PUBG PC test server patch adds Sanhok, new AR, big UI changes

The arrival of PUBG's newest map, Sanhok, is rapidly approaching. But before the map goes hits live servers, we get one more chance at testing it.

PUBG's Sanhok has moved from the Experimental Server to the regular test server. Today's patch, which comes in at 13.4GB, brings the new map to players alongside a host of updates and some new content.

The update should hit live servers on Friday, June 22.

As previously promised, Sanhok now has a new weapon. Replacing the SCAR, the new QBZ95 is a 5.56mm assault rifle. Sanhok also launches with several changes exclusive to the map. Rendering distance for faraway players has been reduced to improve performance, which shouldn't affect gameplay given how small it is.

Dynamic weather returns, and it's now become a unique feature in the map along with the adjusted item spawn. To that end, 8x and 15x sights can be found exclusively in crate packages.

Like the dynamic weather, the bluezone is also dynamic on Sanhok. It has shorter wait times and longer travel times by default, but also adjusts wait time and travel speed according to the number of remaining players. Redzones will happen on Sanhok, but they're smaller and will last for less compared to other maps.

With the new map comes several updates to the UI. As previously reported, the existing map selection is changing.

Erangel and Miramar now form the Battle Royale playlist, whereas Sanhok is alone in the Mini Royale playlist. You no longer can select a specific map to play on, except in Sanhok's case - though this will likely change as more smaller maps are added.

Speaking of the UI, you'll also notice an updated friends menu, improved UI for leaderboards and the replay feature, as well as clearer pop-ups. In-game, several UI elements like the inventory screen, map, results window have been improved.

There are a few other subtle changes like automatically zooming out the minimap whenever you start running, and an easier to read blue zone meters.

Players and squads who win a round will now be given eight seconds to celebrate before the match ends. The Aviator crate is now part of the weekly random crate.

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Check out the full change log below:

New map: Sanhok

• Sanhok is 4km x 4km map (one fourth the size of Erangel or Miramar). Every game still features 100 players.
• Certain settings have been customised specifically for Sanhok to better fit its unique design.
• Faraway players and vehicles aren’t rendered the same way on Sanhok, resulting in some server performance improvements.
• Weather in Sanhok changes dynamically.
• Players can throw apples while waiting to board the plane in the in-game lobby.
• The redzone is smaller and shorter-lasting on Sanhok.
• The center of the redzone appears outside of the playzone (the white circle). This means players are more at risk when outside of the playzone.
• Bluezone on Sanhok has shorter waiting times and longer travel times.
• The bluezone is also dynamic. It checks remaining player numbers before deciding the next circle, adjusting the waiting time and travel time accordingly (this doesn’t affect circle size).
• The item spawn rules have been customized on Sanhok to get you equipped for battle faster.
• ARs, SMGs, and DMRs are spawned more often. The total item spawn rate has been increased 5% compared to that found in the fourth round of Sanhok testing.
• 8x scopes and 15x scopes don’t spawn on Sanhok. However, they may still be obtained from care packages.

Performance

• We’ve optimised the way servers handle many nearby objects to improve performance. This includes optimisations for characters models, vehicles, weapons

World

• Added advertisement banners for PGI (PUBG Global Invitational) to buildings, billboards, and the default parachute skin on Erangel and Miramar
• The Bengal Tiger parachute skin is unchanged and when equipped will replace the default skin

Items

• Added the QBZ95, a Sanhok-exclusive weapon
• The QBZ is an AR that uses 5.56mm rounds. It can hold 30 rounds per magazine, and can be extended to 40 rounds.
• The QBZ replaces the SCAR-L in Sanhok’s item spawn pool (meaning the SCAR-L no longer spawns on Sanhok). The QBZ95 spawns about 1.4x as often as the SCAR-L used to spawn on Sanhok.

Gameplay

• Added smoother interpolation for the cone of dispersion radius when changing states or moving around.
• This means that when transitioning to a different aiming or positional state, the updated dispersion radius modifier will no longer be applied instantaneously.
• The winning player or team will now be given approximately 8 seconds to celebrate their victory before the match ends and results are displayed.
• Spectators can also watch the winning player or team celebrate.

UI/UX

• With three maps now in the game, you’ll choose between two “playlists” instead of two maps.
• The Battle Royale playlist contains both Erangel and Miramar. Selecting it will randomly drop you into one of the two.
• The Mini Royale playlist contains only Sanhok for now.
• Select both playlists to be randomly dropped into one of the three maps currently in the game.
• The friend list UI has been updated
• Leaderboard and Replay UI has been improved
• Pop ups in the lobby and game sessions have been visually enhanced.
• Pop up window showing matchmaking status has been improved
• In-game UI elements such as inventory, map, results window have been improved
• The mini map now dynamically zooms in or out depending on the character's movement speed, enhancing your ability to see what’s around you.
• The 'Minimap Dynamic Zoom' option can be turned on/off in the options menu.
• The minimap can now be expanded
• Minimap expansion can be toggled on/off using the 'N' key
• To improve visibility of the Blue Zone in the map, areas under the Blue Zone are now colored blue
• The Blue Zone indicator bar located above the minimap has been improved
• Added universal scope sensitivity setting, with the ability to individually set scope sensitivities if desired.
• Sensitivity levels now apply properly for scopes with a variable zoom.
• A new option to adjust crosshair color using RGBA values has been added under the options menu
• The loading screen has been modified to display game-related tips

Sounds

• Plane engine sound volume when beginning the match has been decreased
• The volume of sounds made by bodies of water (oceans, rivers) has been decreased
• Care package plane's volume attenuation curve is now steeper. This means the distance at which the plane can be heard is the same, but the distance at which the plane's maximum sound can be heard has been decreased
• All weapon sounds have been remastered for better quality
• The sound effect made when throwables impact water has been improved

Effects

• We’ve improved visual effects when bullets strike ground or water
• The splash effect shown when throwables impact water has been made more realistic.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where characters got stuck in certain areas of Erangel and Miramar
• Removed a few objects from Erangel and Miramar which obstructed movement
• Fixed an issue where certain plants in Miramar were floating above the ground
• Fixed an issue where the sound when using an adrenaline syringe was longer than the associated animation
• Fixed an issue preventing the Mirado from taking damage from grenades.
• Fixed an issue where players inside vehicles didn’t take damage from unarmed melee attacks
• Fixed an issue where grenade status effects (flash, burning) would sometimes not disappear after their intended duration.
• Fixed an issue with pistol recoil animations not being played correctly in ADS after exiting a vehicle.
• Fixed an issue where parts of the sidecar's wheel were missing when the tire was destroyed.
• Improved the vaulting interaction between some objects and windows.
• Fixed an issue when spectating or watching replays where parts of weapons would disappear in certain situations (only weapons with high scope-mounting positions).