PUBG update 4.2 brings dynamic weather back to Erengel

Dynamic weather in Erengel is back in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. 

Before PUBG launched, heavy fog and light rain would plague the map every once in a while. But the weather effects didn't appear in the game once it was officially launched in December 2017.

On August 21, developers announced that weather would be back. 

"A storm is brewing on the battleground... Meteorologists are calling for a wide variety of weather conditions to hit Erengel. And no amount of doplar is going to save you from the hail of gunfire and, well, actual hail coming your way," the video says. 

Update 4.2's dynamic weather is a popular request from their game's fan base. The weather conditions will include fog, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and wind. Each weather pattern will be in effect for a few minutes, and each brings its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, fog will obstruct a player's vision, but also creates opportunities for stealth. 

While fans have long been asking for the return of dynamic weather, many are glad to see some changes from the original Erengel storms. 

"The old rain was so loud, one time me and another guy in solos were literally running right next to each other without realizing it for a good 10 seconds," one Redditor said. "Kinda miss it for nostalgic reasons, but yeah, I understand why lots of people hated it and left whenever it was raining." 

The addition of weather is part of PUBG's overall plan to make the game more immersive and realistic. One of the other major steps towards this improvement is focusing on the game's audio, including footsteps when walking versus crouching. 

Season 4's second update has other quality of life updates in the mix as well. This includes destructable objects and added stability for the scooter, the motorcycle with side car, and the snow bike. The update also includes some of the early stages of the audio improvements, like turning off a vehicle's sound. This allows players to drive a car undetected, not giving away their positioning to nearby opponents.