Krafton has released PUBG update 1.026 (v1.026.000) for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on September 22, 2026. This console-specific maintenance patch primarily addresses a movement exploit and enhances backend performance following the recent transition to the major Update 42.1 content cycle.

The Movement-Kicking Exploit Fix

The primary player-facing change in version 1.026 is the resolution of a bug where players could maintain movement while performing a kicking action. This unintended interaction occurred under specific conditions, allowing players to bypass the standard animation constraints that usually limit mobility during this action. By correcting this, the developer aims to maintain the intended balance of melee-related physics and positioning during combat.

Server Stability and Performance Improvements

In addition to the specific animation fix, version 1.026 includes several backend improvements. These updates are targeted at general gameplay performance and server stability on the current generation of consoles. Players can expect these optimizations to assist with the consistency of the live environment, especially during high-intensity matches.

Post-Update 42.1 Maintenance

This hotfix serves as a stability bridge for the systems introduced in the preceding Update 42.1. As a major milestone for the title, 42.1 introduced the Ally Duo mode featuring “Ella,” an AI teammate designed to support players in specialized matchmaking. That update also integrated Interactive Smoke mechanics, which allow smoke clouds to react dynamically to character movement and explosions.

Other recent gameplay changes currently active in the console ecosystem include:

• Blue Zone Overhaul: Adjustments to the timing and damage of the play zone to influence match pacing.
• Weapon Balancing: Performance improvements specifically for the SLR weapon.
• AI Integration: Continued refinement of the Ella AI teammate mechanics in Duo modes.

As this is a maintenance-focused patch, the core gameplay loop remains unchanged from the 42.1 specifications. Players are required to download the update on their respective platforms to access the live servers and benefit from the stability improvements.