BGMI 5th Anniversary Edition 4.5 Update Launch

On July 17, 2026, KRAFTON India announced the rollout of the BGMI 5th Anniversary Edition 4.5 update, describing it as one of the biggest crossover seasons in the game’s history and a clear signal of BGMI’s evolution from a game to a platform. The update arrives five years after the game’s launch and follows a player base that has exceeded 260 million downloads in India.

The company highlighted that more than 50,000 creators have built maps that are collectively played tens of millions of times, underscoring the shift toward a user‑generated content ecosystem.

Global IP Collaborations

  • Naruto: Ninjas Assemble – The theme mode reimagines the Erangel and Livik maps as the Hidden Leaf Village, complete with Hokage Rock, Ichiraku Ramen and a Ninja Academy. New gameplay includes a ninjutsu combat system (Rasengan, Chidori, Flying Raijin Jutsu), a Ninja Run movement mechanic, voice‑activated ninjutsu, multi‑phase Kurama (Nine‑Tails) boss battles, and Naruto‑themed skins available via a Naruto Gold Spin (Sage Mode and Six Paths Mode sets). A server‑wide cooperative event called Kurama Defense disables PvP and tasks the community with defending the village against a multi‑phase Nine‑Tails assault.
  • Spider‑Man: Brand New Day – Introduces superhero traversal on Erangel through Web Swing, Web Attack, Spider Climb and Spider‑Sense abilities, plus a new Skyline Plaza vertical‑combat district, Peter Parker’s apartment and Aunt May’s grave. The mode launches on July 30, one day before the theatrical release of the Spider‑Man film in India, allowing fans to experience the character in‑game and on the big screen within the same week.
  • Ferrari Collaboration – Brings four legendary Ferrari models – the Roma, Purosangue, LaFerrari and SF90 XX Spider – each offered in multiple colour variants. A Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 car is parked on the battleground, where players can trigger a special viewing sequence at display stands and capture in‑game photos.

New Gameplay Features

The 4.5 update expands the player‑created WOW ecosystem with two new experiences, Steal a Brain Rot and its companion mode Shoot a Brain Rot, developed in collaboration with DoBiG. These modes blend fast‑paced action with tycoon‑style progression, allowing players to collect, upgrade and battle Brain Rot characters.

The Card Collection System, inspired by Indian cricket trump cards, now offers easier collection, exchange and redemption using theme tokens, refreshed rotations, and improved mutual‑assistance features. New India‑themed and Naruto‑themed cards are introduced, along with a Flash Card featuring the Karambit – Blazing Sun.

Three new X‑Suits are added, each with an upgrade progression that lets players acquire upgrade materials by completing dedicated X‑Suit missions and grind to the highest form.

Social enhancements include a new Flash Crew season with Naruto‑themed crew items, a Team‑Up Reservation system that allows squads to schedule matches up to seven days in advance with automated reminders, and a Private Squad setting that gives players full control over squad visibility.

Creator and Community Highlights

KRAFTON India announced that popular Indian creator CarryMinati will feature heavily in upcoming in‑game experiences, with a major reveal scheduled closer to Independence Day (August 15). Full details will be disclosed later.

Key Dates for the 4.5 Season

The season’s timeline includes: July 16 (Naruto theme mode, Ferrari Speed Drift, Card Collection Bonus, Shinobi Spree, WOW Token Upgrade); July 19 (Naruto Gold Spin and Mini Royale Pass); July 20 (Buddy Spin); July 22 (Friendship Day Exchange); July 23 (Royale Pass A20 and Naruto‑themed WOW experiences); July 24 (AG Bonus Challenge Matches and first AG Bonus Exchange); July 30 (Spider‑Man Brand New Day mode); August 1 (Druvaen X‑Suit and UC Up Event); August 2 (Independence Day Spin); August 6 (Independence Day DSB Event); August 7 (Brain Rot WOW experiences); August 8 (Independence Day Exchange); August 15 (CarryMinati Collaboration); August 26 (Phantasia Siren Gold Spin); August 31 (Second DSB Event); September 2 (Ethereal Crate); September 7 (Ferrari collaboration ends).

Corporate Background and Investments

KRAFTON Inc., founded in 2007 and headquartered in Korea, is a global game developer and publisher with studios such as PUBG Studios, Striking Distance Studios, and many others. Its portfolio includes titles like PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, Subnautica, TERA and more.

KRAFTON India, the local arm responsible for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has surpassed 260 million downloads and also publishes Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, CookieRun India and Real Cricket. Since 2021, KRAFTON India has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports and technology. It has also launched the Rs 6,000 crore KRAFTON India Unicorn Growth Fund in partnership with South Korean technology giant Naver and financial services firm Mirae Asset, aimed at supporting high‑potential startups and accelerating the growth of India’s next‑generation global technology leaders. Additionally, the company runs the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) to provide emerging developers with funding, mentorship and strategic guidance.

This press release was distributed under an arrangement with NRDPL; PTI takes no editorial responsibility.