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

PUBG update - Deston map promotional image
(Image credit: Krafton)

A new PUBG update for Season 24 arrived on June 8, 2023, for PC and on next-gen consoles shortly after. 

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 seasonal duration of two months; we can expect Season 24 to come to a close around August 8, 2023. Want to know more about the current season and all its new patch notes? Read on for everything included in PUBG Season 24.

PUBG Update: cut to the chase

  • What is it? Season 24 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 24 of ranked competition went live on PC on June 8, 2023, and was available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5 shortly after. 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.

PUBG Update: trailers

The latest trailer for the PUBG update for Season 24 took the form of a patch notes breakdown for 24.1 In the video, we got a quick look at the new weapon, balance adjustments, and terrain changes.  

We've included some key PUBG Season 24 trailers throughout this article, but if you want to see more video content check out PUBG's official YouTube Channel.

PUB Update: what's new

Tactical Gear

A graphic explaining the changes to Tactical Gear in Season 24

(Image credit: Krafton, Inc)

The new PUBG update for Season 24 doesn't add a huge amount compared to previous seasons, but there are significant changes to Tactical Gear. Now, all players will start matches with a Tactical Gear Carrier. Inside, you'll get to choose between EMT Gear, Spotter Scope, Drone Tablet, Tactical Pack, Blue-Chip Detector, and All-in-One Repair Kit items. This essentially allows you to use Tactical Gear without sacrificing a weapon slot.

Vikendi Update

Vikendi is getting a minor update to terrain and cover. From the blog post:

"We have tactically upgraded those locations - excluding major cities - that, according to live data, have proven to be the most unfeasible for engagement or where cover was particularly scarce by adding new objects and ridgelines, offering more opportunities for strategic cover."

For full details of what's being changed on the Vikendi Map, check out the full patch notes.

Battle Pass

No live service game is complete without a new Battle Pass, and that’s exactly what PUBG season 24 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: Splash Royale. For more information check out the latest patch notes

That's what's been added to PUBG as part of Season 24. For more on battle royale games, check out our list of the best battle royale games you can play right now!

Elie Gould
Features Writer

Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications. 


Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they've taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased.