PUBG 44.1 Update: IVE Collab Drops Alongside Hardcore PvE Modes

PUBG's 44.1 update brings an IVE collaboration with themed areas and skins, plus tougher PvE modes and fantasy league tweaks.

PUBG just got a whole lot more K-pop. The 44.1 update is live, and it's bringing a full-blown collaboration with South Korean girl group IVE – plus some seriously challenging PvE content for those who like their battles tough.

The IVE crossover isn't just a few cosmetic items. The devs have woven the concept of IVE's hit song "LOVE DIVE" into the game world itself. Over on the Rondo map, you'll find three new "IVE Zones" featuring an IVE mansion where you can spin a turntable and jam to their music. And yes, you can actually play as all six members – their likenesses have been turned into playable characters, complete with outfits, accessories, weapon skins, and gear inspired by the song's concept.

But the fun doesn't stop at cosmetics. IVE emote stages are popping up at certain spawn points across Rondo, Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Deston, and Vikendi. Pull off the emote and you'll trigger the collab music video right there in-game. Spawn points also feature special interactive elements like the "Cupid Crossbow" and "Cupid Battlegrounds" goodies. Plus, there are new emotes set to IVE tracks and choreography. All this collab content went live on PC on the 4th.

On the PvE front, things are getting spicy. The co-op PvE mode "Rondo Dawnbreaker" (originally launched in October) is returning as "HLB: Rondo Dawnbreaker." This time it's set in the final area, Jadena City, and the Hungry – the mode's infected enemies – are stronger and spawn more frequently. You'll also need more fuel barrels to start generators, and the capacitors you're defending have less health. It's a serious step up in difficulty. This mode runs on PC from the 4th to the 25th.

Then there's the PvE roguelike mode "Starfall," which is back as "Starfall: Battle of Hell." Gone are the three difficulty tiers – now it's just one mode: Hell. And it's brutal. A new fourth-stage area has been added that's even harder than the previous max tier. Difficulty scales with player count, and you can team up with up to four players. Clear the final boss and your completion time gets logged on the leaderboard. This one's available on PC from the 18th to December 2nd.

With the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) looming, the update also tweaks the PUBG Fantasy League. Roster selection time has been extended, and after matches, your overall fantasy points and team rankings will be updated and displayed. You'll also be able to check friend rankings and past roster records.

Finally, there are some quality-of-life improvements: certain vehicles got a durability buff, spectator mode now shows player blue chip status, backpack, and weapon attachment info, and voice chat quality has been optimized. For the full patch notes, check out PUBG's official channels.

So, are you diving into the IVE collab or jumping straight into the Hell mode? Let us know what you're most hyped for!