PUBG 20.2 Update: Vehicle Spawns, Matchmaking Overhaul, and More

The 20.2 update for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has arrived, bringing a wide array of adjustments aimed at refining the battle royale experience. From tweaks to vehicle spawn rates on classic maps to a significant overhaul of the Normal Match matchmaking system, this patch touches nearly every aspect of the game. Players can also expect improvements to the Folded Shield, new collaborative objects, and a lengthy list of bug fixes. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s changed.

Vehicle Spawn Adjustments on Erangel and Miramar

Vehicle spawns have been rebalanced in Erangel and Miramar for Normal Matches, responding to community feedback about the rarity of certain vehicles. The goal is to make rotations smoother and give players more options when navigating the large maps.

The development team noted that these changes are based on player feedback regarding vehicle spawns on large maps, aiming to increase the availability of hard-to-find vehicles while slightly reducing the prevalence of others. Additionally, the special effect when equipping Basic vehicle skins has been removed, though Special vehicle skins retain their effects.

Folded Shield and Item Tweaks

The Folded Shield has received several improvements following player feedback. Its default health has been reduced from 3000 to 2500, and players can now attach a Canted Sight to the O12. The footstep sound immediately after stopping a run or sprint has been slightly decreased, offering a bit more stealth.

In Taego, the number of small Care Packages from multi Care Package drops has been reduced. The maximum has been lowered from 15 to 10, while the minimum remains at 5. The item types and quantities within these packages are unchanged. This adjustment aims to prevent teams from gaining an overly dominant advantage through these drops.

Matchmaking Overhaul for Normal Matches

The matchmaking system for Normal Matches has been significantly revamped to better reflect individual player skill. Previously, matchmaking used the average MMR of a pre-made party; now it uses the highest MMR in the party. Additionally, each player’s match placement is now based on individual placement rather than the team’s overall performance. Other factors have also been polished.

The developers explained that the old system mirrored Ranked matchmaking, but feedback indicated that players wanted a more casual environment in Normal Matches to test new strategies and secure more kills. The updated system preserves squad play mechanics while focusing on individual stats, and the team will continue monitoring community feedback.

World Updates and Collaboration

Collaborative objects featuring Neymar Jr. have been added to every map, including billboards, building decorations, soccer balls, and Care Packages. Deston returns to the Normal Match pool for this update. The map rotation now includes:

• AS, SEA, KR/JP: Normal Match – Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Sanhok, Deston; Ranked – Erangel, Miramar, Taego

• NA, EU, SA, OC, RU: Normal Match – Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Karakin, Deston; Ranked – Erangel, Miramar, Taego

• Console: Normal Match – Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Karakin, Deston; Ranked – Erangel, Miramar, Taego

Tutorial and UI Improvements

The tutorial experience has been enhanced with improved key guide UI for each mission, an AI Training Match pop-up at the end of Basic Training, and rearranged pop-up content and sequence. New sound effects have been added for mission clears, steel door interactions, default background sound, and the AI Training Match pop-up.

Custom Matches now allow up to 50 presets, up from 10. The lobby’s bottom panel buttons have been redesigned for clarity, and the News/Event page has been updated with a navigational menu at the top. The Ranked leaderboard design has been refreshed, and general tier colors have been updated. On PC, an ESC key icon has been added to full-screen pages.

The Settings menu now features a tab menu, reducing the number of options per page. Changes are saved when moving between tabs, and pressing Apply commits all modifications. The UI layout has been improved, and players using inappropriate profile images will have them reset to the default.

Workshop and Special Crafting

New item sets have been added to the Hunter’s Chest and Archivist’s Chest, including the Survivor Pass: Galaxy Squad, Spring Collection, and several emotes such as Victory Dance 85, 86, 87, and Make It Rain. Two new item sets are also available in Special Crafting.

Bug Fixes and Performance

A long list of bug fixes addresses various issues across gameplay, UI, and cosmetics. Notable fixes include:

• Fixed the issue of female characters’ ankles turning transparent when equipping Lipovka Slacks with Ankle Bandolier Boots.

• Fixed the issue of being able to enter inside rocks after deploying an Emergency Pickup and attack from inside.

• Fixed the Death Cam issue of showing the location a player got on a vehicle, not when they got off.

• Fixed the issue of self-healing not canceling properly when the Killer carries a knocked-out Survivor in the PUBG x Dead by Daylight Mode.

• Fixed collision, texture, and performance issues in Deston and Miramar.

• (PC) Fixed the issue of Instant Volume Reducer applying to a different match and requiring F7 twice to deactivate.

• (Console) Fixed the issue of certain item icons not showing up in Customize.

Vehicle simulations have been switched to server-side to improve client performance and reduce hitches, though moving vehicles at a distance may appear slightly awkward. The development team continues to refine the game based on community reports.

This update is a substantial one, reflecting the developers’ commitment to listening to player feedback and improving the overall PUBG experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, these changes aim to make every match more enjoyable and balanced.