PUBG to Receive Update 42.1 with a New Rondo Mode and Interactive Smoke Mechanics

The developers of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS have announced the release of Update 42.1, which will become available on PC on June 17. The patch introduces an experimental dynamic game mode, a major overhaul of smoke grenade physics, and extensive balance adjustments.

Starting July 1, a new mode will be available in the Arcade LABS section. Set on the Rondo map and designed for 64 players, the mode aims to deliver more intense matches through modified gameplay rules.

One of the update’s most significant technological additions is the introduction of interactive smoke physics. Smoke clouds will now dynamically react to external forces and can be dispersed by grenade explosions, moving vehicles, airdrop crates, and other objects. This change removes the ability to use smoke as an absolute form of cover and will require players to adopt new tactical approaches during firefights.

Major Blue Zone Rework

The rules, timings, and damage mechanics of the Blue Zone have undergone a comprehensive overhaul that now applies to normal, ranked, custom, and esports matches.

The most notable change is the complete removal of the old system in which damage scaled based on a player’s distance from the safe zone. Damage will now be calculated solely according to the amount of time spent inside the Blue Zone, increasing progressively the longer a player remains outside the circle.

Additionally, the developers have disabled the dynamic Blue Zone behavior previously used in normal matches on Sanhok and Karakin, where zone behavior depended on the number of surviving players.

Changes for 8x8 Maps

Normal Matches

• Starting from Phase 2, zone warning times have been shortened while shrinking durations have been increased.
• Overall match duration remains unchanged at 28 minutes and 50 seconds.
• Early safe zones are smaller, while zones from Phase 4 onward are larger.
• Final circles have been optimized using ranked-mode logic and will appear closer to the center of the map.
• Red Zones, Snow Zones, and EMP Zones will begin appearing slightly earlier.

Ranked and Esports Matches

• Total match duration has been reduced from 32:50 to 30:10 through shorter early and late-game phases.
• Safe zone sizes have been reduced.
• The land-priority circle algorithm has been completely disabled.
• Special zones now appear and disappear earlier.
• Sandstorms have a shorter duration but move slightly faster.

Weapon and Item Balance Changes

Update 42.1 also includes a variety of balance adjustments. The developers have improved the SLR rifle, updated several Blue Zone parameters, and adjusted the weight and usage time of certain healing items.

New Ranked Season and Additional Content

With the launch of the update, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS will begin a new ranked season. The patch will also introduce a racing mode for custom content, while the Haven map will be added to the Extreme Battle Royale map pool.

As previously reported, a story trailer for the Breach of Trust expansion for Frostpunk 2 has recently been revealed.