PUBG Developers Reveal Ranked Mode Overhaul

The developers of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS have published a new blog post detailing the upcoming revamp of the ranked mode, set to launch on June 11 with the release of Patch 36.1.

Hello players!

Last year, we made several updates to Ranked, including changes to the RP system, the introduction of Tier Protection, and improved rewards. All of this was aimed at making Ranked more prestigious and challenging.

Ranked is an important part of the PUBG experience and we’re constantly monitoring gameplay trends and feedback as we continue looking for ways to keep it feeling fresh and rewarding. Season 36 will begin to implement a variety of these changes with the overall goal of making the Ranked experience feel more exciting and worthwhile. Here's a look at what’s coming.

Unifying the Core Gameplay Experience

One of the biggest changes this season is improving how Ranked fits into the overall PUBG experience, making it feel more naturally connected to other modes. Until now, the differences between maps and the gap between Normal Match and Ranked have often required players to spend a lot of time simply adjusting to new rules. Players who settled into PUBG through Normal Match often found it difficult to transition into the more intense environment of Ranked. Because the content and rules didn’t always align, they often had to relearn things or change their playstyle while trying to navigate a more competitive environment.

As mentioned in our 2025 roadmap, we’ve been working to unify the gameplay experience as a whole. This has involved either expanding certain content across different maps or removing it altogether, all to help players adapt more naturally.

With Update 36.1, we’re taking it a step further. This time, we’re focusing on narrowing the gap between Normal Match and Ranked. We hope this brings a refreshing shift in Ranked as it allows for more variety in situations and playstyles, moving away from stale, rigid patterns.

Our ultimate goal is to create a smooth and organic journey. We want players to build confidence through Normal Match, take on the challenge of Ranked, and eventually reach for esports, all within a consistent gameplay experience. Having to learn and adjust to new systems at each step takes away from that journey.

We know some of these changes might feel unfamiliar at first, but we’ll keep listening closely to your feedback and continue doing our best to help more players enjoy what PUBG has to offer.

Tier System Updates and Reward Enhancements

The Ranked tier structure and reward system are also getting a major update. To help players feel the thrill of climbing through the ranks more frequently and clearly, we’re reducing the number of divisions while adding more tiers. In short, the five existing divisions will be reduced to four, and two new tiers will be introduced.

First, a new tier called Crystal will be added between Platinum and Diamond, giving players more room to challenge themselves while feeling like their rank more often reflects their skill level. With more frequent tier movement, players will be able to better see their progress and enjoy the feeling of growth as their skills improve.

There’s also a big change at the top. The existing Top 500 will be removed, and a new highest tier called Survivor will be introduced. Only a very small number of players will be able to reach this tier, making it the ultimate symbol of PUBG’s highest skill level. For those looking to push their limits, Survivor will become a powerful goal and the most prestigious title Ranked play can offer. Rewards and tier visibility are also being improved. From Season 36, you’ll be able to see both your current season tier and your highest tier from the previous season directly in the lobby. This will make your progression and achievements more visible and meaningful. In addition, the parachute skin is returning as a Tier Reward, and Ranked Play Point Rewards are being updated to feel more useful and rewarding than before. With these changes, we hope Ranked becomes a stage where more players can set goals, take on new challenges, and proudly celebrate their accomplishments.

AS Region Solo Ranked Removed, Duo Ranked Added for All Regions

For many, team play is one of PUBG’s biggest draws, but not everyone has three more friends always available to queue up with for Ranked. That’s one of the reasons why, starting in Season 36, we’re introducing Duo Ranked mode to all regions.

Compared to Squad, Duos offer a lower barrier to entry and make it easier to jump in with a friend or teammate. We believe this will help more players enjoy Ranked in a more accessible and approachable way. (Please note that the availability of FPP or TPP in Duo Ranked may vary depending on region and overall player pool.)

In addition, Solo Ranked mode will be removed from the AS region. We’re taking this step to align Ranked more closely with PUBG’s teamplay-focused experience, where playing together brings out the most fun and excitement.

This update reflects our commitment to delivering the fun of team-based gameplay in Ranked, while also creating a more welcoming environment for players looking to take on competitive challenges without too much pressure.

RP Unification

Starting this season, Ranked tiers and RP will be unified across party types (Duo/Squad) and perspectives (FPP/TPP). This means that no matter how or where you play during the season, you’ll now be working toward a single, shared goal with everyone else. While we’re keeping the variety in how you experience the game, we want your progress and achievements in Ranked to feel more consistent and easier to track.

To support this RP unification, all players’ RP will be reset to 1500 at the start of Season 36. Think of this season as a fresh starting point in your Ranked journey, and don’t forget that placement matches will be especially important this time.

Wrapping Up

Looking ahead, our goal for Ranked is to create a more welcoming space where more players can jump in, prove their skills, feel accomplished, and collect rewards that reflect their hard-earned achievements. We’ll continue working to connect Normal Match, Ranked, and esports into one smooth progression, while also making sure Ranked offers its own clear sense of challenge and satisfaction.

We hope these changes give players who are new to Ranked a clear goal to aim for, while offering veteran Ranked players fresh opportunities for new strategies and fun. Set your sights on your next tier and take this chance to restart your journey in the new Ranked environment.

As always, we appreciate your continued interest and feedback. We’ll keep doing our best to create a fair and enjoyable Ranked experience for everyone. For full details on what’s changing in Season 36, be sure to check out the upcoming 36.1 Patch Notes.