PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Update 40.1 has officially launched on PC, ushering in Spring Fest 2026, meaningful Erangel map updates, major UI improvements, and the debut of the new PUBG Bridge replay platform. The update arrives on console on February 12, rounding out one of PUBG’s most feature-rich patches of the year.
Update 40.1 also marks the end of Erangel’s Subzero conditions, returning the iconic map to a more familiar state—while layering in new gameplay twists designed to refresh combat and strategy.
Erangel Refresh Ends Subzero, Adds New Tactical Elements
With Update 40.1, Erangel sheds its extreme winter weather, though subtle traces of the Subzero event remain scattered across the battleground. The refreshed map introduces several impactful world updates aimed at improving both flow and immersion.
Key Erangel changes include:
- Destructible Gas Tanks added across the map, opening up new tactical opportunities
- Secret Room loot updates, now featuring the All-In-One Repair Kit, Emergency Cover Flare, and Jammer Pack
- Improved interior lighting in buildings to enhance visibility during firefights
- The return of the Red Zone and ferries, restoring familiar combat dynamics
According to the development team, the Subzero experiment provided valuable insight into how environmental changes affect gameplay, lessons that will influence future map updates.
Spring Fest 2026 Returns With the Transcendents Theme
PUBG’s annual end-of-winter celebration is back with Spring Fest 2026, themed around four experimental survivors known as the Transcendents. The event introduces a wide range of cosmetic and progression-focused content.
Spring Fest 2026 highlights include:
- A brand-new Crafter Pass
- Progressive Weapon Skins and Chromas
- Special Crafting-exclusive items
- A Custom Lobby unlockable through a collection mission
Special Crafting tied to Spring Fest 2026 will remain available for a limited time, giving players a clear window to earn and redeem event rewards.
UI Improvements Enhance Combat Awareness
Update 40.1 delivers a broad suite of UX and UI improvements designed to help players process information faster during intense matches.
Notable upgrades include:
- Throwable Inventory Display, showing available throwables and quantities when switching items
- Enhanced Squad Status UI, with new icons for healing, reviving, carrying, swimming, and firing
- Improved Blue Zone alerts, featuring clearer Minimap visuals and countdown indicators for zone movement
- Additional refinements such as standardized item pickup messages and improved vehicle UI clarity
These changes aim to reduce UI friction and improve squad coordination without overwhelming players during combat.
PUBG Bridge Launches for Browser-Based Match Replays
One of Update 40.1’s standout additions is PUBG Bridge, a new web-based platform that allows players to review matches outside the game client.
With PUBG Bridge, players can:
- View 2D match replays directly in a web browser
- Access match history after linking a KRAFTON ID
- Watch replays on mobile devices via QR codes
This new feature makes it easier than ever to analyze gameplay, review positioning, and study past matches anytime, anywhere.
Weapon Balance Updates Target DMRs
Update 40.1 includes targeted balance adjustments to designated marksman rifles in Ranked play:
- Mk12: Slight damage reduction and increased horizontal recoil
- SLR: Reduced horizontal recoil to improve effectiveness
These changes are intended to diversify weapon selection in Ranked matches and encourage a wider range of combat scenarios.
Ranked Season 40 Begins With Queue Changes
Ranked Season 40 launches alongside Update 40.1, introducing new MG3 Ranked weapon skins as Tier Rewards and resetting leaderboards after maintenance.
Regional Ranked queue updates include:
- Added:
- RU: Duo (TPP), Squad (TPP)
- NA & SA: Squad (TPP)
- Removed:
- NA & SA: Squad (FPP)
These changes align Ranked play more closely with PUBG Esports’ transition to third-person perspective competition in 2026.
Console Update Brings the New Virtual Cursor System
Console players will receive a major quality-of-life improvement with the introduction of the Virtual Cursor system on February 12. This feature enables mouse-like navigation across menus using a controller, aligning console UI behavior more closely with the PC experience.
The Virtual Cursor works across the Lobby, Store, Customize, and Career screens, with new shortcuts added to streamline navigation.
