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| (Image Source: KRAFTON Inc.) |
KRAFTON Inc. recently unveiled the 2026 development roadmap for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, outlining plans to deliver deeper and more refined gameplay. As PUBG celebrates its 9th anniversary this year, the game has once again surpassed 1.3 million peak concurrent users this month, following a similar milestone achieved in March last year. PUBG’s roadmap will be built around two key directions this year: the evolution and innovation of the gameplay experience, and the advancement of its live service through diverse content.
Evolution And Innovation Of Gameplay Experience
KRAFTON is evolving PUBG’s core gameplay by introducing new systems, expanding tactical depth, and refining competitive and progression experiences.
• Map & World Updates: Destructible Terrain will arrive on Erangel next month, allowing players to reshape the battlefield by creating cover even in open areas. Miramar will introduce Secret Rooms, adding new layers of exploration and reward, while updates to Rondo will further enhance looting efficiency and route planning.
• New Tactical Systems & Features: Interactive Smoke will behave as a physical entity influenced by environmental factors such as wind and explosions, introducing new tactical depth in combat. Additional features, including item call-ins at Blue Chip Towers and upgrades to the equipment system, will expand strategic decision-making during matches.
• Gunplay & Combat Evolution: Gunplay will be refined through a new meta rotation system where dominant weapon classes rotate seasonally to keep combat fresh. Major updates will be delivered every four months, supported by balance patches every two months. New weapons and attachments will be introduced while underutilized ones may be removed to maintain a healthy gameplay ecosystem.
• Competitive & Progression Improvements: Ranked mode will be enhanced with a more intuitive Ranking Points system that better reflects player performance. Season structures and rewards will be improved while the Contender system will expand to deepen character customization. Event Passes tied to game modes and eSports will also be broadened to increase player engagement and satisfaction.
• Quality Of Life & New Formats: Ongoing UI improvements and quality-of-life updates will continue throughout the year, alongside the introduction of new casual competitive formats designed to diversify the player experience.
Advancement Of Live Service Through Diverse Content
KRAFTON is expanding PUBG into a broader platform with new modes, community-driven content, and continued investment in service stability.
• New High-Quality Modes & Experiences: In April, KRAFTON will introduce Xeno Point, a co-op roguelite looter-shooter that blends progression systems with strategic gameplay. In addition, the company is preparing to unveil PAYDAY, a co-op heist mode developed in collaboration with Sweden-based studio Starbreeze, emphasizing stealth, planning, and teamwork to deliver a distinct gameplay experience.
• UGC Expansion: User Generated Content (UGC) will enter a phase of full-scale expansion. Creation tools and devices will be enhanced to support a wider variety of player-created modes, while performance optimizations will improve the development environment. A dedicated UGC hub will also be introduced, making it easier for players to discover and engage with community content.
• Service & Infrastructure Improvements: KRAFTON is accelerating efforts to deliver a more stable and secure service environment. Server infrastructure will be expanded to improve overall performance, particularly on console. Anti-cheat systems will be strengthened through improved detection accuracy, a more refined review process for false sanctions, and enhanced region- and platform-specific enforcement strategies. Addressing DMA-based cheating will remain a top priority through ongoing research and development.
For more details on the roadmap, visit https://pubg.com/en and follow the official PUBG social media channels on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, and TikTok.
