PUBG Update 43.1 adds new combat actions, water gameplay, LMG nerfs, parachute changes and seasonal leaderboards—with an indirect benefit for Motor Glider pilots.
PUBG Update 43.1 introduces one of the most gameplay-focused patches of the year. The update rebalances light machine guns, expands combat on the water, adds kicking, improves item interactions, adjusts parachutes and launches a new seasonal leaderboard system.
For Motor Glider players, there are no direct changes to handling, fuel consumption or spawn locations. However, the LMG rebalance could make surviving sustained ground fire slightly easier.
LMGs Are Less Dangerous to Vehicles
Light machine guns remain powerful, but their advantage against vehicles has been reduced.
This is especially relevant to Motor Glider pilots. The M249, RPD and MG3 will still be dangerous because of their large magazines, but reduced vehicle damage and lower availability should slightly decrease the threat from sustained fire on the ground.
The update does not confirm any change to the Motor Glider itself, so the real difference will need to be tested in live matches.
- M249 and RPD vehicle damage multiplier: 1.1× → 1.0×.
- MG3 vehicle damage multiplier: 1.25× → 1.1×.
- ADS transition time: 0.30 → 0.37 seconds.
- RPD and M249 world spawn rates reduced by 30%.
- Recoil-control bonuses while crouching or prone have been reduced.
Kicking Comes to PUBG
Players can now perform standing and jumping kicks while unarmed.
Kicks deal more damage and create stronger knockback than punches. The new mechanic could create excellent close-range clips, especially on rooftops, bridges, cliffs and other elevated positions.
- Push opponents away.
- Interrupt enemy actions.
- Break windows, wooden doors, fences, jars and tires.
- Quickly open certain doors.
- Hit vending machines to receive items faster.
Combat on the Water
Water is no longer a completely defenceless position.
Players can now use sidearms and throwables while stationary on the surface. Pistols support both hip fire and ADS, although accuracy is lower than on land. Swimming and diving speed has also been increased by 25%.
These changes make water rotations more viable and could create new combat opportunities after an emergency landing near the coast.
- Increased boat durability.
- Standardised firearm damage.
- Boats receive only 50% firearm damage.
- Boats can be repaired on the water with an All-in-One Repair Kit.
Carry, Throw and Instantly Use Items
Many ground items can now be carried or thrown without placing them in the inventory. Players can move ammunition, healing supplies, equipment, throwables and attachments—even with a full backpack.
Certain items can also be used directly from the ground, reducing time spent managing inventory and introducing new ways to exchange supplies with teammates.
- Healing and boost items.
- Emergency Pickup.
- Folded Shield.
- Mortar.
- C4.
Parachute Rebalance
The Emergency Parachute can now be deployed from a minimum height of 9 metres, down from 10 metres.
However, landing before the parachute fully opens will cause fall damage. Automatic deployment after Emergency Pickup and respawning has also been standardised at 250 metres.
This creates an interesting test for Motor Glider pilots: how low can you safely escape from a damaged aircraft under the updated parachute rules?
New Seasonal Leaderboards
PUBG has added new leaderboards for victories, kills with individual weapons, Clan XP and Ranked performance.
Each leaderboard displays the top 500 players. Players outside the top 500 can still see their percentile position.
The weapon leaderboard is particularly interesting for specialists, as it makes it possible to compare seasonal kills with individual weapons—including pistols, throwables and primary weapons.
Additional Content
- PUBG × Jujutsu Kaisen world content.
- The return of Solo Deathmatch.
- Duo Rumble for PC players in Europe, Asia and North America.
- Ranked Season 43.
- DLSS 4.5 and FSR 4.1 support on PC.
- Improved match-result statistics in Intense Battle Royale.
What OGDiddo Will Test
Update 43.1 does not directly buff the Motor Glider—but the LMG changes may give pilots a little more room to survive in the sky.
- Compare how many M249, RPD and MG3 rounds are required to destroy a Motor Glider.
- Test low-altitude emergency jumps under the new parachute rules.
- Fight from the water after landing near the coast.
- Use kicks to knock opponents from elevated positions.
- Check the new weapon leaderboards for OGDiddo's main airborne weapons.