'PUBG' Test Update 18 Adds Custom Matches, Rony Car & QBU Gun - Patch Notes

PUBG Update 18 is live on the game's PC Test Servers. It not only begins the Custom Match public beta, but it also offers a first look at Sanhok-exclusive items like the Rony pickup truck and QBU DMR. An official Steam Community post features the full patch notes.

New Weapon: QBU (Sanhok Exclusive)

• The QBU is a new, Sanhok-exclusive DMR with a standard magazine of 10 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, which can be increased to 20 with an extended magazine.
• There is bipod attached to QBU—it will greatly reduce recoil when you shoot while prone.
• The QBU replaces the Mini 14 on Sanhok.

New Vehicle: Rony (Sanhok Exclusive)

• The Rony is a new pickup truck that can only be found on Sanhok (from the automaker that brought you the Mirado!)
• This truck holds up to four passengers and excels at moving across Sanhok's hilly landscapes.
• The Rony is one of the larger vehicles on Sanhok, so it can be used for cover as well as transportation!

Custom Match

• Custom match UI has been updated and custom match creation is available for all players in open beta on our test servers. Our plan is to expand this test to live servers, once the system is proven to be stable.
• Read the full details in our Custom Match Update - Open Beta Test announcement.
  • Custom match list can now be viewed after selecting custom match game mode.
    • Normal mode: Classic battle royale rules—be the last person (or team) standing
    • Zombie mode: Play as either humans or zombies. Only one faction can win.
    • War mode: Team deathmatch with respawns. The team with the most points (kills and knocks) wins.
    • eSports mode: PGI 2018 eSports rule will be applied
  • After selecting your preferred game mode, custom matches can now be created using presets.
    • Each game mode currently has one default preset available.
      • Additional presets which will allow you to easily enjoy other game modes will be added in the future.
    • After creating the match, the settings can be adjusted using the options in the BASIC, RULES and SPAWNS menus.
    • BASIC: Set session name, game mode, password, server region, map, weather etc.
    • RULES: Set number of players, team size, gameplay, Blue Zone settings.
    • SPAWN: Set the types of weapons available and spawn rates.
  • Things to keep in mind when creating custom matches:
    • The number of total created custom games at once are limited.
    • At least two players are required to start the match.
    • You can keep the game in a waiting room for up to two hours
  • Custom game spectating feature has been disabled temporarily.
    • This feature will be reopened after maintenance work.

UI / UX

• In Options > Control tab, now gamepad related options will only be displayed when the gamepad is connected

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue where, when dragging items from a loot crate or the field, players couldn't acquire items because the item amounts were automatically divided
• Fixed an issue where, when the backpack was full, players couldn't throw away extended mags
• Fixed an issue where the camera would rotate 180 degrees upon death, making it difficult to understand which direction you were killed from.
• Fixed an issue allowing players to see through some buildings on Sanhok
• The crossbow zeroing will always remain at 25m even with a scope attached.

The biggest feature here is public access to Custom Match settings. Even in their open beta state, more or less every option fans could possibly want is present to experiment with. That being said, while the test is available to everyone for now, a statement from the beta announcement post suggests it may not stay that way once the changes migrate to live. "Creating custom matches won't have an associated cost during this phase. However, due to the extremely large amount of resources required to allow custom games to be available to all players, we may change this in the future," the statement reads. In other words, the final version of Custom Matches may eventually be locked behind a paywall.

Looking past that unfortunate possibility, the QBU and Rony appear to be positive additions to the game for those still enjoying Sanhok. It's a bit strange the Mini 14 has been removed to make space for the new gun, but the addition of a sturdy tripod weapon could be critical for clearing out clusters of players in Sanhok's tight spaces.

A release date for Update 18's live debut has not been set, but we imagine it won't be too far from now. While Custom Matches may be in testing for a bit longer than usual, the QBU and Rony are likely nearly ready for primetime.

PUBG is available now on PC and in Game Preview on Xbox One. Update 18 is exclusive to PC, but Update 17 also made its Xbox One debut Tuesday morning.

What's your take on PUBG's Custom Matches possibly having a paywall? Do you like the new gun and car? Tell us in the comments section!