PUBG Update 36.1 Brings Massive Ranked Changes, New Tiers & Weapon Tweaks

KRAFTON has officially released Update 36.1 for PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC, with the console version launching on June 19.

This new patch brings major updates across Ranked gameplay, gun mechanics, UI, vehicles, and even seasonal events like the return of the Black Market.

Ranked Mode Gets a Major Overhaul

Ranked mode has been fully reworked. Two new tiers have been added: Crystal and Survivor, with Survivor now being the highest possible rank. To reach Survivor, you need to have 3700 RP and be one of the top players in your region.

Ranked Duo Mode is now available in all regions, while Solo Mode has been removed in the Asia region. Also, RP (Rank Points) are now unified across Duo/Squad and FPP/TPP, with everyone’s RP being reset to 1500 for Season 36.

There’s also good news for reward hunters—new permanent weapon skins have been added for the AWM, along with updated point rewards that now must be claimed manually before season end.

Black Market Returns—But Only for a Limited Time

The Black Market event is back for 2025, offering players exclusive skins and cosmetics. Be sure to use your tokens before July 14 (PC) or July 22 (Console). After that, they expire.

Black Market now also introduces “Special Crafting,” which allows players to create new progressive weapon skins using specific tokens.

Weapon Balancing: VSS Buffed, AUG Nerfed

Several guns have been rebalanced:

• AUG damage dropped from 41 to 40, and its aim punch has been cut by half.
• VSS damage increased from 43 to 45. Muzzle velocity also improved significantly, and it now shoots more accurately at longer distances.
• Muzzle Brake now provides more vertical recoil control (+10%).

Additionally, some weapons like the Mini14, Vector, and SCAR-L are now available across all maps, while others are map-exclusive. These changes aim to make weapon availability more consistent and freshen up gameplay.

DMR Testing Mode in Gunplay Labs

A new experimental mode called Gunplay Labs: DMR Rebalance will test balance changes to Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs). Most DMRs will have their damage and fire rate reduced to make the game less dominated by long-range weapons.

• PC: June 18 – July 2
• Console: June 26 – July 10

Player feedback is encouraged, and a second test phase is already planned based on what the community thinks.

Vehicle Changes Make Gameplay More Realistic

Vehicle mechanics are getting a big update. Throwables like grenades can now be used from the driver’s seat of all vehicles, but with a fixed direction. Handguns are also usable on watercraft now.

Reversing speed has been reduced for most vehicles, which stops players from backing into compounds too easily. This change adds more risk and realism to driving tactics.

Map Service & Arcade Updates

Starting with this update, PUBG will rotate maps regionally based on player preferences. A monthly Map Service Report will show rotation stats and preferences.

In Arcade Mode, the Suburbia map has been removed due to high player exit rates. Team Deathmatch and Intense Battle Royale have had some item tweaks based on what players use most.

UI & Settings Improvements

Players now have better visibility of their current and past Ranked tiers in the lobby. UI adjustments include renaming “Hide Nicknames in Killfeed” to a clearer “Hide Player Nicknames” setting.

Customize pages for characters and weapons now have better sorting and filtering options. Also, the “Disassemble” feature in the Workshop now lets you break down up to 50 items at once.

Bugs Fixed and Performance Improved

Here are some key bug fixes in this patch:

• Fixed an issue where players didn’t take damage in the Blue Zone.
• Resolved vehicle issues like wheels being hard to destroy with punches.
• Fixed crouching glitches on certain parts of the Sanhok map.
• UI glitches and skin clipping issues were also addressed.

Performance has also been improved around busy areas like the Erangel ferry and Vikendi cable car.

Other Notable Updates

• New “Same Language Team” matchmaking option now available on consoles.
• New Weekly Supply missions allow you to earn up to 23,000 BP each week.
• The Crafter Pass is back with more free rewards and special events.

Summary

PUBG Update 36.1 is one of the biggest updates in recent memory. From Ranked revamps to gunplay adjustments and Black Market surprises, it’s clear KRAFTON is committed to keeping PUBG fresh for both new and long-time players.

Whether you’re grinding the new Ranked tiers or checking out the new crafting system, this update has something for everyone.