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PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds
42.1|Jun 16, 2026
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Patch Notes - Update 42.1

4/5 Significant

BETAUpdate 42.1 introduces the AI-driven Ally Duo mode for PC and a massive Blue Zone overhaul that changes match pacing and damage mechanics across all maps.

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Key Changes

  • 1Blue Zone damage system reworked from distance-based to time-based
  • 2Med Kits and Bandages buffed with faster usage times and increased healing
  • 3SLR muzzle velocity increased to 870m/s with 10% less horizontal recoil
  • 4New Interactive Smoke mechanic allows explosions to disperse smoke clouds
  • 5Ally Duo [BETA] mode introduces AI companion Ella for PC RTX users
  • 6Ranked Season 42 introduces placement-heavy RP and consecutive win bonuses
  • 7Official Controller Support added to the PC version
  • 8Intense Battle Royale adds Haven map to the rotation
  • 9Six weapons removed from world spawns including Mosin Nagant and DP-28
  • 10Smoke rendering optimized for better performance during deployment

All Changes

🎮Game Modes(4)

  • newAlly Duo: New limited-time beta mode featuring AI companion 'Ella' on Sanhok (Requires NVIDIA RTX GPU)
  • newNew Blue Zone Ruleset: Rondo: New Arcade LABS mode featuring a faster match timeline and unique Blue Zone rules
  • newIntense Battle Royale: Haven map added to the map pool with motorcycle-only spawns
  • newUGC: Racing Mode: Added Checkpoints, Stopwatches, and Billboards for vehicle-based game creation

⚙️Gameplay Systems(6)

  • changeBlue Zone: Damage scaling changed from distance-based to time-based across all modes and maps
  • changeBlue Zone: Phase 2 warning times shortened and shrink durations increased for Normal matches
  • changeRanked Blue Zone: Total match duration reduced from 32m 50s to 30m 10s
  • changeInteractive Smoke: Smoke now temporarily disperses when affected by explosions (Grenades, C4, Mortars) or vehicle collisions
  • removeBlue Zone: Dynamic Blue Zone based on player count removed from Sanhok and Karakin
  • changeStarting Plane: Updated material and surface detail quality for Starting and Supply planes

🔫Gunplay(4)

  • buffSLR: Muzzle velocity increased from 840m/s to 870m/s
  • buffSLR: Horizontal recoil decreased by approximately 10% and vertical recoil buildup reduced
  • removeWeapon Spawns: Removed Mosin Nagant, R45, DP-28, PP-19 Bizon, P1911, and QBU from world spawns
  • fixVSS: Removed unused attachment-related visual elements

🩹Healing & Items(5)

  • buffMed Kit: Usage time reduced from 8 seconds to 6 seconds and weight reduced from 20 to 15
  • buffBandages: Healing amount increased from 10 to 12 and usage time reduced from 4s to 3s
  • buffAdrenaline Syringe: Weight reduced from 20 to 15
  • buffPainkiller: Weight reduced from 10 to 6
  • buffBoost Gauge: Health regeneration now occurs at shorter intervals

🏆Ranked(5)

  • changeRP System: Final placement now carries greater weight in RP calculations
  • buffRP System: Added bonus RP for placing Top 4 (+5 RP) or Top 1 (+10 RP) in two consecutive matches
  • changeSeason 42: Season 42 will run for three months (Update 42.1 through 42.3)
  • newRanked Maps: Secret Rooms added to Erangel, Miramar, Rondo, and Taego
  • newAS Ranked Solo: AS Solo (TPP) operating hours added from 12:00 to 16:00 UTC

🖥️UI/UX(3)

  • changeVoice Chat UI: New dynamic UI only displays players currently speaking; muted status always shown at top
  • buffCustomize Menu: Added ability to open up to 10 utility items at once via right-click
  • changeCustomize Menu: Character rotation is now preserved while browsing skins and previews

🛠️Performance & Technical(2)

  • newController Support: Official support added for PC version (PlayStation controllers not supported)
  • fixSmoke Performance: Optimized smoke rendering and particle effects to reduce performance impact

🐛Bug Fixes(3)

  • fixGameplay: Fixed issue where executing a player using Self-AED in Blue Zone caused immediate death
  • fixWorld: Fixed unintended access to Paramo Secret Room via motorcycle
  • fixUI: Fixed incorrect healing gauge display when using Bandages with EMT Gear

Summary

Major Gameplay Overhaul

Update 42.1 brings fundamental changes to the core PUBG experience. The Blue Zone has been completely revamped, moving from distance-based damage to time-based damage, while match timings have been adjusted to speed up the mid-game. Healing items have also seen a significant rebalance, with Med Kits and Bandages becoming faster and more efficient to use.

New Modes and Features

PC players with NVIDIA RTX GPUs can now test the Ally Duo mode, featuring an AI companion named Ella. Additionally, a new Interactive Smoke mechanic allows explosions and vehicles to temporarily disperse smoke clouds, creating new tactical counterplay. The SLR receives a substantial buff to its muzzle velocity and recoil control to improve its standing in the DMR meta.

Ranked and Systems

Ranked Season 42 begins with a longer three-month duration and a reworked RP system that prioritizes survival and consecutive high placements. The update also introduces official Controller Support for PC and a new Racing Mode for UGC creators.

← OlderPUBG Nations Cup 2026 Tournament DetailsMay 28, 2026Newer →[Dev Letter] Blue Zone RevampJun 16, 2026

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