As a leading battle royale title, PUBG: Battlegrounds has experienced explosive growth on PC following Krafton's strategic shift to a free-to-play (F2P) model. Developers confirmed this surge in a recent press release, highlighting the decision's resounding success.
Launched in 2017 as a paid title on Steam, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds captivated gamers with its straightforward yet thrilling mechanics and innovative battle royale format. This popularity paved the way for successful free-to-play mobile versions. PUBG PC's F2P transition was announced at The Game Awards 2021.
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The F2P announcement ignited excitement, drawing back lapsed players who had shifted to rivals like Valorant. Available for free download on Steam starting January 12, 2022, the game quickly reclaimed its throne.
Krafton's press release revealed a staggering 486% increase in new players within the first week post-transition—outpacing even the 2017 launch highs. Select regions saw even steeper rises of 537%, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Southeast Asia, and South America.
PUBG PC now ranks among Steam's top titles, bolstered by updates like drones and tactical gear to match modern battle royale standards. Our analysis of player data underscores Krafton's commitment to a seamless evolution.
To mark these milestones, Krafton launched the "Check-In Dinner Event." Players logging at least one hour between 4:00 p.m. PST on January 27 and 3:59 p.m. PST on January 30 receive daily rewards. Click here for full details.
Through consistent updates blending realism and excitement, PUBG: Battlegrounds has redefined the genre, selling over 75 million copies across PC and consoles—one of gaming's all-time bestsellers. With thriving esports scenes worldwide, anticipation builds for the first post-F2P tournaments.
