Normal Match: phase-by-phase timing
Every phase has a wait, then a shrink toward the next safe area. This is the official 42.1 timing chart for 8×8 Normal Matches; small maps and special modes use separate rules.[M01] [M02]
| Phase | Wait | Shrink | Shrink begins | Phase ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 240 s | 270 s | 05:30 | 10:00 |
| 2 | 80 s | 100 s | 11:20 | 13:00 |
| 3 | 80 s | 100 s | 14:20 | 16:00 |
| 4 | 80 s | 100 s | 17:20 | 19:00 |
| 5 | 80 s | 80 s | 20:20 | 21:40 |
| 6 | 60 s | 60 s | 22:40 | 23:40 |
| 7 | 40 s | 60 s | 24:20 | 25:20 |
| 8 | 30 s | 60 s | 25:50 | 26:50 |
| 9 | 30 s | 90 s | 27:20 | 28:50 |
Total: 28 min 50 s. Phase 2 waits 80 s and shrinks for 100 s: on this timeline, its shrink starts at 11:20 and ends at 13:00.
What the timers mean
| Field | Meaning | Read it in the match |
|---|---|---|
| Wait | Time before the current boundary starts moving. | Current phase and restriction countdown. |
| Shrink | Time for the moving boundary to reach the next safe area. | Watch the boundary movement on the map. |
| Elapsed time | Calculated from the official timeline origin. | A reference, not a replacement for the live HUD. |
The full shrink duration is not your personal travel allowance: the boundary may reach your position before it finishes shrinking.
Ranked, Esports and smaller maps
| Ruleset | Verified rule | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 28:50 | 42.1 timing chart, 8×8 maps. |
| Ranked & Esports | 32:50 → 30:10 | Phase 1 wait 240 → 180 s; shrink 270 → 240 s. Do not use the Normal table. |
| Sanhok / Karakin | Dynamic Blue Zone removed in 42.1 Normal Matches. | Smaller maps need their own timing rules. |
| Custom / Arcade | May use special or creator-configured rules. | Check the selected mode. |
The complete Ranked phase chart is available in the official developer letter.[M01] [M02]
42.1: exposure time affects damage
Distance-based damage scaling was removed. Damage now increases with time spent in the Blue Zone. This applies to Normal, Ranked and supported Custom Normal/Esports rulesets. Standing just outside the safe boundary does not bypass exposure time.[M01]
One fixed damage-per-second number cannot describe every exposure. Watch the phase and actual health loss. The official notes do not publish a complete formula. Jammer Packs absorb damage while protection remains.[M03]
Later changes to circle placement
42.3 refined eligible circle-center locations and spread controls in Custom/UGC. Placement rules are separate from phase durations.[M07]