PUBG Mobile is kicking off the new year with one of its biggest updates yet. Developer Krafton has officially detailed the Version 4.2 update, which launches on January 7, and it comes packed with new gameplay systems, balance changes, seasonal rewards, and a themed mode that turns familiar maps into hostile, living environments.
The update headline feature is Primewood Genesis, a mode that reshapes classic battlegrounds into overgrown arenas where nature actively fights back. Alongside that, players will see Classic mode refinements, new companions and vehicles, a deepened seasonal progression system, and expanded creative tools across World of Wonder and Home modes.
Primewood Genesis Turns the Map Into a Living Threat
PUBG Mobile 4.2 introduces the Primewood Genesis themed mode, centered around a concept PUBG Mobile has rarely explored before: a battlefield that feels alive.
The new Arborum Sanctuary appears across Erangel, Livik, and Sanhok. Cities and landmarks are overtaken by mystical plant life, creating fresh sightlines, new ambush points, and unexpected dangers. Infected Flora blocks access to special vine-wrapped crates, while Corrupting Flowers spread through swamp areas and must be destroyed to restore balance to the Primewood.
This is not decoration for the sake of visuals. The environment reacts to player actions, and ignoring it can quickly become a mistake.
Barkle Companion and Bramblewood Scorpion Vehicle
On Erangel and Livik, players can team up with Barkle, a treant-style guardian that actively fights enemies, shields teammates, and even rescues downed players. Buds scattered across matches grow into Fruits that reward supplies or summon Barkle directly, encouraging map control and team coordination.
Purifying Primewood areas unlocks two standout additions:
- Targeting Vines, which deploy a temporary barrier before launching controllable vines that restrain enemies or vehicles
- Bramblewood Scorpion, a foliage-based vehicle for two players that can burrow underground, launch Spike Bombs, and execute powerful close-range attacks
It is a vehicle that favors timing and positioning over raw speed, which fits the slower, tactical pacing of the new mode.
Prime Eye and Florawings Add High-Mobility Abilities
Primewood Genesis also introduces the Prime Eye, found at the Primewood Heart. This ability grants a bird’s-eye view of the island and access to skills that can create barriers, teleport players, heal allies, or deploy Corrupting Flowers for area control.
Meanwhile, Florawings give players short dashes, controlled flight at multiple altitudes, and a pollen flash that briefly blinds enemies. It adds vertical movement options without completely breaking the grounded gunplay PUBG Mobile is known for.
Classic Mode Gets Balance and Control Improvements
Beyond the themed content, Version 4.2 delivers meaningful updates to Classic mode that will impact everyday matches.
Weapon balance adjustments increase damage for 7.62mm rifles, while shotguns receive slightly reduced damage and wider spread to improve fairness in close-range fights. The FAMAS now supports rifle magazines, opening up more viable loadout options.
Several quality-of-life improvements also land with this update:
- Cooperative climbing allows teammates to reach previously inaccessible areas
- Automatic parachute cutting prevents landing glitches
- Weapon-specific 4x scope crosshairs improve aiming clarity
- Faster throwable chaining and canceling
- Smoother prone movement and camera control
These changes focus on reducing friction rather than reinventing combat, which longtime players will appreciate.
World of Wonder and Home Mode Expand Creativity
The World of Wonder toolset receives a significant upgrade in PUBG Mobile 4.2. The AI Smart Assistant now supports animation generation from videos, grouped object creation through text prompts, and a resizable floating interface that speeds up content creation.
Players can integrate PvE enemies like Corrupting Flowers with advanced AI behaviors and use new items such as Vine Manipulation, Explosive Bow, and Sticky Bombs to design richer combat experiences. Improved templates, tagging systems, auto-translation, and social sharing make collaboration easier across regions.
Home mode also grows with the introduction of the Rose Mansion style, new Home Lucky Spin rewards, Craftman’s Pass updates, and a new Parking Lot Gameplay Season. The Home Competition and Home Style Voting add community-driven creativity, with rewards and cash prizes on the line.
Metro Royale, New Melee Weapon, and Seasonal Loot
Metro Royale Chapter 30 introduces the Glacix Arbiter, a new Fabled melee weapon that carries over between seasons and can even be gifted to friends. Additional collectibles, improved loot quality displays, and a mutant plant boss expand the mode’s long-term appeal.
Sellable Vine Crates and balance adjustments further refine the risk-versus-reward loop that Metro Royale players rely on.
Season 28 and 2026 H1 Series Raise the Stakes
The new 2026 H1 Season Series brings a half-year honor progression system that rewards consistent high-level performance. Players can earn and customize a Season Series Medal with components that reflect activity, skill, and persistence. Tokens earned through challenges can be redeemed for exclusive rewards, including limited item reruns.
Season 28 also introduces a themed rating protection event, reduced Path of Glory requirements, and tier-specific rewards from Platinum to Ace Dominator. Promotion Matches now require consecutive top finishes, adding real pressure to the climb.
Ultimate Royale expands to Sanhok with scaled matches and early-game rating protection, while the Casual Season encourages play across unranked, Arcade, and Home modes with synced progression.
Anniversary Events and What’s Next
Version 4.2 also marks the return of Anniversary and April Fools items, along with Crazy Chicken Day, which offers rating protection, bonus points, and relaxed rank restrictions when playing with friends.
Krafton has also teased an upcoming collaboration with an iconic series, though details remain under wraps for now.
Final Take
PUBG Mobile Version 4.2 is not just a seasonal refresh. It is a layered update that blends experimental themed gameplay with practical improvements to core systems. Primewood Genesis adds personality and danger to familiar maps, while Classic mode refinements and deeper seasonal progression keep competitive players engaged.
With the update going live tomorrow, it is clear PUBG Mobile is aiming to start 2026 with momentum rather than maintenance.
