PUBG just rolled out Update 39.1 for PC, and this one hits a little different. The developers have taken the game’s most familiar map, Erangel, and turned it into a frozen battleground called Erangel Subzero. If you have played PUBG for years and think you know every rock and tree on that map, get ready to relearn almost everything. The update also includes new weapons, gunplay adjustments, changes to Casual Mode, and a batch of improvements for the next season.
Here is a simple breakdown of what changed and what it means for you.
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Erangel Turns Into a Frozen Warzone
The biggest part of the update is the new winter version of Erangel. Large areas are now covered in snow, ice, and cold fog. Some places look almost unrecognizable. Rivers have frozen over, the Military Base bridge areas are damaged, and several parts of the terrain feel completely different to fight on.
Frozen ground changes movement a bit, and long-range fights feel clearer or harder depending on the snow conditions. Snowstorms and visual effects also add a layer of unpredictability. If you used to rotate through familiar landmarks, you might need new plans. Old habits will not always work here.
A More Dangerous Blue Zone
The Blue Zone has always been about health drain, but the update adds a chilling twist. Staying in the Blue Zone now applies a freezing effect in most modes. The longer you stay in it, the faster you freeze and lose health. The damage builds up aggressively, so you cannot rely on late-zone healing like before.
This change makes rotations riskier and forces players to be more aware of timing. You cannot afford to stay outside the safe zone even for short periods, especially in the late game.
New Toy: The BZ Grenade Launcher
A new weapon called the BZ Grenade Launcher is now part of the loot pool. It fires grenades that create small freezing zones, which slow and damage players caught inside. This tool is excellent for pushing buildings, blocking revives, controlling entrances, or forcing enemies into the open.
The grenade launcher works best in squads, but even solo players can use it to break camping positions. The freezing zones also match the cold theme of the update, giving combat a new feel.
Gunplay Gets Adjusted
Several weapons received updates in this patch. Some rifles now have slightly easier recoil patterns, making them more stable during continuous fire. A few guns received recoil increases to balance their high performance.
Sound changes were made to certain weapons too. One example is improved audibility on specific guns that were previously too quiet. These tweaks make gunfights feel more consistent and predictable.
If you play the same loadouts every match, you might want to try a few test rounds to see how your favorite weapons feel now.
Casual Mode Changes
Casual Mode no longer limits players to a fixed number of matches per day. Instead, the mode uses a time limit system. You now get a set amount of playtime in Casual Mode each day, which makes it easier to squeeze in matches whenever you want.
For players who use Casual Mode to warm up or relax, this change is a welcome improvement. It gives more freedom without feeling restrictive.
UGC Mode Returns for Creative Players
The update also brings back creative tools through UGC Alpha. Players can build custom game modes, add new items, and experiment with unique rules. Defense Mode is also returning, giving players more ways to enjoy PUBG outside the traditional battle royale format.
These tools help keep the game fresh and allow creators to design new experiences for their friends or communities.
Season 39 Rewards and Progress
With PUBG Update 39.1, the next season rolls in with new progression rewards, skin sets, and ranking resets. Premium Pass owners get a BP boost, and the Hideout features new items. It is a good time for returning players to hop in and start grinding from the beginning of the season.
Final Thoughts
PUBG Update 39.1 feels like a bold move. Turning Erangel into a frozen survival map changes the game in a big way, and the new freezing mechanics make matches more intense. With weapon adjustments, new tools, improved Casual Mode, and updated seasonal rewards, the game gets a strong refresh heading into the new season.
If you play on PC, this is a great moment to jump in, explore the icy version of Erangel, and shake up your usual playstyle.
PUBG Update 39.1 Full Patch Notes
Erangel: Subzero (Map Changes)
- Large parts of Erangel are now covered in snow and ice
- Rivers and the sea are fully frozen
- Ferry transport is disabled
- Several bridges are damaged or collapsed
- Snowfall and cold-weather visual effects added
- Crash sites appear across the map with cryogenic damage zones
- Minimap and world map updated for winter terrain
- Red Zone disabled on Erangel
Blue Zone Changes
- Blue Zone now applies a freezing effect
- Freeze damage increases over time
- Jammer Pack does not protect from freezing
- TDM mode is the only mode without freezing
- Players see cold visual effects when freezing begins
BZ Grenade Launcher
- New break-open single-shot launcher
- Uses 40 mm BZ Grenades
- Grenade weight: 20
- Creates a Blue Zone freeze sphere
- Sphere radius: 7.5 meters
- Freeze damage: 8 HP per second
- Ammo spawn amount: 2 to 3 rounds
- Appears in world spawns, secret rooms, and crash sites
- Does not activate on water surfaces
Weapon Balance Updates
- VSS: +10 percent vertical recoil, +5 percent horizontal recoil, louder firing sound
- SLR: -5 percent vertical recoil, -5 percent horizontal recoil
- SKS: -10 percent horizontal recoil, reduced bullet drop-off
- AUG: +4 percent horizontal recoil
- M416: -5 percent horizontal recoil
Spawn Rate Adjustments
- Increased spawn rate for M79
- Reduced spawn rate for P1911
- Reduced spawn rate for P92
- Reduced spawn rate for R1895
- Vikendi Ghillie Suit now spawns in Care Packages, Secret Rooms, and special airdrops
Casual Mode Changes
- Replaced 3 matches per day limit with 60 minutes per day
- Spectating counts toward daily time
- Players can finish matches even if the timer expires
UGC Alpha (Creative Mode)
- New devices added: Smoke Device, Light Device, AI Spawn Device, AI Navigation Device, HUD Control Device, Vending Machine, Blue Chip Tower.
- New equipment: all ghillie suits, repair kits, tactical pack, EMT gear, Self-AED
- New Defense Mode for up to 4 players
- Improved bot behavior for winter terrain
Ranked & Season 39
- New season reset
- Updated seasonal rewards
- Premium Pass now gives 50 percent BP boost
- Some old rewards replaced with BP
- Tier rewards refreshed
