restriction messages will appear less frequently and consistently across all maps and modes.
Gunplay Adjustments
SMGs:
We've made several adjustments to SMGs to maintain their core strengths while improving balance. Here's the breakdown:
- Hip fire accuracy has been reduced by approximately 57%, with an increased initial bullet spread for lower accuracy.
- Accuracy during sustained fire is reduced by approximately 51.5%, and bullet spread increases faster, reducing overall firing stability.
- The P90's hip fire accuracy is reduced by approximately 28.5%, and sustained fire accuracy is reduced by approximately 25.75%.
- The MP5K's damage has been reduced from 34 to 32, maintaining its TTK at close range but increasing it at longer distances.
Panzerfaust Updates:
The Panzerfaust, known for its overwhelming power, has received some handling and damage penalties. Movement is now more restricted when equipped, adding risk to its use. We've also increased the sight deployment sound, allowing players to respond to Panzerfaust attacks more effectively.
World Updates
- PUBG x G-DRAGON-themed decorations have been removed from all maps.
- The Destructible Terrain feature has been added to Miramar, allowing players to create new cover strategies.
- The Pickaxe has been introduced, adding a new layer of destruction and strategy.
Developer's Comment:
The Destructible Terrain feature, first introduced on Rondo, is now available on Miramar. We're gradually implementing terrain destruction across multiple maps to align Miramar's gameplay with other maps. Note that the Destructible Buildings feature is currently exclusive to Sanhok.
Ranked Updates
Season 38 brings some changes:
- Minimum performance expectations for each Tier have been slightly lowered.
- Ranked weapon skins for the P90 have been added as Tier Rewards for Season 38.
- The leaderboard will reset after live server maintenance.
- Check your final Tier from the previous season on your Career page.
- Vehicle Camo Netting has been added, applicable to Custom Match - Esports Mode.
Premade Party Restriction:
The maximum division gap for premade Ranked parties has been increased from 10 to 12, offering more flexibility.
Season 37 Rewards:
Check out the rewards based on your final Tier from Season 37. From emblems to medals, these rewards are a testament to your skills!
Arcade Mode:
Get ready for a spooky season with PUBG x Skibidi Toilet! This popular internet show is invading Miramar, and it's up to you to defeat the Skibidi Toilets and keep them out of our Battlegrounds!
Service Period:
- PC: October 22nd - November 5th
- Console: October 30th - November 13th
Custom Match Updates:
- The Destructible Terrain setting has been added for the Miramar map.
- The UGC Alpha mode is no longer available.
Observer Mode Enhancements:
We've introduced new features and improvements to enhance the esports viewing experience. Here's a breakdown:
- New "View Match Ranking" option displays rankings for kills, damage, and damage taken.
- Search Player feature allows you to press Ctrl+F and switch to a player's screen.
- Killfeed now stays on screen longer with an updated design.
- Improved quality and visibility of key effects.
- Ending sequence has been enhanced to highlight the winning team.
- When spectating, the camera will automatically switch to the killer or nearest character after a delay.
- Smooth Free Cam feature remains active when using "Move to Saved Position" hotkeys.
- You can now assign "Save Player" hotkeys while using Free Cam.
- When a player assigned to a hotkey is eliminated, the hotkey is reassigned to the next teammate or killer.
- Added "Switch to Killer Camera" option to view the latest killer's camera.
- "Set Minimap Focus" option allows you to center the expanded Minimap.
- Adjusted visibility range and display conditions for Player Tags.
- X-ray effect color display reflects each team's unique color.
- UI indicator displayed when a Care Package is empty.
- Waypoints are more noticeable on the Observer screen.
- Healing item icons improved for easier distinction.
- Information about new items in Custom Match - Esports Mode is displayed on the Observer screen.
- Default settings for certain options have been changed for better usability.
- "Smoke Grenade Timer" option has been removed for consoles.
Developer's Comment:
In this update, we've focused on enhancing Observer Mode for a smoother, more immersive esports viewing experience. We've addressed past inconveniences and improved usability for on-site broadcasting. With these changes, we aim to convey the flow of each match more clearly and provide an exceptional viewing experience.
Workshop Updates:
- New item sets have been added to the Hunter's Chest and Archivist's Chest.
- The Contender system has received updates with the arrival of the second Contender, Dorian.
- Contenders may have different body types, impacting outfit and item availability.
- Hitboxes remain identical to default characters.
- A new Contender selection screen has been added.
- The "Contender Room" allows players to view, collect, upgrade, and customize Contenders.
- "Equip Random" feature now applies only to available slots for Contenders.
- Various hair colors can now be applied to Contenders.
- After upgrading, you can choose between basic and final forms.
- "Select Duplicates" feature in Disassemble page now excludes Legendary-tier items.
Special Crafting Updates:
New Contender-related items have been added to Contender Crafting. Check out the October Store Update for more details!
Pass System Updates:
The Pass system has been revamped to allow up to three Passes to run simultaneously. Each Pass's level and XP are tracked independently, but gameplay progress applies to multiple Passes.
Survivor Pass:
A brand new Survivor Pass is here for Update 38.1! Read more details in the October Store Update!
Event Pass:
Unlock special Skibidi Toilet-themed items with the new Event Pass! Pass XP can be earned through missions and survival time.
Mastery Medal:
Eight new Combat, Survival, and Battle Royale medals have been added, obtainable through gameplay.
UX/UI Updates:
- When closing a door, the UI shows only the Interaction key, but you can use either key.
- Ranked season display UI has been redesigned and unified across menus and pop-ups.
- The remaining time for Contender Crafting will now be displayed 30 days before the end date.
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed issues with Gas Can destruction using the Tommy Gun under specific conditions.
- Deathboxes now remain visible when placed at doorways.
- Fixed issue with prone players appearing to float momentarily.
- Interaction UI now appears when approaching a vehicle on the starting island after changing outfit preset.
- Laser effect of the Blue Chip Tower is now displayed normally.
- Fixed issue with reload animation when quickly holstering and re-equipping the DP-28.
- Sound effect now plays when dropping a Zipline Gun Cable.
- Fixed issue with bots remaining alive outside playable areas.
- Equipped backpack is now visible when wearing specific Ghillie Suits.
- Fixed various Miramar issues, including collision, texture, and performance.
- Fixed issue with gunfire sounds on Karakin depending on player location.
- Warning siren for the first Black Zone now plays.
- Incoming sound of Black Zone missiles now plays.
- Fixed issue with Secret Room item positions on Taego.
- Players inside and outside a destroyed Loot Truck can now deal damage to each other on Sanhok.
- Fixed issue with partially visible characters on Miramar.
- Fixed issue with selected subcategory in Customize - Character - Wardrobe.
- Character pose no longer appears briefly before transitioning to the lobby.
- Clan Tags now displayed between partner players with Streamer Mode enabled.
- Tooltip localization error fixed for Extinction - Beryl M762 in Simplified Chinese.
- Wording error fixed in inactivity warning message in Training Mode and Team Deathmatch Mode.
- Fixed issue with "Report Player" popup not closing on PC.
- Fixed issue with area names being cut off on Console.
Items & Skins Fixes:
- Fixed clipping issue with SPYGEA's T-shirt and certain gloves.
- Fixed abnormal hood appearance when male character wears certain hoodies.
- "Preview adjusted to hide incompatible items" message now appears when previewing Dinoland Head items with Contender Hanna.
- PNC 2024 - M416 weapon skin now applies correctly.
- Fixed issue with Lunchmeat's Hoodie obstructing view in ADS.
- Jacket of G-DRAGON's PEACEMINUSONE Outfit now displays normally with certain masks.
- Fixed issue with thighs becoming transparent when wearing Donut Mess With Me Shorts.
- Fixed clipping issue with Grim Officer's Skirt.
- Fixed abnormal hair display when wearing Manhunter Hat with aespa GISELLE appearance.
- Fixed issue with BATTLESTAT display when selecting regular weapon skin.
- Fixed abnormal weapon slot positions for Survivor Base and Desolate Warehouse custom lobby skins.
- Fixed issue with ankle becoming transparent when wearing Smoke Stalker Shorts.
- Snow Slick Glasses now display properly.
- Fixed clipping issue with PNC 2023 Striker Shirt and Wanyoo Tracksuit Top.
- Fixed abnormal appearance of Medusa - Beryl M762 with Rare Skin Cosmetics in ADS.
- Fixed issue with top parts of certain slippers.
- Fixed clipping issue with Cozy Cub Skirt and Bearly Awake Sweater.
- Fixed issue with decorations not being visible when adjusting camera angle while seated.
- Fixed clipping issue with Tie Dye T-shirt and Squad Captain Gloves.
