The fifth PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS store drop of 2026 has arrived, and it is absolutely loaded with criminal style, roaring engines, and beast-mode flair. The May update fuses a celebrity heist crossover with a new Progressive weapon skin for the M249, two fresh Survivor Passes, and a game-changing shift for BATTLEGROUNDS PLUS.

Leading the charge is the Event Pass: PAYDAY 🎭, priced at $3.99 (with a single level boost available for 100 G-Coin). This pass is tied directly to the all-new limited-time mode that lets squads channel their inner Dallas, Hoxton, Chains, and Wolf to pull off high-stakes objectives. PC players can jump in after live server maintenance on May 13 until June 10, 07:00 UTC. Console fans get their turn from May 21 after maintenance through June 18, 07:00 UTC. Do note that due to local legal regulations, the Survivor Pass is not available for purchase in Belgium and the Netherlands. Alongside the pass, missions and survival time will steadily feed Pass XP, pushing you through a reward track stuffed with masks, outfits, and emblems that scream “professional heister.”

Equally wild is the Survivor Pass: Urban Animals 🐺, tailor-made for players who want to prowl the battlegrounds with untamed street energy. The pass drops on the same schedule — PC from May 13 to June 10, 00:00 UTC and console from May 21 to June 18, 00:00 UTC. Expect an array of cosmetics designed to let you dress for the job you want: layered jackets, tactical sneakers, and neon accents that blur the line between predator and club-goer. Reward progression is driven by daily and weekly missions, so every drop of survival time counts.

The roar of a V-twin engine also enters the fray. PUBG has fired up a special collaboration with Harley-Davidson 🏍️, bringing iconic biker aesthetics into the game. While full details arrive in a separate announcement, the teaser imagery shows leather jackets adorned with the bar-and-shield logo, bandanas, and rugged denim that will turn any UAZ into a hog. The collaboration hints at vehicle skins, apparel, and emotes that celebrate the open road. Stay tuned for the full reveal, but expect these items to roll into the store soon.

Now for the true showstopper: the Contraband Crate introduces the Progressive weapon skin “Ride or Die – M249” 🔫. This isn’t just a paint job — it’s a six-level evolution that transforms the light machine gun into a piece of rolling thunder. Here’s how the upgrade path unfolds:

• Level 1: Basic skin cosmetics – a rugged, gang-tag aesthetic.

• Level 2: Magazine and stock skin – reinforced plating and graffiti details.

• Level 3: Headshot kills Battlestat – track shots that drop enemies instantly.

• Level 4: Scope skin – a custom optic housing with fiery accents.

• Level 5: Killfeed skin – your eliminations light up the feed with a unique icon.

• Level 6: Uncommon skin cosmetics – final form with animated elements and glowing trim.

To sweeten the deal, the first Ride or Die – Contraband Crate (Open 10) purchase comes with a 50% discount. The crate will be available from May 13 to October 14, 00:00 UTC on PC, and May 21 to October 22, 00:00 UTC on console. The single-item box for the standard Ride or Die – M249 skin shares the same window.

But wait — there is a Chroma. The Ride or Die – M249 (Black Teal) 🔷 variant swaps the base palette for a sleek black and teal finish, giving the LMG a more refined, predatory look. This Chroma is available through a separate crate and openable across an extended period: PC from May 13 until February 3, 2027, 00:00 UTC, and console from May 21 until February 11, 2027, 00:00 UTC. For the statisticians, the exact probabilities for all Contraband items can be viewed via the Hideout – Contraband – More Details – View Probabilities page.

Adding a deeply personal touch to the update is the debut of the 17shou beast-themed collection 👕. Designed in partnership with the famed streamer and competitor, the line merges comfort and ferocity. Think oversized hoodies with fang motifs, claw-marked cargo pants, and a backpack shaped like a sleeping beast. The entire set drips with streetwear credibility while keeping you ready for any firefight.

Finally, an important notice for competitive players: with the arrival of Update 42.1 in June, BATTLEGROUNDS PLUS will undergo a fundamental change. Starting June 17 at 02:00 UTC for PC and June 25 at 02:00 UTC for console, the PLUS package will no longer require a direct cash purchase. Instead, players can buy it with 500 G-Coin or 20,000 BP. This shift is designed to lower the entry barrier for Ranked play and let more survivors access Plus benefits through gameplay progression. However, the previously included 1,300 Bonus G-Coin will be removed from the package. The sales period, purchase path, and core perks (such as Ranked access, custom matches, and XP boosts) remain untouched.

As always, all featured items may resurface later through the Workshop, Your Shop, or future promotions, so don’t panic if you miss a store window. For now, gear up — the battleground is about to get louder, faster, and a whole lot more stylish. 🚀