Patch Notes - Update 21.1

21.1 Highlights

Live Maintenance Schedule

※ The times shown below are subject to change.

  • PC
    • PST: December 5, 4:30 PM – December 6, 12:30 AM
    • CET: December 6, 1:30 AM – 9:30 AM
    • KST: December 6, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Console
    • PST: December 14, 8 PM – December 15, 4 AM
    • CET: December 15, 5 AM – 1 PM
    • KST: December 15, 1 PM – 9 PM

Map Service

  • Test Server
    • Featured Map: Vikendi
    • Normal Match: Erangel / Sanhok / Paramo
      • AS region: Squad
      • NA region: Squad – FPP
  • Live Server
    • Featured Map: Vikendi
    • Map Selection Region
      • Normal Match: Erangel / Miramar / Taego / Sanhok / Paramo
      • Ranked: Erangel / Miramar / Taego
    • Random Map Region
      • Normal Match: Erangel / Miramar / Taego / Sanhok / Paramo
      • Ranked: Erangel / Miramar / Taego
    • Console (Xbox, PlayStation®, Stadia)
      • Normal Match: Erangel / Miramar / Taego / Sanhok / Paramo
      • Ranked: Erangel / Miramar / Taego

FPP Mode

(PC) The FPP queue for Solo, Duo, and Squad will no longer be available in KR/JP regions. Not only have we needed to align our available services with other platforms, but we’ve also confirmed the current FPP matchmaking in these regions were not striving enough to maintain the queue.

※ Please keep in mind the features and updates shown below may be modified or even possibly removed due to reasons such as bugs, in-game issues, and/or community feedback. Also, the images shown below are provided as visual guidelines – they may look different in the actual game as builds are continuously developed and fixed before they go live.

Vikendi Reborn

It all started with the sudden climate change ravaging Vikendi’s lands that once flourished with greenery and crystal clear skies. Habitants of Vikendi were forced to retreat the area as blizzards drove cities to the point they were no longer able to function. No traces of life were to be found for months.

Now a desolate snowfield, the northern part of Vikendi is covered with sheets of snow – meanwhile in the south, glimpses of new land begin to peep out; survivors of the cold start to gather back, clutching on to desperate hopes of a new domain.

Starting now, Vikendi commences its comeback as a harsh winterland and is prepared to pit players into its ruthless depths of snow.

Welcome to the rebirth of Vikendi.

Test out Vikendi Reborn TODAY as soon as the Test Server opens!

  • Vikendi…
    • Is available as a Featured Map.
    • Has expanded from a 6x6km map to a 8x8km map.
    • Is composed of various environments such as glaciers, snowfields, and greenery.
    • Presents sharp slopes and heavy snow in the north, with relatively less snow and flatter terrain in the south.
    • Features Clear and Cloudy weathers.

Dev’s Comment

As we resurrect the snowy concept of Vikendi, we also wanted to respond to several in-game issues our community had faced before our previous Vikendi’s remaster. One of the main feedback regarded the restrain players felt on their eyes due to the whiteness of Vikendi’s snow when playing the map for more than a certain period of time. To resolve this issue, we’ve conducted continuous tests by adjusting the overall colors of the map and even utilizing the clouds to cast shadows over the snow to reduce whiteness.

We’ve also adjusted the overall topography of the map to remove the disadvantages and overly advantageous factors that once existed in specific areas.

Always remember that PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team will continue to monitor your feedback after this update, so keep those suggestions and opinions coming! See you at the revitalized winter wonderland!

Make sure to visit the Vikendi Website (https://vikendi.pubg.com/) and head off on a tour through Vikendi’s new landmarks, features, and many more!

New Feature: Cable Cars

Introducing the new transportation system: Cable Cars. 

  • There are two routes for each station, with only one Cable Car running per route.
  • Cable Cars move automatically.
    • You can board Cable Cars once Cable Cars arrive to their station.
  • Cable Cars will stop briefly at each station before moving on to the opposite route.
  • You may also board Cable Cars with a vehicle.
  • Available modes
    • Only available in Vikendi.
    • Normal Matches, Custom Matches

Dev’s Comment

A new transportation system: the Cable Car has arrived to present you new gameplay dynamics! Face off enemies traveling the opposite Cable Car route, or launch surprise attacks to enemies on the ground midair! Panzerfausts will also most likely spawn in most Cable Cars, so why not blast your enemies off their leisure Cable Car ride?

New Area: Lab Camp

Meet the new Lab Camp, a new area holding high value items in the northwest!

  • Lab Camps are scattered around the frozen lake in the northwest.
    • Each Lab Camp differs in size and structure.
  • Supply Drops, a new type of crate spawning certain items with certain probability distributions, will spawn in Lab Camps.
    • Yellow Supply Drops: Boost items, Throwables, M79, or Level 3 Equipment may spawn.
    • Red Supply Drops: Weapons available in Vikendi (including ammo) may spawn.
      • You may even find Care Package weapons if you’re very lucky!
    • Blue Supply Drops: Attachments available in Vikendi.
  • Alarms are installed in certain Lab Camps. They will immediately activate once items are extracted from Supply Drops.
    • Activated alarms will emit a loud siren and red lights for a certain period of time.
    • Interacting with Supply Drops while the alarm is activated will not restart the alarm’s activation.
      • Interacting with Supply Drops after an alarm’s activation time will reactivate the alarm.

Dev’s Comment

Introducing a new area that can be used as another loot-rich area for players. Lab Camps are located around the frozen lake, where buildings are relatively hard to find.

But everything can’t just simply go as planned – make sure to take items from those Supply Drops as fast as you can before you excite that sensitive alarm!

And if you’re extra lucky today, you might be able to find super rare Supply Drops that hold even more and better loot. Good luck!

New System: Comeback BR

It’s not Better Luck Next Time when you die during a match. Comeback BR has arrived to Vikendi to present you not only one, but three opportunities!

  • Players will spectate their team member(s) once they die during specific phases of the match.
  • Once Comeback BR’s countdown is over, a loading screen will pop up and move the appropriate players to the Comeback BR arena.
    • Every player’s health will reset.
    • Every item/equipment/boost a player had before death will be removed.
  • During a Comeback BR Phase,
    • Players who survive will return to the match with every item they obtained in the arena.
      • A total of three Comeback BR Phases will proceed during a single match.
        • The first, second, and third Comeback BR Phases will proceed consecutively during certain phases of the match. The Comeback BR participant recruitment phase will be shown on the top left of the world map screen.
        • Players who only die during a Comeback BR Phase participant recruitment phase will be able to participate in a Comeback BR Phase.
        • After a player returns to a match after a Comeback BR Phase and dies again, they’ll be able to join the next Comeback BR Phase if they die within the participant recruitment phase.
    • Players who die will spectate their teammates until the next Comeback BR Phase.
      • Players who die in the first/second Comeback BR Phase are provided the opportunity to retry in the next Phase.
  • A dead player waiting for a Comeback BR Phase to start will instantly lose the match if every teammate dies in the match and/or if they quit the match.
  • A Comeback BR Multidrop will be available per Comeback BR Phase.
  • A separate Blue Zone from the match will be activated in Comeback BR.
  • Various items (including Backpacks) will spawn in the arena.
    • A single arena will be used for every Comeback BR Phase per match. Therefore, item spawns/deathboxes/destroyed structures will not reset per Phase.

Dev’s Comment

We believed this update was the appropriate timing for us to implement Taego’s Comeback BR feature to Vikendi.

Additional adjustments have been made to Vikendi’s Comeback BR based on feedback we’ve received on Taego’s current Comeback BR system such as providing not only one but several opportunities to achieve that chicken, adjusting the countdown time, reducing the arena’s size, adding Backpacks and more items, etc. for a possibly better combat experience. Oh, and don’t forget the multi care packages falling from the sky!

New Features: Map Utility Items, Ascenders, and Ascender Towers

The features only available in Deston have set their foot in Vikendi.

  • Map Utility Items will be provided to every player in Vikendi.
    • Ascender Attachment
    • Utility Parachute
  • Ascenders have been attached to buildings in Observatory and Coal Mine.
  • Ascender Towers are located throughout the map.

New Feature: Fuel Pump

The Deston-only Fuel Pumps are also joining the winter party. Fill up your vehicle or make Fuel Pumps explode to make your enemies fly into the snow!

  • Vikendi’s wintery concept has been applied to Vikendi’s Fuel Pumps.

New System: Crowbar Interaction

Players may now use Crowbars to interact with various map objects.

  • Cabinets scattered throughout the map can be opened with Crowbars to obtain various items.
  • Crowbars can also be used to open locked buildings, which are located throughout Vikendi.
  • Crowbars must be equipped to Interact with cabinets/locked buildings.

Dev’s Comment

We’ve added an interaction feature to an existing weapon to create new gameplay experiences. Unlock locked building doors for a new route or open cabinets for more items! (Since we’re all fans of Pans, why not create a new club for Crowbars?)

Vehicle: The Return of the Snowmobile

Streak through the snow with the Snowmobile.

  • Carries up to 2 players.
  • Max speed: 120km/h
  • Movement speed will no longer decrease on flat surfaces/concrete/roads/hard ground.
  • Players can now shoot from the driver’s seat with handguns.
  • Available modes
    • Snowmobiles will only spawn in Vikendi.
    • Normal Matches, Custom Matches

Dev’s Comment

How could we possibly leave out the Snowmobile from the land of snow? The popular Snowmobile has returned even better and faster this update – we’ve improved several factors such as its driving experience on different lands, etc. based on both community and internal feedback.

Train

  • Train noise has been reduced by approximately 30%.

Dev’s Comment

We’ve reduced the noise the train creates based on current gameplay feedback. And I’ve heard rumors you’d be able to board vehicles to the train as well..?

World

Erangel

  • Players can now board vehicles to the ferry.
  • Several improvements have been made to the ferry and pier for a more flexible vehicle navigation.
    • Certain objects have been removed from the ferry and pier.
    • The widths of certain bridges have expanded.
    • Planks have been added to parts where the height of the ferry and pier differed.
  • Ferry routes have been added to the minimap.
  • A new building has been added to the building below Hospital.
  • The location of fences have been readjusted.
  • New fences have been added.
  • The current building has been moved slightly to the left.
  • Streetlights and benches have been added to the area.

Sanhok

  • Celebrate the holidays with BROWN, CONY, SALLY, CHOCO and more as LINE FRIENDS land in Sanhok, Paradise Resort!
    • Players will not receive damage from colliding with the moving toy train.
    • The toy train will project a choo choo! noise.

World Decorations

  • PGC 2022 and Neymar Jr. objects have been removed from all maps.

Temporary Issue

There is an issue where the Secret Room Key is unable to open Secret Rooms in Taego and Paramo. We are currently investigating the issue but have unfortunately confirmed the fix required more time and will be difficult to apply this update. Therefore, Secret Room Keys will not spawn in Taego and Paramo during Update 21.2.

  • This applies to every mode.
  • This issue will be fixed in Update 21.2.

Gameplay

Vehicle Balance

Adjustments have been made to certain vehicles.

  • Zima
    • Health: 900 → 1200
    • The Trunk feature has been added.
      • Trunk capacity: 250
    • Vehicle movement and control has improved on snow/ice terrain.
    • An area of the vehicle relatively vulnerable to extra damage has been slightly reduced.
  • Porter
    • Health: 1200 → 1500
    • General speed has increased.
      • Max speed has not changed.
    • Vehicle control has improved.
  • Pony Coupe
    • General speed and torque in low RPM range has been slightly decreased.
      • Max speed has not changed.
  • MiniBus
    • Health: 2000 → 2500
    • Torque in low RPM range has increased.
      • Max speed (normal) has increased to 87km/h.
      • Max speed (boost) has not changed.
    • Vehicle control has improved.
    • The vehicle’s tires’ health has slightly increased.
  • UAZ
    • Torque in low RPM range has increased.
      • Max speed has not changed.
  • Mirado
    • Torque in low RPM range has increased.
      • Max speed has not changed.
    • Vehicle control has improved.

Dev’s Comment

Balance adjustments have been applied to certain vehicles based on in-game graphs and continuous player/internal feedback.

We’ve first boosted performances of vehicles which were not used as often in Vikendi by improving their control/movement when running on top of ice/snow terrain.

We’ve also received frequent feedback that the relatively popular Zima seemed more vulnerable to damage (compared to other vehicles). The Zima’s health itself is not considered to be on the lower side of the graph, but we confirmed it was comparatively lower than other 4-by-4 vehicles. Thus, not only have we increased its health, but we’ve sprinkled extra features to the Zima this update.

Furthermore, the Porter and MiniBus showed comparatively low usage rates – therefore, performance improvements have been applied to these vehicles as well to hopefully boost their popularity. There was also a sharp contrast in popularity between the Pony Coupe and Porter in Taego, so the Porter is granted extra health and better control while the Pony Coupe faces slower speeds.

Lastly, to respond to the feedback on certain vehicles’ low speed in low RPM ranges, we’ve increased the torque for certain vehicles such as the UAZ, Mirado, etc.

Animation Improvements

Improvements have been made to certain character movements.

  • Reduced the character’s rather unnatural shoulder motions when sprinting with a weapon equipped.

Dev’s Comment

As we closely monitored our players’ feedback after our animation refresh back in Update #19.2, we’ve consistently received feedback that the shoulder movements were particularly looking rather unnatural. After thorough internal discussions, we’ve decided to repolish the animation mentioned above.

The updated animation is briefly featured in the 21.1 Highlights above, so make sure to check it out and share us your thoughts!

Collaboration: McLaren

  • The special vehicle containers have been removed from starting islands.

Ranked – Season 21

Begin a new competitive endeavor among the best of best at Season 21 of Ranked!

  • The leaderboard will reset after the Live Server maintenance.
  • Check out your final Tier from the previous season at the Career page.

Season 20 Rewards

Below are the rewards you’ll be receiving based on your final Tier from the previous Ranked season.

Tier Season 20 Rewards
Bronze Bronze PUBG ID Emblem
Silver Silver PUBG ID Emblem
Gold Gold PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute Skin
Platinum Animated Platinum PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute SkinPlatinum Medal
Diamond Animated Diamond PUBG ID EmblemRanked Parachute SkinPlatinum, Diamond Medal
Master Animated Master PUBG ID EmblemAnimated Master NameplateRanked Parachute SkinPlatinum, Diamond, Master Medal
Top 500 Bonus rewards for Top 500 players:Animated Top 500 PUBG ID EmblemAnimated Top 500 Nameplate
  • TheParachute skin and Medals are permanent rewards.
  • The rest of the obtainable rewards are available for use during a single Ranked season.
  • Rewards can be found in your Inventory once Season 21 starts.
  • Once Season 21 is over and the server undergoes maintenance, every reward but the Parachute and Medal will be withdrawn from your Edit Profile page.

Training Mode

  • Players can now enter an ongoing Training Mode session.
    • A single session can hold a maximum of 20 players.
    • Players can only enter an ongoing session when approximately 10 minutes of the session remain.
    • This feature does not apply to players in queue for Ranked.
  • The starting countdown for Training Mode has been removed.

Custom Match

  • The modes/settings usingthe Vikendi mapbefore Update #21.1 have been removed.
    • Normal Mode: One Weapon Wonder
    • Team Deathmatch: Peshkova / Podvosto
    • Zombie Mode: Default Settings, Zombie Survival, Zombie Elimination, Zombie Royale
    • War Mode: Default Settings, Dead Factory, Bomb Kit (Dodgebomb), VSS Kit, Overpower Kit (Desert Knights), Sniper Kit (One Shot One Kill)
    • War Mode: Conquest: Default Settings
    • Esports Mode: Default Settings

Dev’s Comment

The Custom Match modes using the Vikendi map before Update #21.1 have been removed. We have plans to discuss possibly adding the new battlegrounds of Vikendi to Custom Matches in a future update.

And don’t forget, the Normal Mode: Default Settings will always be available to play for the new Vikendi map after this update, so we hope you enjoy!

  • Improvements have been made to Observer/Replay features.
    • The minimap size options have been reduced from 3 (max/medium/mini) to 2 (max/mini) sizes.
      • The max size has been reduced to the current medium size.
    • The head icon’s transparency for dead players has been fixed to 60%.
      • This applies to ADS mode as well, but the transparency for surviving players have been removed.
    • The replay timeline will not move the weapon icons.
    • The on/off toggle feature for team logos will now apply from players shown on minimap → every player in Esports Mode.

Team Deathmatch

  • The Peshkova / Podvosto maps of the Vikendi mapbefore Update #21.1 have been removed.

Lobby

  • The background music “Winter Like No Other” has been applied as default.
  • A Vikendi theme has been applied to the basic lobby.
    • Players currently using the Customize – Lobby skin feature are required to switch their lobbies back to the basic skin to see the Vikendi theme lobby.
  • An end of match screen displaying your Survival Mastery XP/BP/Weapon Mastery XP/Medal rewards/mission progress will now be shown after every match.
    • Available in Normal Matches and Ranked.
  • Improvements have been made to the “Join Team” feature.
    • The “Join Team” feature will be the default button for friends’ profiles on Social.
    • You may also join the party of a friend who is in a match.
      • Once you join, you’ll be waiting at their lobby until their match concludes.
    • You may Invite or Join teams through chat as well.
      • Clicking the player’s nickname in the chatbox will display a menu with the Join Team/Team Invite buttons.
        • The “Remove Friend” button has been removed from the menu.
      • A “Team Invite” button has been added to the notification pop-up when a friend is online.

Settings

  • (PC) A key binding option for BZ Grenades has been added.
    • Access Settings → Key Bindings to customize your keys.

Customize

  • Preview slots for Gear skins have been added.
    • The preview slots will be divided per Gear level.

Survivor Pass: Vikendi Reborn

Survive the cold with the new Survivor Pass: Vikendi Reborn. Check out the full details on the upcoming December Store Update announcement!

Workshop

  • New item sets have been added to the Hunter’s Chest and Archivist’s Chest.
    • High Noon
    • PNC 2022
    • Emotes
      • PNC 2022 Dance – Champion’s Struggle
      • Victory Dance 88
      • Victory Dance 89
      • Cell Phone Photo

Performance

  • Game launch has been improved through player input logic optimization.
  • (Console) Data compression has improved memory usage and gameplay hitches on Xbox devices.

Bug Fixes

Gameplay

  • General in-game bugs have been fixed.
  • Fixed the issue of the inaccurate location of markers in Custom Match – War Mode: Conquest.
  • Fixed the issue where it’s possible to crawl under another player while prone.
  • Fixed the issue where a melee weapon floats in the air when placed on top of a Folded Shield and displays the Folded Shield damage effect.
  • Fixed the issue where a weapon, vehicle, or footstep sounds are not heard infrequently during a match.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where the QBU’s prop does not fold when unequipping it while prone.
  • (Console) Fixed the issue where players end up sprinting when using the L-Stick after using a consumable item.

World

  • Fixed collision, texture, performance, and more general issues in Erangel.
  • Fixed the issue where the character’s movements look awkward when moving on the east cliff of Erangel’s Sosnovka Military Base.
  • Fixed the issue where throwables/melee weapons stick to a specific wall in Erangel when thrown.
  • Fixed the issue where chain-link fences in Erangel can not be destroyed by vehicles at high speed.
  • Fixed the issue where a character is able to penetrate through a door when standing on the corner of a certain balcony in Erangel.
  • Fixed the issue where debris of a destroyed door did not fall off and disappear immediately in Erangel.
  • Fixed the issue where the decal of a building in Erangel can be seen through smoke.
  • Fixed the issue where dropped items can fall through container gaps in Erangel.
  • Fixed the issue where a specific shed in Erangel does not render when observed from a certain distance.
  • Fixed the issue where the color of a certain building in Erangel changes as a player approaches.
  • Fixed the issue where a vehicle would roll over when driving through a wooden fence in Erangel.
  • Fixed the broken cliff texture in Deston.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where destroyed walls in Karakin are restored to normal after reaccessing the session after a crash/force quit.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where it’s possible to damage a player through walls when sniping more than 600m away in Taego.

UX/UI

  • Fixed the issue where the incorrect information is being displayed in Career – Overview when a new Ranked season starts.
  • Fixed the issue where the button does not work properly on a banned player’s screen.
  • Fixed the issue where the bottom of the Aquarail looks buried in the ground when adding it to your Customize – Lobby skin.
  • Fixed the issue where the tutorial mission banner in the lobby seems to fade in a bright background.
  • Fixed the issue where the information on the player who killed you is not available in Match Report.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where it was possible to use emotes in the end of match screen.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where the ESC button does not respond in Customize – Lobby.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where the ESC button does not respond in LABS lobbies.
  • (Console) Fixed the issue where the notice on color selection is displayed in Settings – Reticle Type – 4x Scope.

Items & Skins

※ Clipping issue: Graphics that are shown outside the visible part of an image/object.

  • Fixed the clipping issue on a female character’s thighs when equipping LISA’s BLACKPINK Skirt with JENNIE’s BLACKPINK Leggings.
  • Fixed the issue where the character’s hairstyle disappears when equipping a headband with PGC 2022 Iridescent Danger Jacket and Dead by Daylight “The Huntress” Mask equipped.
  • Fixed the clipping issue on a female character’s body when equipping certain jacket items with a hat.
  • Fixed the issue where the character’s hairstyle disappears when a character with a certain hairstyle equips certain jackets with a hat.
  • Fixed the clipping issue on a female character’s arms when equipping PGC 2022 Iridescent Danger Jacket with HollywoodBob’s Sweatshirt.
  • Fixed the clipping issue on a female character’s waist when equipping Fan-tastic Jacket with PGC 2022 Tac-Tech Leggings.
  • (PC) Fixed the issue where a different platform’s map name is written on the Wasted Future Jacket.