PUBG Update Hits Test Server With New Gun, Map Select; Full Patch Notes Released

A major update for PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has been released to the game's test server ahead of a full release on PC. PUBG Corp. has detailed everything to expect with full patch notes, which range from new content--like a weapon, vehicle, and attachments--to numerous balance changes and the long-awaited map-select feature.

Right from the main menu, players can choose which of the game's maps they wish to play on, alongside their choices of perspective and team. With the Codename: Savage map still in testing, you can choose either Erangel or Miramar to guarantee that's the map you play on (although you'll see a "coming soon" icon for Savage). If you have more than one map selected, you'll be randomly placed into a match featuring one of them. PUBG Corp. says it may change how this works in the future as more maps are released.

In terms of new content, there's a new gun, the SLR. It's a DMR with a 10-round magazine (20 when extended) that uses 7.62mm ammo. The developers say it's "more powerful than the SKS but has more recoil. Recoil control is the key to using the SLR effectively." There's also a new vehicle, the Mirado, that's only found on Miramar. It's a muscle car with four seats.

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This update also brings with it a bunch of new attachments, including the duckbill for shotguns that reduces vertical pellet spread, several grips, and two new scopes. Here's how PUBG Corp. describes them all:

• Duckbill: A new attachment for shotguns (S1897, S12K). It reduces the vertical pellet spread but increases horizontal bullet spread
  • Attachable to S1897, S12K
• Light Grip: It reduces recoil recovery time but increases vertical and horizontal recoil
  • Attachable to ARs, SMGs, DMRs (UMP9, AUG, M416, SCAR-L, SKS)
• Thumb Grip: It reduces vertical recoil but increases horizontal recoil. It also increases the recoil recovery time
  • Attachable to ARs, SMGs, DMRs (UMP9, AUG, M416, SCAR-L, SKS)
• Half Grip: It reduces vertical and horizontal recoil and also reduces recoil recovery time
  • Attachable to ARs, SMGs, DMRs (UMP9, Vector, AUG, M416, SCAR-L, SKS)
• Scope 3x: This scope has fixed 3x magnification with an illuminated reticle. It's discoverable as a common world-drop item
• Scope 6x: This scope has variable 3x-6x magnification. It's discoverable as a rare world-drop item.

The weapon balance changes have been discussed previously and are fairly extensive. In short, the goal is to make more weapons viable so that assault rifles are not so widely considered the best option at all times. It sees a drop in damage for a number of assault rifles, but an increase for various pistols, SMGs, and LMGs.

Other adjustments include Level 3 helmets now only being found in supply drops, improvements to Miramar (adding and removing some buildings and cover), and a variety of bug fixes. You can see the full patch notes for Update 12 here.