In the PUBG Mobile 4.2 update, Erangel is being transformed into a plantation-style map with the new Primewood Genesis themed mode. The update introduces several new items and gameplay features, along with a few permanent changes designed to improve the overall user experience. Players can access the beta version ahead of time, before the official release scheduled for January 6, 2025.
These changes, including the themed mode, special powers, and new vehicles, will also be implemented in BGMI.
New Primewood Genesis Theme Mode
In the upcoming major update, Frosty Funland will be replaced by Primewood Genesis on both Livik and Erangel. New hot drops in Pochinki and Yasnaya Polyana will become the main battlegrounds, with most players landing there at the start of each match. Instead of removing these areas, the developers have enhanced them by adding new buildings, massive plant roots, and other environmental elements.
Scorpion Horn
At random locations throughout the map, you can find the Scorpion Horn, a rare item used to summon the Bramblewood Scorpion vehicle. Unlike previous transformation items, this functions as a rideable creature that you can mount and control. It features a powerful pincer attack for close-range combat and a stinger strike that can damage and slow down enemies.
Its most tactical feature is the Burrow ability. While underground, the scorpion moves significantly faster, and only the tip of its stinger remains visible on the surface, leaving a faint trail in the dirt. This makes it an elite tool for safe rotations or flanking opponents from unexpected angles.
Note on Damage: While you are burrowed, the rider is immune to direct gunfire, meaning enemies cannot shoot you off the mount. However, the scorpion itself remains vulnerable; it can still take damage from explosives like Frag Grenades or Molotovs. If the scorpion’s health is depleted while underground, it will force you to the surface, leaving you exposed.
Honey Badger
The Overgrowth Honey Badger is a specialized green-themed weapon obtainable from crates dropped by plant-based enemies. While it uses standard 7.62mm ammunition, it fires enhanced energy-infused projectiles that deal significant damage. Unlike the standard version, this variant features a unique passive healing ability that restores a portion of the user’s health or energy upon eliminating an enemy. It remains a fully automatic rifle rather than a single-shot weapon, though its high stability makes it much more effective at mid-range than the original version.
Barkle Companion
Barkle is a new AI companion, similar to Pownin, but it doesn’t automatically join you at the start of a match. Instead, you can find Barkle at specific locations on the map and hire it by approaching. Compared to Pownin, Barkle is more advanced. You can assign different tasks directly through the in-game options, and you can also ride it.
Barkle has a humanoid shape, standing tall and upright, and it follows you as you move around the map.
Smart Network Optimization
This is a new feature that combines mobile data and Wi-Fi to provide a more stable connection with lower ping. To use it, you first need to enable the option in the settings, then turn on both mobile data and Wi-Fi at the same time.
Teleportation Portal
There are several portals (Ishtar Gates) located across the map. When you enter one, you are transported to a special high-altitude area called the Primewood Heart. This lush, plant-filled environment serves as a high-tier loot zone where you can obtain a rare artifact known as the Prime Eye.
Once you have the Prime Eye, you can activate it to gain a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding battleground. From this top-down perspective, you can deploy tactical skills across the map, such as summoning healing zones, creating defensive barriers, or planting Corrupting Flowers to damage enemies. While using the Prime Eye, you can even spot enemy positions through the Root Vision effect, giving your squad a massive strategic advantage.
Luna Fruit Bud
This is a seed that you can plant, which grows into a fruit after 2–3 matches. When you approach the fully grown plant, it provides level 3 loot. The most interesting part is that wherever you plant the seed, it will appear in the same location in future matches.
Conclusion
Some small improvements have been made in the game, and white and black horses have been added in addition to the brown horse in classic mode. More features will be introduced in upcoming beta updates, so stay tuned for the latest details.
More details regarding the theme mode and features are included in the Patch Notes.
