Hello players!

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has now reached its 9th anniversary. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the players who have been part of this journey with us. Your continued support and feedback have allowed PUBG to keep evolving, taking on new challenges while building upon the experiences we have shared so far.

2025 was a year of challenges and meaningful changes for our development team. From Erangel: Subzero to the expansion of the Destructible Terrain system, a revamp of Ranked, UGC, the transition to current-gen Console service, and gunplay meta shifts, we continuously asked ourselves just how far PUBG could expand while preserving the core fun that defines the game.

PUBG is now celebrating its 9th anniversary. In 2026, the bold attempts we made throughout 2025 will come together as deeper and more refined forms of fun.

Deepening the essence of gameplay, expanding the variety of experiences to deliver new kinds of fun, and above all, building stronger trust with all of you. These are the pillars that will define PUBG development goals in 2026.

All that said, let's dive into the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS 2025 Roadmap!

PUBG 2025 Roadmap VOD

Unreal Engine 5

In last year’s roadmap, We said that adopting Unreal Engine 5 would be part of laying the foundation for PUBG’s future expansion, and that the visual upgrade would be the first noticeable change. However, as development progressed, we reached a clear conclusion: this cannot just be a simple engine port.

Given your high expectations, we've partially revised our original plans, redefined our tasks, and are fully focused on delivering the most authentic PUBG experience possible. As a result, some of the service plans originally targeting the PUBG’s 10th anniversary in 2027 have also been adjusted.

As this is all part of preparing for an even bigger leap forward, we hope you’ll continue to trust us and be a little more patient. And to make sure that wait is worthwhile, we’d now like to walk you through the changes and new experiences that we have lined up for 2026.

Depth

World Updates

In PUBG, the worlds are more than backdrops for combat. It's the stage where you Land, Loot, and Survive, and where each player writes their own story. In 2026, we plan to expand the potential of that stages through tactical depth.

As of March, you're already enjoying the 9th anniversary celebrations across Rondo and all maps. Starting from there, we'll keep evolving each world with seasonal themes throughout the year, making them feel alive and ever-changing.

The Destructible Terrain Feature to Erangel

• The biggest change hits in April. The Destructible Terrain feature comes to both Erangel and Ranked. As the oldest and most beloved map, Erangel's long history also meant engagement spots became predictable, with too many endgames in wheat fields or ridgelines coming down to Blue Zone luck over skill.

• Once Destructible Terrain goes live, you can create your own cover even in open areas, turning the terrain from a fixed environment into a tactical tool you shape yourself. This should make Erangel's combat feel far more dynamic and proactive.

Secret Rooms in Miramar

• Secret Rooms are finally coming to Miramar. We carefully placed them in locations that complement Miramar's dynamic elevation changes, adding exploration value without disrupting the existing gameplay flow. This means strategic looting and route planning through Secret Rooms will now be possible in Ranked as well.

Improvements to Rondo

• After analyzing your feedback and data we’ve gathered, we're making major adjustments to Rondo to address the pain points in looting and movement flow.

No single update can make everything perfect, but we're committed to listening closely to your voices, studying the data, and continuously improving the worlds.

In-Game Contents

• The biggest addition is Interactive Smoke. Smoke grenades will no longer just be a static wall blocking line of sight. They'll behave as a physical entity that sways in the wind and can be dispersed by explosions.

• We're also adding the ability to call in items at Blue Chip Towers and introducing a level system to the Jammer Pack, broadening your strategic options. It's all about adding fresh value to tools you already know.

• Improving quality-of-life so you can stay immersed and enjoy a smoother experience. Starting with the team status UI improvements from Update 40.1, we're preparing a feature that lets you instantly use items on the ground without them taking up inventory.

• You'll also be able to share your configuration with others by generating a code. The world map and match log will be combined too, putting all your information in one place. We will keep making the experience more intuitive and convenient.

Out-Game Contents

So far, PUBG's out-game experience has felt closer to a lobby leading to a single destination: battle royale. This year, the out-game experience is built around “more things to enjoy” and “greater recognition”. A space where players don’t just queue up for BR matches but get excited about which challenge to take on today, where your skills and efforts are recognized. That's our out-game direction for 2026.

Rumble

• The first major change is Rumble, built for players who want Ranked-level intensity without the pressure of tier points. Every weekend, squad up with friends and jump into a casual competitive mode. Winning squads earn more than just rewards. The top three squads of the week will have their names featured in the Rumble lobby for the following week, earning a place of honor for everyone to see. If you’ve wanted to prove yourself but felt the entry barrier was too high, Rumble is the perfect mode for you.

New Ranking System

• The second addition, coming in the second half of the year, is a new ranking system and an integrated medal score. The maps you love, the weapons you favor, the way you play. All of it exists as data, but never in a form you could show off or compare. The new ranking system won't just be a leaderboard. It's a reflection of your play identity. We're also introducing a Challenge system where in-match performance earns you exclusive skin rewards. The time and passion you've poured into PUBG deserve to be seen, and we're committed to making that happen.

Arcade

The core theme for Arcade Mode this year is expanding your gameplay options. Beyond the intensity of battle royale, we want to provide a dopamine-packed playground that you can jump into casually depending on your mood and situation.

• This April, we're preparing a mode where you can drop the tension and just kick back and have fun with friends.

• Team Death Match Mode and Intense Battle Royale Mode will also see regular updates with fresh twists, refining each mode's experience while building on what makes them fun. We will make sure our mode content gives you another reason to keep coming back to PUBG.

Execution Feature

• This year, PUBG introduces the Execution feature to deliver a more stylish action experience. This is a completely different concept from existing gunplay actions or emotes. Executions turn the moment you finish off an opponent into a stylized finishing moment. It delivers PUBG’s signature weighty and impactful action.

• In particular, the goal is to give melee weapons, which have seen limited use in combat, a brand-new role and purpose. More than a cosmetic flourish, Executions will elevate melee weapons into a strategic option and a satisfying way to punctuate a fight. Starting with the May update, the first Execution will let you finish off downed enemies using melee weapons.

• Executions won't be a one-time addition. We plan to update them regularly, creating new ones tailored to different weapons and situations. This will expand your options for expression and fun across all action content, including melee weapons.

Gunplay

Looking back at 2025, it was truly a year packed with experimentation and change on the gunplay front. There was a period when 9mm weapons led by the MP5K and VSS dominated the meta, followed by adjustments that brought the meta back to AR-centric gameplay. There was also a rebalance targeting DMRs, which had maintained top-tier performance for most of PUBG’s lifespan. Drawing on all of that invaluable experience and feedback, the 2026 gunplay roadmap is built on three pillars: meta rotation, regular balance updates, and new weapons and attachments.

Meta Rotation

• The most important change is the introduction of intentionally designed meta rotations. We recognized that a fundamental shift was needed, away from a system where one or two guns dominate the top tier for too long, or where balance is measured solely by stabilizing usage rates.

• So we're moving to major meta updates on a four-month cycle, where dominant guns and gunplay styles rotate naturally with each season. The goal is for players to look back and say, "Remember that season when SRs were incredible?" or "That was the season I played like this." Creating that kind of "seasonal fun" is our core objective.

Regular Balance Updates

• Of course, regular balance patches will continue every two months between major shifts to fine-tune the details. And if any weapon becomes overpowered, we'll respond immediately regardless of the patch schedule to keep the gunplay ecosystem healthy.

New Weapons and Attachments

• New weapons and attachments are finally coming to PUBG this year. We see it as a critical mission to continuously introduce fresh content so players can feel the meta evolving and enjoy new gunplay experiences. 

• This April, iconic new attachments Hybrid Scope and Tilted Grip will be added. Then in August, a powerful new weapon capable of shaking up the meta will also arrive. 

• Given PUBG’s unique identity built around the looting experience, simply increasing the number of weapons isn't necessarily the right answer. So while we add new weapons and attachments, we also plan to remove a select few underutilized weapons that no longer contribute to the ecosystem this coming June.

In 2026, we expect PUBG’s gunplay to become a constantly flowing ecosystem rather than a static structure, delivering fresh strategies and meaningful choices every season.

Ranked

In 2025, we unified the gameplay experience across Normal, Ranked, and Esports. We also added the Crystal and Survivor tiers and improved matchmaking. As a result, Ranked participation increased compared to 2024 and has maintained that level consistently. Beyond the numbers, we were able to see that many players are investing meaningful time into Ranked. 

For 2026, Ranked aims to evolve as the core system of the BR experience, shifting from results-driven competition to a process-oriented system of achievement.

• First, we’re making RP more intuitive by better reflecting in-game performance. In particular, the longer you survive, the more points you earn, raising the value of survival in line with the true spirit of battle royale.

• Second, we're introducing bonus RP for consecutive Top 4 finishes or back-to-back Chicken Dinners, adding a sense of continuity between matches. Players who consistently perform well will reach the tier that matches their skill level faster, and the entire Ranked experience will feel like one connected journey.

• On top of these changes, an even larger-scale Ranked overhaul is in the works. We plan to significantly enhance Ranked rewards and redesign the season structure so that each Ranked season truly feels like a season. We're also building a system that lets you remember and show off your achievements and milestones for years to come. 

We hope 2026 becomes a year where Ranked goes beyond just a ranking system, and each of you gets to write your own growth story.

Seasonal Events

Contender

• Last year, we debuted our first Contenders Hanna and Dorian, but we didn't fully deliver on what makes them stand out as characters, not just outfits. In 2026, we're doubling down on the unique Contender experience by reinforcing narrative elements you can feel in gameplay and expanding customization freedom. A new mix-and-match system will let you freely combine hairstyles and outfits from unlocked levels, adding more fun to customizing your own character.

Pass System

• The Event Pass introduced with last year's Skibidi Toilet mode was a hit with its fast progression and rewards, and this year we're scaling up that formula. We'll keep the Survivor Pass and Workshop Pass running steadily while rolling out more Event Passes around key moments like new modes and Esports events. Each pass will be denser than ever, moving beyond repetitive play so you can immerse yourself in the theme and enjoy nonstop progression.

Workshop system

• Since its launch in 2022, the complexity, especially the ‘Double Gacha’ structure, has been a major source of frustration. To address that fatigue, we're making real changes this year. For one of this year's seasonal events, a new system without the double probability structure will be piloted. Through data, we'll verify whether this system is sustainable and actually improves player satisfaction, and shape the long-term direction accordingly. To make every purchase feel enjoyable and worth repeating, we’ll do our best with constant improvement and transparent communication.

Onboarding Experience

• From the very first moment, we want new players to feel "I can survive this," not "this is too hard." To lower the barrier and systematically teach the value of survival, we're redesigning the tutorial so players can intuitively experience PUBG’s core gameplay, rather than simply receiving feature explanations. 

• A partner bot will guide them through a comfortable learning environment where they can build practical in-game skills on their own. Also, step-by-step onboarding missions will organically blend gameplay with learning, and higher-value rewards will give new players a clear sense of growth and motivation early on.

• This overhaul is about letting new players drop the pressure and dive into the Battlegrounds. Through an optimized tutorial and onboarding missions, we’ll help new players learn and experience the true joy of this game.

Console

• After transitioning to current-gen consoles in 2025, service quality is now higher than before. Many of the hardware limitations that held us back from adding new features have now been greatly reduced.

• This year, we're channeling that extra performance into improving the console gameplay experience, including higher FPS and more. While long-time fans will also benefit, the focus is especially on newcomers, because a steady flow of new players is key to healthy matchmaking. This commitment to a better console experience will continue well beyond 2026.

Diversity

High-Quality Modes

We want to expand PUBG beyond battle royale into a space that captures the core fun of shooting in diverse ways. The core gameplay stays the same, but we want you to experience it in entirely new scenarios and objectives.

Xeno Point

• First up is Xeno Point, a looter-shooter roguelite that combines co-op, progression, and boss raids. Fight off endless waves, grow your character, and coordinate with your team to take down big bosses. It's a different thrill from battle royale, one built around the satisfaction of growth within PUBG.

PAYDAY

• As previewed last year, PAYDAY mode is a full co-op heist mode. Instead of just mindless shooting and breaching, it requires smart planning, role division and stealth. Plan the vault break with your squad, make split-second calls in unpredictable situations, and experience the signature thrill of the heist genre layered on top of PUBG's gunplay.

New Genre Project Development

• Lastly, we're preparing another leap for the winter season. It's too early to share the title or genre, but we’re developing this project to offer a completely different flavor of fun. It will be an exciting showcase of just how far PUBG's gunplay and action can stretch.

The satisfaction of overcoming boss raids, the thrill of cooperative team play, and the excitement of tactical operations. Every new challenges we introduced today started from one question : "Can we deliver more kinds of fun inside PUBG?" There are countless games out there with all kinds of joy to offer. We want to bring those experiences one by one into the space you already love. This year marks the beginning of that journey, and we hope you look forward to the new experiences ahead.

UGC

Last year, we launched UGC Alpha and focused on giving players the tools to create. The results exceeded expectations: Arena, Gun Game, Parkour and more modes poured in, and a shooting range built by an Esports player even saw real use in professional training. All this confirmed UGC's potential. The tools and environment, however, aren't yet enough to fully capture players' imagination. UGC is a long-term project to be built together with players, and in 2026, we're expanding in three directions beyond experimentation.

Content Expansion

• We’re planning to add more rules and devices to the creation tools so you can build a wider variety of modes. Core elements from battle royale and past Arcade modes will also become available in the UGC environment.

Performance optimization

• Currently, performance limitations restrict how many objects creators can place, holding back creative possibilities. We're building a more stable environment that supports more assets and structures, expanding the limits of scale and detail even further.

Expansion of the UGC ecosystem

• Beginning this year, we're building an environment where your maps and modes aren't just created but actually served to other players. A dedicated UGC space in the out-game menu will let you quickly discover and enjoy a variety of community modes.

Some create, others play, and the cycle keeps growing. Through the new UGC page launching this year, we invite you to explore another world of PUBG that keeps expanding.

Collaborations

• Building on last year's partnerships across premium vehicles and global celebrities, this year we're focusing especially on expanding into games and animation.

• Going beyond simply offering popular characters as outfits, we want each IP's unique world to blend seamlessly into the Battlegrounds, delivering a fresh sense of immersion when the characters you love enter this fierce world of survival. To get there, we're preparing collaborations with a depth unlike anything before.

• Premium vehicle and artist collaborations that embody each brand's philosophy will also return with even higher polish, focused on the joy of ownership. Special crossovers that bring imagination to life. Stay tuned for what’s only possible in PUBG.

PUBG Fantasy

• We’re happy to introduce PUBG Fantasy, a new way to enjoy PUBG Esports. Until now, Esports meant cheering for your favorites, watching matches, and predicting the winner. PUBG Fantasy takes it further. As an active participant, you can now pick teams, build strategy, and manage your roster throughout the tournament.

• This is PUBG’s take on the fantasy league format that Esports fans may already be familiar with. Build your roster from four teams and compete on a global leaderboard. The system is designed to be fair, where analysis and strategy win over luck, with G-Coin rewards based on leaderboard rankings.

• PUBG Fantasy debuts at PNC 2026. Feel the thrill of your standings rising and falling with how your roster performs. We hope this brings pros and fans together in a whole new way.

A smooth, uninterrupted experience matters just as much as exciting content updates. This year, we’re going back to basics, focusing on client optimization and server stability.

We hope you look forward to the journey ahead. See you on the Battlegrounds in 2026. 

Thank you.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team

※ The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat 2026 Roadmap will be shared through a separate announcement.