PUBG is rolling out an exclusive 4.2 update for mobile devices, featuring the Primewood Genesis Theme Mode. This update focuses on nature, with massive plant roots spreading across the map. It also introduces the new Honey Badger, along with additional content like Luna Fruit Bud, the Barkle companion, and more. The official release date has been announced, so let’s take a look at when the update arrives in your region.
PUBG Mobile 4.2 Update Release Date
Through official channels and the in-game announcement board, it has been confirmed that the 4.2 update will be available starting January 7, 2026. However, due to the staged rollout, some regions may receive it as early as January 6. The current update is about to end, so prepare your device by freeing up storage space and removing outdated resources or unused skins.
Expected Time per Region
Based on the previous history, here is the expected time when you receive this update in your region.
🌐 Google Play Update Rollout Timeline
🌍 Global
- 30%: January 7, 2026 – 7:00 AM
- 50%: January 7, 2026 – 9:30 AM
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 3:30 PM
🇻🇳 Vietnam
- 30%: January 7, 2026 – 12:30 PM
- 70%: January 7, 2026 – 2:30 PM
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 4:30 PM
🇰🇷 Korea & 🇯🇵 Japan
- 100%: January 6, 2026 – 7:30 AM
🇹🇼 Taiwan
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 8:30 AM
Apple App Store Update Rollout Timeline
🌍 Global
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 3:30 PM
🇻🇳 Vietnam
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 4:30 PM
🇰🇷 Korea & 🇯🇵 Japan
- 100%: January 6, 2026 – 7:30 AM
🇹🇼 Taiwan
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 8:30 AM
📦 Samsung Galaxy Store
🇰🇷 Korea & 🇯🇵 Japan
- 100%: January 6, 2026 – 8:00 AM
🌍 Global
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 9:30 AM
📲 Huawei AppGallery
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 9:30 AM
Official Website & Third-Party Stores
- 100%: January 7, 2026 – 3:30 PM
4.2 Update Features
Through the official Discord server, the developers revealed that Pownin has appeared over 1.46 billion times with 300 million playbacks. In the next version, it will be replaced by Barkle, a more advanced AI companion. Unlike its predecessor, Barkle will be available in multiple locations, allowing more teams to take advantage of it.
Here is the quick overview of what’s coming next:
- PrimeWood Genesis – Theme Mode
- Scorpion Horn – used to become a scorpion
- Honey Badger – New Gun
- Smart Network Optimization – Use both Wifi and Mobile data
- Teleportation Portals – used to quickly teleport
- Luna Fruit Bud – A seed that grows a plant
Conclusion
PUBG has crossed the milestone of 1 billion downloads on the global version on the Play Store, with an impressive average rating of 4.5. This clearly reflects the game’s massive popularity worldwide. Meanwhile, other versions like PUBG KR, PUBG VN, and BGMI have also reached millions of downloads individually. For gamers, the new year is set to bring fresh content and updates. With just a few days left before the next version rolls out, players will soon be able to access the beta version to test new features early and share their feedback.
