PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS will reduce the number of Map Selection slots from five to three in NA, SA, EU, RU, and console regions. The change will begin on PC after live server maintenance on August 12, 2026, followed by consoles on August 20, 2026.
The adjustment comes after roughly three months of live data since Map Selection replaced Random Map in these regions. In its official Dev Letter, the PUBG team said players who used the feature repeatedly favored certain maps, while less-selected maps suffered from smaller matches, longer matchmaking times, and more bots.
There is an important limitation to the data: the selection rates only represent the map choices made by players who used Map Selection. They do not show the preferences of the entire player base.
Three map slots, with Erangel locked in
Map Selection itself will remain unchanged. Only the lineup of maps available through the system will be different. The new setup will include one permanent slot and two rotating slots:
- Fixed slot: Erangel will always be available.
- Large-map slot: one rotating 8×8 map.
- Small-map slot: one rotating 4×4, 3×3, or 2×2 map.
The large-map pool includes Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Deston, Rondo, and Vikendi. The small-map pool includes Sanhok, Paramo, and Karakin.
Erangel earned the highest selection rate during the initial operation period and kept match sizes relatively close to the previous Random Map service. That demand convinced the team to keep it permanently available instead of placing it into the weekly rotation.
Small maps will also keep a dedicated place in the system. Even though they received fewer selections overall, PUBG said they continued to attract a steady group of players. The rotating setup guarantees that one small map remains selectable instead of allowing selection rates alone to determine every slot.
Why the map pool is getting smaller
When five maps were available, players using Map Selection and players entering Random Matchmaking were still matched across the same regional pool. In the smaller PC regions—NA, SA, EU, and RU—and across console regions, spreading players across five maps weakened the less popular queues.
PUBG expects three slots to concentrate players into fuller matches, shorten matchmaking times, and lower bot participation. The team said the goal is to preserve player choice without splitting the matchmaking pool beyond what those regions can support.
Map Selection schedule for PC and console
| Platform | Regions | Scheduled start |
|---|---|---|
| PC | NA, SA, EU, RU | August 12, after live server maintenance |
| Console | NA, EU, SA, APAC | August 20, after live server maintenance |
The exact map lineup for the rotating slots will be announced later in a separate Map Service Report. PUBG also said it will continue tracking players per match, bot participation, and community feedback after the change, with a separate Q&A planned for other topics.
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PUBG: Battlegrounds
Developed by PUBG Corp
PUBG: Battlegrounds is a battle royale shooter that pits 100 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Gather supplies and outwit your opponents to become the last person standing.
- Genre Shooter
- Platforms Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Perspective First person, Third person
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Battle Royale
- Release December 20, 2017
- Publisher Bluehole Studio, Microsoft Studios
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Age Rating
