PNN
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 15: KRAFTON India today rolled out the BGMI 4.2 Update, ushering in the game's most ambitious chapter yet. Headlined by Primewood Genesis, a fantasy-driven battleground shaped by collective player progression, the update blends immersive storytelling with iconic collaborations including Royal Enfield and Peaky Blinders, India-first seasonal events for Republic Day, BGIS and Holi, and a revamped ranked cycle system. Building on the celebratory momentum of the 4.1 update, BGMI 4.2 expands the experience beyond a traditional battle royale - offering players new ways to explore, compete, express identity, and connect within a constantly evolving game world.
Introduces
1. Primewood Genesis, a fantasy-driven theme mode that transforms the battleground into a living, evolving world through collective player progression, environmental storytelling, and new ability-based gameplay
2. Royal Enfield collaboration, bringing the iconic Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350 into BGMI along with Peaky Blinders collaboration, introducing gang characters and the Thomas Shelby voice pack
3. Seasonal exchange events aligned with Republic Day, BGIS 2026, and Holi, offering permanent rewards, themed space gifts, and special event crates rooted in Indian moments
4. New Ranked Cycle System, resetting every three seasons under a half-year honour framework, with tighter promotion rules, cycle-based rewards, and refined competitive progression
Primewood Genesis: A Living Fantasy Battleground
At the core of the BGMI 4.2 Update is Primewood Genesis, a fantasy-driven theme mode that transforms the battleground into a living ecosystem shaped by collective player progression. Moving beyond static seasonal themes, Primewood Genesis introduces environmental storytelling at scale, where every match contributes to the growth and restoration of the World Tree. This shared progression model encourages collaboration across the community, making the battleground feel alive, responsive, and constantly evolving.
The mode reimagines familiar terrain with mutant flora, evolving structures, and strategic control zones, creating a gameplay experience that rewards exploration, squad coordination, and tactical decision-making.
Key features include:
* A Global World Tree Progress Bar that unlocks abilities through collective player participation
* The Primewood Heart, a central instance enabling battlefield control mechanics such as shields, teleport gates, healing zones, and traps
* Magic Seeds that grow across matches and can be harvested for rewards
* Hostile mutant flora guarding high-value chests and loot
Fantasy Abilities, Mobility and Combat Innovation
Primewood Genesis introduces fantasy-first gameplay systems designed to enhance mobility, tactical depth, and moment-to-moment combat variety. These mechanics shift the focus toward fluid movement, spatial control, and creative squad play, allowing players to approach encounters with greater flexibility and strategy.
New abilities and tools also encourage counterplay, ensuring that fantasy elements remain balanced within BGMI's competitive framework.
Key features include:
* Florawings, enabling enhanced flight and rapid repositioning
* Targeting Vines that bind enemies, provide area control, and create destructible shields
* Honey Badger - Overgrowth Variant, featuring kill-based restoration and explosive seed capsules
* Bramblewood Scorpion, a stealth-focused vehicle capable of burrowing and surprise attacks
* Cherry Blossom Deer, a two-seater fantasy vehicle designed for fast traversal
Royal Enfield and Peaky Blinders: Iconic Collaborations Come Alive
BGMI 4.2 deepens its collaboration ecosystem by bringing together two culturally powerful partnerships that blend global pop culture with Indian legacy. These collaborations go beyond cosmetic integrations, enabling players to engage with brands and stories that reflect aspiration, identity, and storytelling.
The collaboration with Royal Enfield marks a milestone for BGMI as a cultural platform, introducing the Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350 into the battleground from 19th January 2026. The partnership bridges real-world motorcycling culture with virtual self-expression, allowing players to embody the spirit of freedom, craftsmanship, and exploration within gameplay.
Complementing this, the Peaky Blinders collaboration brings globally recognised characters and audio experiences into BGMI, adding cinematic flair and narrative depth to competitive play.
Key features include:
* In-game integration of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350
* Royal Enfield-themed event crates and rewards
* Peaky Blinders gang characters
* Thomas Shelby voice pack
Seasonal Exchange Events Rooted in Indian Moments
Staying true to BGMI's India-first approach, the 4.2 update introduces limited-time seasonal exchange events aligned with moments that matter most to the community. These events connect gameplay progression with national celebrations and esports milestones, reinforcing BGMI's role as a shared cultural space.
Key features include:
* Republic Day Exchange, offering permanent rewards and themed space gifts
* BGIS Exchange, featuring permanent rewards, a BGIS-themed space gift, and a Royal Enfield event crate coupon
* Holi Exchange, unlocking themed sets, vibrant rewards, and crate coupons
A New Competitive Chapter: Ranked Cycle System
BGMI 4.2 marks a significant step forward in competitive integrity with the introduction of a new Ranked Cycle System. Designed to create clearer long-term goals and more meaningful progression, the system resets every three seasons under a half-year honour framework. Updated promotion requirements and reward structures ensure that rank advancement reflects consistent performance and skill.
Key features include:
* A half-year ranked cycle framework with seasonal resets
* Revised S28 Promotion Matches with stricter personal performance requirements
* Introduction of CYCLE Currency and new Treasure Chest rewards
* Refined honour mark progression for higher ranks
Gameplay Enhancements and Returning Experiences
Alongside its new systems, BGMI 4.2 brings back fan-favourite modes and introduces quality-of-life improvements that enhance core gameplay and squad coordination. These updates ensure continuity for long-time players while improving accessibility and flow for newer audiences.
Key features include:
* Return of the Skyhigh Spectacle theme mode
* A new cooperative climbing mechanic allowing players to boost teammates over obstacles
* Multiple weapon balance adjustments
Social Play, Relationships and Community Expression
BGMI 4.2 expands the game's social ecosystem, giving players more ways to connect, express identity, and engage beyond combat. New relationship-driven mechanics and community-focused competitions encourage longer-term engagement and shared progression.
Key features include:
* Valentine's features such as Bonding Tree, gifting mechanics, and unlockables
* Popularity Battle and Party Popularity Showdown with tier-based progression
* Homeground competitions and customisation experiences
Looking Ahead: New Landmarks and Future Teasers
The update also introduces a new regional landmark checkpoint inspired by Saudi Arabia's Elephant Rock, alongside early teasers for the upcoming 4.3.0 theme mode, hinting at underworld-transformed environments and space-time rift interactions.
With Primewood Genesis, iconic collaborations, culturally rooted seasonal events, and meaningful competitive upgrades, BGMI 4.2 strengthens its evolution into a dynamic, community-driven platform--one that continues to grow alongside how Indian players play, compete, and connect.
For the latest updates, follow BGMI's official YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages.
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About KRAFTON, Inc.
Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is home to globally renowned developers that include PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, VECTOR NORTH, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montreal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks and inZOI Studio. Each studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON's platforms and services. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company that possesses world-class capabilities and is set on expanding its business horizons to encompass multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information, visit www.krafton.com.
About KRAFTON India
In India, KRAFTON is responsible for premier mobile games, including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 200 million downloads, Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India, among others. Committed to enhancing the start-up ecosystem in India, KRAFTON has invested over $200 million in several Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, Esports, and technology, since 2021. KRAFTON actively supports India's game development ecosystem through its KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) while strengthening the Esports ecosystem with flagship events like the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) and BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS). For more information, visit https://krafton.in/
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