KRAFTON, Inc. today announced Update 42.3 for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, introducing the new RPD light machine gun, major tuning changes across the LMG weapon class, and PUBG: Playgrounds, a new PC creative mode hub where players can discover and play community-created content directly from the PUBG Play menu.

New RPD Light Machine Gun and LMG Updates

Update 42.3 focuses on expanding options within the LMG category and changing how the weapon class is used by adding the new RPD and adjusting reload times and recoil across LMGs. The RPD is a fully automatic LMG that uses 7.62mm ammunition and can be found on all maps. It deals 43 damage, has a fire rate of 750 rounds per minute, and can be equipped with scopes up to 6x magnification, magazines, and stocks.

Reload times for all LMGs have been reduced by 25%. Vertical recoil has been adjusted by lowering peak recoil during the middle of sustained fire and tuning recoil later in the firing sequence to reduce abrupt changes. Maximum horizontal recoil variance has also been reduced by approximately 30% to improve handling stability. When firing from a vehicle, bullet spread and recoil now increase based on movement speed.

PUBG: Playgrounds Launches on PC

PUBG: Playgrounds is also being introduced on PC as a new creative mode hub. Players can browse a variety of community-created game modes in one place and jump directly into recommended modes through matchmaking. Previously, players had to use external websites or manually set up custom matches, but the new hub makes these experiences more easily accessible directly from the PUBG Play menu.

Modes featured in PUBG: Playgrounds will be selected through various channels, including curation by the UGC (User Generated Content) operations team and official contests, with new modes added on a regular monthly basis. A total of 30 winning entries from the global creative mode contest with CurseForge, announced on August 5, will also be officially added to PUBG: Playgrounds. KRAFTON plans to introduce high-quality community-created modes to more players, expand connections between creators and players, and foster the creator ecosystem.

Additional Quality-of-Life Improvements

Additional features have been introduced to improve the overall play experience. A dedicated team selection user interface (UI) allows hosts and players to select or switch teams more intuitively. The results screen now displays the winning team, round-by-round results and final match results together, while device icons have also been updated for improved readability and consistency.

POBG, a PC-exclusive minigame that can be played during server maintenance, is also being introduced. The minigame tracks each player’s best score, and players can continue an ongoing session even after maintenance has ended.

For more details and full patch notes, visit https://pubg.com/en and follow the official PUBG channels on YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, and TikTok.  

 


# # #

Headquartered in Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is built on a global network of 19 creative studios that include PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, JOFSOFT, Eleventh Hour Games, OmniCraft Labs, Olivetree Games, Loonshot Games, and 9B STUDIO. Each independent studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services. 

KRAFTON is responsible for premier game IPs, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA, My Little Puppy, and more. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company with world-class development capabilities, continuously exploring new possibilities that enhance the gameplay experience — including AI and other emerging technologies. For more information, visit www.krafton.com.