KRAFTON has released Update 36.1 forPUBG: Battlegroundson PC, bringing some significant changes to the battle royale game. While console players will have to wait until June 19 to play the update, it promises to shake up the gameplay experience for all competitive and casualPUBG: Battlegroundsplayers.
While the battle royale genre has seen many games come and go over the years, KRAFTON has managed tokeepPUBG: Battlegroundssuccessfulsince its release in 2017. The game continues to attract hundreds of thousands of players on Steam, making it one of the top-played games on the platform. This enduring popularity is partly due to the developer’s updates that bring new content to the battle royale. Since launch,PUBG: Battlegroundshas added new maps, weapons, and more to help keep things interesting for players.
Recently, KRAFTON rolled out Update 36.1 for PC players, overhauling Ranked and more in thepopular battle royale game. It is worth noting that the update will arrive on consoles on June 19, meaning players on those platforms will have to wait another week. As a main focus of the update, Ranked has gained two new tiers: Crystal and Survivor. According to the developer, Survivor will be the highest tier in the game. Update 36.1 also added a Ranked Duo Mode to all regions and unified tiers and RP across party types and perspectives. Furthermore, some gameplay elements and items from Normal Matches have been introduced to Ranked.
Beyond the Ranked overhaul, Update 36.1 brings back the Black Market for 2025. It is worth noting that players only have a limited time to use the feature. Black Market 2025 Tokens will expire on July 14 on PC and on July 22 on consoles. Before then,PUBG: Battlegroundsplayers will have the chance to get various cosmetics, including some that are part of weekly rotations.
The latest update also made some changes to a couple ofPUBG: Battlegroundsweapons. According to the patch notes, the AUG received a nerf to damage and aim punch while VSS saw a buff. Muzzle brake was also tweaked, with vertical recoil control being increased. In addition, spawn changes have been made to various guns, with the VSS, Mini14, Sawed-Off, SCAR-L, S12K, and Vector now being able to spawn on all maps. In contrast, some guns have been restricted to only spawn on a certain map. Other notable changes made in Update 36.1 include improvements to vehicle controls and UI modifications.
It will be interesting to see how the many alterations in Update 36.1 impact Ranked and Normal Matches for players. With numerouschanges made toPUBG: Battlegroundsin 2025, now could be a good time to jump back into the game.
※ The times shown below are subject to change.
Map Service
As we shared in theDev Letter: Map Service Plan - June 2025, starting with Update 36.1, we’ll be rolling out region-specific map rotations along with monthly updates on each region’s map preferences. From now on, we’ll be sharing regional map preference data and rotation details in the monthly Map Service Report, which will be released with every update.
Check out theMap Service Report - Update 36.1for the latest info on regional map preferences and rotations!
※ 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 are intended as visual references only; the actual game may look different as the builds are continually developed and refined before release.
Ranked
Season 36 ushers in major changes for PUBG Ranked. For more on the background behind this revamp, check out the recently releasedDev Letter: Ranked Revamp - Season 36!
The following features and items have been added to Ranked.
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Tier Rewards and Tier Visibility
Ranked Play Point Rewards
The Ranked Play Point Rewards have been improved based on player feedback!
Duo Mode Added for All Regions, Solo Mode Removed in the AS Region
RP System
Season 35 Rewards
Below are the rewards you’ll be receiving based on your final Tier from the previous Ranked season.
Dev’s comment: Update 36.1 introduces a variety of gunplay updates. First up, the AUG, which has maintained a high win rate since its buff in Update 30.1, has been adjusted following continued feedback from players. Its damage has been reduced, and its aim punch has also been nerfed, with both aim shift and camera shake reduced by 50%. This marks the first aim punch adjustment for an individual weapon since the new aim punch system was officially introduced in Update 35.1, so we look forward to hearing your feedback after you’ve tried it out. As for the VSS, we saw an opportunity to strengthen it as a viable 9mm DMR option, especially now that SMGs have become more widely used. We’ve increased its damage, muzzle velocity, and zeroing range. As for zeroing adjustments, the maximum range has been increased and the steps have been simplified. This will allow for more accurate aiming at longer distances, while also making it easier to adjust zeroing mid-combat. We hope this helps the VSS reestablish itself as a more appealing 9mm DMR choice. Lastly, we’ve improved the usability of the Muzzle Brake to increase its pick rate and help it stand out as a unique attachment once again. Alongside the balance updates, Update 36.1 also includes broad changes to weapon spawns. To refresh the weapon ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for some time, we reviewed all weapons and made adjustments where needed. After closely analyzing weapon usage data by map and weapon type, we’ve adjusted spawns to create a strong foundation for future weapon balancing efforts. While each map’s signature weapons will remain, some weapons that strongly fit the mood or style of certain maps will now spawn exclusively on those maps. Meanwhile, widely used weapons like the Sawed-Off will now be available across all maps. This update is a first step toward improving overall combat experience and gunplay balance, all while ensuring players continue to have a wide range of weapon choices.
Gunplay Labs: DMR Rebalance
In Update 36.1, you’ll be able to experience the upcoming DMR balance changes first in the Arcade. We’ll also be running a survey later on, so you can share your feedback after trying out the changes. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Details
※ Arcade Points will be granted for Gunplay Labs: DMR Rebalance play sessions.
DMRs
Dev’s comment: In this round of Gunplay Labs, the overall performance of the DMR weapons will be toned down. DMRs have long been known for their high damage and overwhelming late-game impact. As a result, we’ve seen an excessive reliance on DMRs within our gunplay ecosystem, where long-range engagements are often unavoidable. To address this, we’ve reduced both damage and RPM for DMRs, and these adjustments will be available for testing. To make the testing easier, the upcoming Gunplay Labs will once again take place in the Intense Battle Royale mode. The spawn rate of DMRs in Random Weapon Crates has also been increased. In Gunplay Labs: DMR Rebalance, you’ll get an early look at the DMR balance changes, which are planned for a future update across all modes. Please note that details may be fine-tuned based on gameplay data and player feedback gathered through surveys, so your participation is greatly appreciated! As with the Aim Punch Gunplay Labs, this DMR Rebalance test won’t be a one-off. We plan to run a second round of testing to gather a wider range of feedback. For more information on the DMR Rebalance, stay tuned for the upcoming Gunplay Dev Letter.
Vehicle Actions
Various changes have been made to improve consistency across vehicle-related actions.
Dev’s comment: With Update 36.1, actions involving vehicles have been standardized to resolve inconsistencies that previously existed depending on the vehicle or seating position. As part of this update, Throwables can now be used from the driver’s seat of all vehicles. Alongside this change, the vehicle’s movement speed now carries over as momentum, affecting the throw distance. (This change applies to all seats and covers both Throwables and melee throws.) Some inconsistencies may still remain, but we’ve unified the majority of vehicle-related actions to bring a more consistent gameplay experience and reduce confusion.
The maximum reverse speed has been reduced for most vehicles.
Dev’s comment: Many players have pointed out that reversing vehicles into compounds has been an overly powerful tactic. Fast reverse speeds and the ability to approach without exposing the driver made it difficult for opponents to respond or fire first. To address this, Update 36.1 reduces the maximum reverse speed for most vehicles. We believe this change will make positional risk and advantage more distinct, while also providing a more realistic vehicle experience overall.
Vending Machines and Destructible Pots have been added.
Team Deathmatch
Intense Battle Royale
Based on usage rates and player preferences for items in each Supply Drop, we’ve made some adjustments to their item loadouts.
Matchmaking
(Console) Same Language Team
The Same Language Team feature will be available for Console platforms starting from Update 36.1.
Workshop
New item sets have been added to the Hunter’s Chest and Archivist’s Chest.
Special Crafting
Introducing Black Market’s Progressive weapon skins and Chromas - craftableonlythrough Special Crafting at the Workshop! Check out the full details on the upcomingBlack Market 2025 announcement.
Special Crafting Closing Date (UTC)
※ The Special Crafting - Black Market 2025 tab will be accessibleonlyuntil the following dates. ensure to use up your Tokens before the closing date!
Crafter Pass
The Crafter Pass is back, teeming with even more unique rewards and events for this month’s shopping extravaganza! Read the full details in theBlack Market 2025 announcement!
Free Reward Improvements
In Update 36.1, free rewards have been improved. For more context on these changes, check out the recently releasedDev Letter: Premium Content.
New Feature: Currency Selection
As announced in the 2025 Roadmap, we’re introducing the Currency Selection feature that allows you to choose between G-Coin and BP when purchasing select items in the Store.
※ Please note that purchases made with BP via the Currency Selection feature are not eligible for refund.
Weekly Supply
New Weekly Supply missions will be added to the Event Center, where players can complete a variety of weekly missions to earn points that can be exchanged for BP.
Custom Match
Customize
Based on feedback from many players, we’ve made improvements to various Customize features.
Settings
The “Hide Nicknames in Killfeed” option under Settings - Gameplay - Interface has been renamed to “Hide Player Nicknames.”
World
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.
