PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is celebrating its 8th anniversary, during which a new update and events have inspired increased player engagement. Update 34.2 launched on March 12 for PC, when player counts, according to SteamDB, surged to 907,246. This is the highest they’ve been since 2020, when they reached 925,699. While both of these tallies pale to the free-to-play game’s 3,257,248 peak from seven years ago, it still manages to be second place on Steam’s charts, with Counter-Strike 2 still at number one. The numbers have dipped a bit since last week but the update rolls out today for consoles so it could easily surge again.
Anniversary events are already in play with the update 34.2 which includes new drops, decorations, arcade mode updates with new battlegrounds added to the TeamDeathmatch, a chance for players to win up to 10,000 G-Coin, gunplay balance adjustments, store updates, and a new Survivor pass.
Rewards for events will be sent to player’s email accounts who will need to unlock reward boxes in 30 days or else they expire. Players can only participate in events once per account by using the in-game banner or with their Krafton account. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS 8th anniversary events will end on April 7 for PC and April 15 for console.
Key Highlights (per press release):
- Anniversary Celebration: Players will find festive decorations across various maps, including care packages, energy drinks, and the starting plane. The starting island features a Bobble Bot statue, where players can throw special golden grenades to display their names. Additionally, the update introduces a new anniversary lobby music track in collaboration with M83, the globally renowned French electronic music group known for their atmospheric, cinematic sound. Alongside these, special anniversary events offer exclusive rewards for players:
- The Web Event allows access to the in-game lobby banner, where the 8th Anniversary Pack and a Lucky G-Coin Box can be claimed.
- A series of Special Drops Missions, including 8th Anniversary with You, 8th Anniversary Surprise, Lucky 8, and Mission: 8, grant rewards such as the 8th Anniversary Crown emblem, nameplates, a Victory Dance, event tokens, and contraband coupons.
- The Hidden Code Event challenges players to explore Erangel in search of hidden treasures and surprises.
- Arcade Updates: Arcade mode receives key improvements, including new Team Deathmatch maps (Deston Arena, Vikendi Train Station, and Sanhok Camp Bravo), adjusted spawn kits, and fully randomized maps in Intense Battle Royale. Other updates include weapon attachment changes, a new Random LMG Crate, and an increased Custom Match player cap of 100. Hot Drop now supports up to 64 players, bringing back higher-intensity matches.
- Gunplay Balance Adjustments: Based on feedback from January’s Gunplay Labs: Aim Punch test, further adjustments have been implemented, with another round of testing planned for March.