Hey fellow survivors, I just got word that PUBG Labs is starting the year with a bang — and trust me, this one's a game-changer. Our first LABS experiment of 2026 is dropping a brand-new attachment into the game, and to show it off, they're bringing back a special weather setting. Say hello to the Thermal Scope. You know how it is when you're squinting into smoke or darkness, trying to spot that one sneaky enemy — well, this little gadget is about to make those moments a whole lot easier.

Unlike the telescopic sights we're all used to, the Thermal Scope detects infrared rays emitted by objects and makes them stand out against their backgrounds. That means players can now better detect enemies obscured by darkness, smoke, or even trees and bushes — situations where existing scopes often leave you guessing. It's like having a sixth sense, but, you know, with batteries. Since the Thermal Scope is best utilized in areas of low light, PUBG Labs is bringing back Moonlight Mode on Vikendi for this test. Full details on the mode can be found below.

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The Thermal Scope uses heat signatures to help you find obscured enemies more easily. This includes enemies hiding in smoke, darkness, brush, etc. Honestly, after a few rounds with this thing, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. But don't just take my word for it — drop into LABS and see for yourself.

Service Schedule

Here's when you can get your hands on it. The LABS: Thermal Scope Mode will be available for both PC and Console during the service schedule stated below.

Platform Start Time End Time
PC/Console January 7, 14:00 KST / 05:00 UTC January 11, 16:00 KST / 07:00 UTC

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and maybe stock up on snacks — because once you start experimenting, you might not want to stop.

Settings

  • Map: Vikendi – Moonlight

  • Rules: BR rules of the existing world will be applied.

  • Perspective: FPP or TPP

  • Mode: Squad mode (1-man Squad mode is also available)

  • Maximum number of players: 100

One thing to note: if a session lacks players after a certain amount of time, it will start to fill remaining slots with bots. So don't be surprised if you see a few robotic faces out there — they're just keeping the lobby lively.

Notes When Playing in LABS

  • LABS games do not provide BP or XP for gameplay rewards.

  • LABS gameplay will not be applied to Career.

  • LABS gameplay will not count for your Survivor Pass missions.

As always, PUBG LABS lets you try out experimental game modes or features in various states of development, none of which are guaranteed to make their way into the full game. So enjoy it while it lasts — and who knows, if the Thermal Scope proves popular, we might just see it in regular matches someday. 😉

Drop into PUBG LABS and try out the new Thermal Scope on Moonlit Vikendi today! See you on the Battlegrounds — and remember, just because you can't see them doesn't mean they can't see you. Or, well, now you can see them too. You get the idea.