PUBG Season 36 Brings Big Changes to Ranked Mode
PUBG Season 36 revamps Ranked mode with new tiers, Duo mode, and unified RP system.
PUBG Season 36 Brings Big Changes to Ranked Mode
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is changing things up for Ranked mode in a pretty serious way this season. With Season 36 arriving, the developers revealed a fresh new look at how Ranked is going to work going forward. The whole idea behind these changes is to make it more rewarding, easier to get into, and overall more reflective of how players grow in skill.
Making Ranked Feel More Connected to Normal Play
One of the bigger shifts coming this time is to help Ranked feel less disconnected from the rest of PUBG. Up until now, Normal and Ranked modes had a lot of differences — different content, different pacing, even the way people played sometimes felt too separate. It caused players to take time adjusting every time they switched between modes.
Now, with Update 36.1, PUBG is trying to close that gap. They’re expanding some of the same content across maps and cutting others to make the experience feel smoother. Ranked won’t feel like a whole different game anymore. Instead, the idea is to create a more natural flow from Normal Match to Ranked — and for some, maybe even esports — without needing to keep relearning new systems each step.
These changes might feel a bit strange at first, especially for long-time players used to the old flow. But the team says they’ll keep watching feedback closely to improve things as they go along.
Tier Changes Add Crystal and Survivor Ranks
Season 36 also brings some big changes to the tier structure itself. The older five-division layout is being reworked. Now there’ll be four divisions instead, and two new ranks added to create better progression and give players more visible movement.
One of those new additions is Crystal, which will slot in between Platinum and Diamond. This tier is meant to give more space for players improving their skills to feel like they’re climbing meaningfully. It's not just about reaching higher ranks, but actually feeling progress more often.
At the top of the ladder, the Top 500 system is going away. In its place, PUBG is introducing Survivor, which will be the absolute top tier. Very few players will make it here, and the rank is designed to be a badge of honor — only for the most competitive among the community.
There’s also new visibility for your progress. Players will now see both their current tier and the highest tier from last season right in the lobby. This way, previous efforts don’t get lost and your history as a Ranked player is more noticeable. The parachute skin is returning as a rank reward, and the overall Ranked Point rewards are also getting updated to feel more relevant.
All in all, the idea is to create a place in Ranked where players, whether veterans or newcomers, can set proper goals and get satisfaction as they grow and overcome challenges.
Duo Mode Arrives in Ranked for All, Solo Ranked Leaves Asia
Not everyone can team up with three other players every time they want to play Ranked. That’s why, starting in Season 36, PUBG will be introducing Duo Ranked mode to every region.
Duos are easier to form and can help make Ranked more approachable, especially for those who just want to jump in with one partner and still compete at a serious level. Depending on player activity in certain regions, you might find First-Person (FPP) or Third-Person (TPP) available or not in Duo Ranked, so availability may differ.
However, in a slightly controversial move, Solo Ranked is being removed from the Asia region. The devs said this was to keep the game focused on teamplay — something that’s always been a major part of PUBG’s identity. The team believes that the most exciting matches come when players work together, and this move reflects that philosophy.
These updates are also aimed at striking a better balance between accessibility and PUBG’s competitive nature — letting more people join while staying true to what makes the game strategic.
Ranked Points Now Unified, One Progression Across Modes
Another big part of the Season 36 changes is how Ranked Points (RP) will be tracked. Starting now, RP will be unified across both Duo and Squad formats, as well as across FPP and TPP perspectives.
No matter how you play Ranked — solo or with a friend, first-person or third — you’ll now be working toward the same RP track. This change is meant to clear up confusion and help all players feel like their progress matters, no matter the setup.
Because of this unification, all Ranked Points will be reset to 1500 at the beginning of the new season. This RP reset is kind of like a full restart, and it makes the placement matches more important than ever. Players will need to perform well in those early matches to set themselves up for success as the season moves forward.
A New Ranked Chapter Begins
All these changes come as PUBG looks to make Ranked a more complete and enjoyable part of the overall game. The developers say their long-term goal is to connect Normal Matches, Ranked, and even esports into a single journey — something that feels steady, logical, and encouraging.
Whether you’re just getting into competitive play or already a regular in Ranked, the new system is meant to give you more control, more clarity, and more reason to keep climbing. There’s still plenty of challenge, but it’s balanced with better tools for tracking progress and celebrating success.
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With new tiers like Crystal and Survivor, the return of cosmetic rewards, and a full RP rework, Season 36 sets the stage for a Ranked system that feels more alive and modern. And as always, PUBG says they’ll be listening closely to feedback to guide future adjustments.
