Offworld Industries has released Patch 10.3, bringing a big change to the game. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) gets a major update. This update changes everything from the guns soldiers use to the ships they arrive in.
The update focuses on modernising the PLA. The old QBZ-95 rifle is replaced by the QBZ-191 family. New vehicles and a Z-9A helicopter are added. The Type 071 ship allows for beach assaults for the first time.
This update makes it clear who fights with what in the PLA. The PLAAGF and PLANMC have their own gear. This makes each group unique and changes how they fight together.
The patch also adds new maps and removes old rules. Players can now fight more factions in different places. A new Dragon Pack adds eight cosmetic items for PLA and PLANMC.
Overview of Squad 10.3 Update Factions and PLA Modernisation
The squad 10.3 update brings big changes to the Chinese military in the Squad game. It introduces new equipment, vehicles, and a clear identity for each PLA branch. Players can now see PLA combined arms warfare in a more realistic way.
PLA Faction Identity and Combined Arms Warfare
The PLA faction is now a rapid assault force. It can use infantry, armour, and aviation together in battles. New QBZ-191 family weapons replace old ones for frontline troops.
Vehicles and emplacements make this force stand out in Squad.
Distinction Between PLA, PLAAGF, and PLANMC Forces
Each Chinese branch has its own gear, making battles more diverse.
| Branch | Primary Infantry Weapons | Support Battlegroup Weapons |
|---|---|---|
| PLA (Main Force) | QBZ-191 family | Older QBZ-95 family |
| PLAAGF (Army Ground Force) | QBZ-95 family | QBZ-95 family |
| PLANMC (Naval Marines) | QBZ-191 family | Older QBZ-95 family |
The PLAAGF sticks with the QBZ-95 platform for its loadouts. The PLANMC uses the same rifles as the main PLA force. This shows its role as a modern amphibious force.
Support Battlegroup Weapon Distribution
Support battlegroups in all branches keep older weapons. This makes frontline and support units different in the game. Fewer biome faction restrictions also mean more varied battles.
QBZ-191 Rifle Family: The New Standard Infantry Weapons
The latest updates in Squad 10.3 have changed PLA primary firearms. The QBZ-191 rifle family is at the centre of this change. It’s a modular design that replaces the older QBZ-95 bullpup.
This change reflects the PLA’s move towards better ergonomics and flexibility. It’s a big step forward for all squad weapons.
Rifle Variants and Configurations
The QBZ-191 rifle is now the go-to for many frontline roles. Squad Leaders, Riflemen, and Medics all use it. There are many configurations available, including ones with a grip pod, suppressor, and three different optics.
These attachments help each kit fit different combat scenarios. They’re perfect for various distances and situations.
| Configuration | Attachment | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Iron sights / reflex sight | General-purpose engagements |
| Marksman | Magnified optic + grip pod | Medium-range precision |
| Suppressed | Suppressor + reflex sight | Stealth flanking operations |
QBZ-192 Carbine for Vehicle Crews and Support Roles
The QBZ-192 is a compact carbine for tight spaces. It has a shorter barrel and lighter frame. This makes it ideal for vehicle crews and support personnel.
It fires the same 5.8×42mm cartridge as the QBZ-191. This ensures reliable stopping power at close range. It’s a key addition for players in and around armoured vehicles.
Integrated Soldier Combat System Philosophy
The rifle family follows the PLA’s Integrated Soldier Combat System doctrine. The idea is simple: modularity across all combat roles. A single platform serves many kits through attachments.
This design allows squads to adapt to the battlefield. It avoids the need for different weapons in logistics. This is a big advantage, as seen in the next section.
Specialised Infantry Weapons for Enhanced Combat Roles

The PLA faction introduces specialised weapons for different combat roles. These weapons help squad leaders adapt to various situations. Each one has a unique role in the team’s strategy.
QBU-191 Designated Marksman Rifle Capabilities
The QBU-191 is part of the QBZ-191 family. It has a long barrel and an integrated bipod for accuracy at distance. With the QMK-191 optic, it offers strong DMR capabilities, extending the squad’s reach.
There are two QBU-191 variants for different needs. This allows marksmen to adjust their gear for each mission.
QCW-05 Submachine Gun for Close-Quarters Combat
The QCW-05 is a compact bullpup SMG for close combat and stealth. It has a unique 50-round quadruple-stack magazine and high fire rate. This makes it perfect for tight spaces like compounds and cities.
There are four QCW-05 variants for various tasks. They range from stealthy infiltration to aggressive breaching. The QCW-05 completes the PLA’s lineup for close-range battles.
QLZ-87 Heavy Grenade Launcher System
The QLZ-87 is a portable automatic grenade launcher. It fires 35mm grenades from a six-round drum and has a bipod for stability. One person can take out groups of infantry and light vehicles at medium to long range.
| Weapon | Role | Magazine Capacity | Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
| QBU-191 | Designated Marksman | 10/20 rounds | 2 |
| QCW-05 | Close-Quarters / PDW | 50 rounds | 4 |
| QLZ-87 | Heavy Grenade Support | 6-round drum | 2 |
There are two QLZ-87 versions: one with iron sights and another with a magnified optic. Both add explosive fire support to infantry squads, improving balance in various terrains.
Light and General Purpose Machine Guns
The PLA’s new machine guns are a big step up for Squad 10.3’s military teams. The QJB-201 and QJY-201 are key for infantry, bringing modern belt-fed platforms for long-lasting fire. They work well over different distances.
The QJB-201 is a light machine gun, replacing the older QBB-95. It has a dual-feed system with 100-round belts. This lets Automatic Riflemen fire for longer in tough battles. It looks and handles like the QBZ-191 rifle family, with options for rails and optics.
The QJY-201 is the PLA’s general purpose machine gun. It fires the powerful 7.62×51mm cartridge, giving it range and stopping power. It’s light and has a built-in bipod, making it easy to carry and use.
| Feature | QJB-201 (LMG) | QJY-201 (GPMG) |
|---|---|---|
| Calibre | 5.8×42mm | 7.62×51mm |
| Feed System | 100-round belt / dual-feed | Belt-fed |
| Primary Role | Squad suppression | Long-range sustained fire |
| Optic Variants | Iron sights / magnified | Iron sights / magnified |
| Kit Assignment | Automatic Rifleman | Machine Gunner |
These two machine guns give PLA squad military factions a layered suppression capability that few other in-game forces can match at launch.
With these guns, players can move on to the PLA’s advanced optics and targeting systems. They’ll find scopes made for each gun.
Advanced Optics and Targeting Systems

The squad 10.3 patch notes bring a range of optics systems for each PLA weapon. Each sight is made to fit the Integrated Soldier Combat System. This means every piece of equipment is designed for a specific role on the battlefield.
These optics help players tackle threats at all distances. Whether it’s long-range marksmanship or close-quarters urban warfare, they play a key role.
QMK-171A Rifle Scope for Standard Infantry
The QMK-171A is a 3x fixed-power prism sight for the QBZ-191 and QBZ-192 rifles. It has a clear reticle with built-in bullet drop compensation. This makes it easier for riflemen to hit targets at medium range.
QMK-191 Variable Power DMR Scope
The QMK-191 is for the QBU-191 designated marksman rifle. It has 3–12x variable magnification. Its reticle includes tools for ranging and precise elevation adjustments.
Marksmen can confidently hit targets at long distances with this optic.
Specialised LMG and GPMG Optics
| Optic | Weapon Platform | Magnification | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMK-201 | QJB-201 LMG | 3x prism | Optimised for sustained suppressive fire |
| QMK-203 | QJY-201 GPMG | 6x fixed | Ruggedised to withstand heavy 7.62 mm recoil |
These optics help machine gunners stay accurate during long fights. This is a big upgrade in the squad 10.3 patch notes.
YOLOSON LH510S Reflex Sight for Urban Operations
The YOLOSON LH510S is a reflex sight for close-quarters battle. It has a wide, clear aperture and sharp reticle. This supports both-eyes-open shooting for better awareness.
It’s perfect for fast-paced urban warfare. Quick reactions are key in these situations.
Ground Vehicle Additions: Amphibious and Mechanised Capabilities
The Squad 10.3 patch introduces a range of ground vehicles. These vehicles change how PLA squad update factions fight on the battlefield. They can cross rivers and coastlines easily, without needing bridges.
These new vehicles take mechanised warfare to a new level for all PLA sub-factions.
Lynx 8x8 Amphibious Light Tactical Vehicle Variants
The Lynx 8×8 is quick and unarmed, perfect for fast deployment. It’s used by PLA Air Assault, Light Infantry, PLAAGF Amphibious Assault, and PLANMC units. It can swim across waterways fast.
- Transport variant — seats a full infantry squad for quick insertion behind enemy lines.
- Logistics variant — carries ammunition and construction materials as a dedicated supply platform.
- Fire Support (QJZ-89 HMG) — offers mobile suppression with a heavy machine gun mount.
- Fire Support (QLZ-87 AGL) — provides infantry artillery with a 35mm automatic grenade launcher.
ZSD-89 Tracked APC Configurations
The ZSD-89 is an amphibious tracked APC for PLA Armoured and PLAAGF battlegroups. It boosts mechanised warfare with three different setups:
| Variant | Primary Armament | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Open Top HMG | 12.7mm machine gun | Standard troop carrier |
| Open Top QLZ-87 | 35mm grenade launcher | Fire support platform |
| 30mm Autocannon | 30mm cannon | Light IFV conversion |
WZ-551 Wheeled IFV and ZSL-92 Variants
The WZ-551 has a 25mm autocannon and a detailed interior. Its ZSL-92 cousins add more options, like an HMG transport and a QLZ-87 area-denial variant. The ZSL-92B IFV has a 30mm autocannon and a 7.62mm cupola gun. Now, PLA squad update factions have a wide range of wheeled amphibious vehicles for any combat situation.
Air Assets and Amphibious Warfare Expansion
The squad 10.3 new factions change how players tackle big operations. Now, air and sea assets work together. This gives PLA forces the tools they need for battles on land, sea, and air.
The Z-9A helicopter is the PLA’s modern transport. Its design lets pilots quickly drop infantry into battle zones. It also lets crews set up FOB radios, making it key for moving troops.
The Type 071 Amphibious Transport Dock is a game-changer. It acts as a floating main base for PLAAGF and PLANMC. This ship makes big amphibious battles feel real. Players can start full invasions right from the ship.
New invasion layers use these assets well:
- Sanxian Islands — coastal amphibious assault from the Type 071
- Skorpo — mountainous fjord operations with aerial insertion via Z-9A helicopter
- Goose Bay — combined naval and air assault gameplay
Ground defences get a boost too. The QLZ-87 Heavy Grenade Launcher can now be set up as a tripod. It fires 15 rounds at a time, hitting enemy infantry and vehicles hard.
| Asset | Type | Role | Available To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-9A helicopter | Utility Transport | Infantry insertion, FOB deployment | PLA Air Assault, PLAAGF Amphibious |
| Type 071 | Amphibious Transport Dock | Floating main base for amphibious warfare | PLAAGF, PLANMC |
| QLZ-87 Emplacement | Tripod Grenade Launcher | Defensive fortification, area denial | All PLA battlegroups |
These updates make the squad 10.3 new factions feel like a complete force. They connect the ground vehicles to the wider community updates.
Community Design Updates and Faction Restrictions Removal
Squad 10.3 introduces big changes for the community. These updates change how servers work and how players see different battlefields. Now, everything from server settings to new map layers made by community members is different.
War Games Configuration Options
Server admins now have more control with War Games. They can turn on or off faction alliance restrictions. But, same faction versus same faction matches are always blocked. This keeps gameplay clear.
These changes let server owners create unique game scenarios. They can do this without making the game confusing.
New Community-Made Map Layers
Four new map layers have been added, all made by community designers:
- Sanxian RAAS v3_CL — by AidanHoff and EyeoftheHawks
- Al Basrah AAS v3_CL — by MyEggo and Logano
- Harju RAAS v3_CL — by Schmeckles, Sasi, and Vohk
- Manicouagan Seed v2_CL — by Gangry, Dragoon, and Sharkman
Sharkman’s build.squadcalc.app tool helped plan these map layers. It worked with SquadCalc and Squad Guessr.
Biome Faction Restrictions Overview
Now, faction restrictions are based on biomes. The table below shows which factions are restricted in each region:
| Biome Region | Restricted Factions |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan / Central Asia | CRF, IMF |
| Middle East | MEI |
| Eastern Europe | CRF, MEI |
| Northern Europe | MEI, GFI, CRF |
| North America | MEI, GFI, IMF |
| Asia | CRF, GFI, MEI, IMF |
These changes make each map feel right for its setting. Patch 10.3 brings a better Squad experience with these updates and new map layers.
Conclusion
The squad 10.3 updates bring big changes to the PLA forces. They replace old weapons with the new QBZ-191 rifle. New vehicles for land and sea add to the game’s strategy.
Advanced optics systems help infantry hit their targets better. This makes the game more exciting. It’s one of the biggest updates in a while.
Offworld Industries has also improved the game’s feel. Now, players can see how much ammo they have left. The game looks better with new icons and sounds.
Players can now see how much ammo they have left. New icons and sounds make the game more real. This makes every fight more immersive.
Community members have helped a lot with this update. They’ve made four new map layers. These show off their creativity.
Now, players can play against different factions in new ways. This makes the game more balanced. It also lets server owners create unique game scenarios.
There are also new server settings. These let game admins control the game’s pace better. This makes the game more fun for everyone.
The update fixes many bugs. It makes the game run smoother. Squad 10.3 is a great start for more exciting updates in the future.