PUBG update: what’s new in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

A new PUBG update for Season 22 arrived on February 15 2023, for PC and February 23 for next-gen consoles.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (or PUBG and PUBG: Battlegrounds) spearheaded the popularity of battle royale games, becoming a breakout hit that inspired countless competitors like Fortnite or Apex Legends. This third-person shooter is available to play on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.

Unlike its rivals, PUBG is a simulation-focused affair, with real-world weapons and physics to consider, such as bullet drop and variable weather conditions. You'll need to fight off 99 other players within a shrinking map to secure the coveted “winner-winner chicken dinner”, so strategy and tactics are crucial.

Now PUBG has a standardized duration of two months; we can expect Season 22 to come to a close on April 17, 2023. Want to know more about the current season and all its new patch notes (opens in new tab)? Read on for everything we know about PUBG Season 22 so far.

PUBG Update: cut to the chase

What is it? Season 22 of PUBG
When can I play it? Available now
What Can I play it on? PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, PS4, iOS, Android

PUBG Update: release date and platforms

PUBG update 13.2

(Image credit: PUBG)

The new PUBG update for Season 22 of ranked competition went live on PC on February 15, 2023, and was available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5 from February 23. The third-person shooter is also accessible on Android and iOS.

PUBG mobile shares all the maps and features that players have come to enjoy. You can expect things like auto pick-up, aim assist and touchscreen controls and other mobile optimizations. Sadly, PUGB doesn't support cross-platform progression between platforms, so you can't just switch it up in between. However, Xbox and PlayStation players can still play online together thanks to cross-play.

Seasons tend to run for two months, though the exact date for a new season is never revealed until a few weeks prior. As such, we'd expect Season 22 to end around mid-April, and we'll keep you updated once we know more.

PUBG Update: trailers

Latest trailer

The latest trailer (opens in new tab) for the PUBG update for Season 22 took the form of a patch notes breakdown for 22.2. In the video, we got a quick look at the new weapon, balance adjustments, and terrain changes.

More trailers

We've included some key PUBG Season 22 trailers throughout this article, but if you want to see more video content check out PUBG‘s official YouTube Channel (opens in new tab).

PUB Update: what's new

New Creature

The new PUBG update for Season 22 doesn't add a huge amount compared to previous seasons, like Season 18's map changes. However, we do have a new furry friend joining the battle royale fun.

Unique to the Vikendi map, this ice-cold winter hellscape will now be plagued with bears as well as enemy players. Travelling across the blizzard-scarred landscape, you'll be able to see numerous bear warning signs.

These grizzly murder machines will attack once you get within a certain range but thankfully they can be killed. However, these eliminations will not reflect on your Profile Overview, Stats, Match History, Mastery, or End of Match screen. So think of them as speed-bumps on your road to victory but with claws and teeth.

Weather update

Vikendi will also see the Moonlight weather mode return to its harsh mountains. This feature will bring back a much-loved weather ambience to the snowy fields. However, this mode will appear randomly in matches, so there's no telling how much you'll be able to enjoy the changing weather.

Weapon updates

Details on weapons updates

(Image credit: KRAFTON)

The new PUBG update for Season 22 includes some pretty great new additions for weapons. One of the best features is the new Thermal 4X Scope. This attachment utilizes heat signatures to help you detect enemies that are obscured by objects, including smoke, dust, and bushes. Sadly, this new object is only available in Vikendi.

The PUBG 22.2 update also brought us a new French assault rifle. The FAMAS 5.56mm AR is capable of single fire, burst, and full auto. This new weapon will only spawn in Care Packages and other special areas.

The AUG, M416, M16, and the Mutant will all also be receiving balance adjustments. Significantly, with the FAMAS making its debut, the AUG will now spawn with regular loot. Check out the patch notes (opens in new tab) for more details.

Map changes

New map comparison

(Image credit: KRAFTON)

The PUBG update for Season 22 has also seen Deston undergo some changes. Now there will be several new hills between Barclift and Turrita that will hopefully work to help players trying to navigate the dangerous landscape.

A new dirt track will also be located south of Sancarna. This new fun past time won't just add an interesting activity to the area but will also effectively break up sightlines.

PUBG Update: Battle Pass

Survival level rewards page

(Image credit: KRAFTON)

No live service game is complete without a new Battle Pass, and that’s exactly what PUBG season 22 brings.

Known in PUBG as a “Survivor Pass”, this follows the usual progression formula. You'll complete in-game missions and earn levels, unlocking new cosmetic items and rewards. New items have been added to the Hunter's and Archivist's Chests such as the new Survivor Pass: Deston. For more information check out the latest patch notes (opens in new tab).