PUBG 101: Your Complete Crash Course & Guide to PUBG in 2025

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PUBG isn’t just a shooter, it’s the game that started a revolution and made “battle royale” a household term. It’s the drop, the rush to loot, the panic when the circle closes, and the sweet taste of that final “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.”

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about PUBG in 2025: what the game is, how it began, which platforms you can play on, how many players are still dropping in every day, if it’s free-to-play now, and even how to grab free UC in PUBG Mobile. If you’ve ever been curious about why PUBG still dominates or you’re ready to jump back in, this is the crash course you need before you hit the drop zone.

Scroll on down and by the end of this guide, you’ll know everything you need to know about PUBG!

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Table of Contents

What Is PUBG and How Did It Start?

PUBG stands for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and it’s the game that put the battle royale genre on the map. Developed by PUBG Corporation and first released on PC in 2017, it took inspiration from mods for games like ARMA 2 and H1Z1 created by Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene — the designer whose name became the title.

The premise was simple but absolutely game-changing: throw 100 players onto a massive open map, scatter weapons, armor, and vehicles everywhere, and force everyone into ever-shrinking safe zones until only one player or squad remains. That high-stakes, last person standing format created unmatched tension and replayability when it came out and made every match felt like its own mini survival story.

It exploded in popularity almost overnight, breaking concurrent player records on Steam and dominating Twitch streams. PUBG wasn’t just a hit, it set the blueprint for nearly every battle royale game that followed, inspiring titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone.

After its PC success, console ports quickly followed, bringing the game to Xbox and PlayStation, and in 2018 PUBG Mobile launched. Taking the core experience and putting it in the hands of millions more players worldwide. That mobile release was a huge milestone, turning PUBG into one of the biggest games ever in terms of global reach.

Today, PUBG is considered a pioneer of competitive battle royale gaming, with multiple maps, seasons, esports tournaments, and constant updates that keep the formula fresh while staying true to its roots: survive, adapt, and claim the chicken dinner.

Is PUBG Free to Play in 2025?

The short answer is definitely yes. at least for the core experience. PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC and consoles switched to a free to play model in early 2022, meaning anyone can download and play without paying for the base game. You still have optional purchases like weapon skins, outfits, emotes, and battle passes, but none of them are required to enjoy a full match and they’re mostly cosmetic.

PUBG Mobile has been free since launch and remains one of the most downloaded mobile games globally. You can play for free indefinitely, though UC (Unknown Cash) is the premium currency used to buy cosmetic upgrades, special crates, and season passes if you want to stand out on the battlefield and flex on the noobs.

Is PUBG Crossplay

Crossplay in PUBG is a little complicated. The good news is that console players on PlayStation and Xbox can squad up and play in the same lobbies, so you no longer have to worry about which console your friends own.

PC players, however, are kept separate from console lobbies in public and ranked matches. This keeps things balanced, since PC players often have the advantage of mouse and keyboard aiming. PUBG Mobile is its own ecosystem entirely. Android and iOS players can play together, but there’s no crossplay between mobile and PC/console versions.

A major change this year: support for PS4 and Xbox One will officially end on November 13, 2025, as the game transitions fully to current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S). So if you’re still playing on last-gen hardware, now’s the time to upgrade if you want to keep playing.

Is PUBG Still Popular Right Now?

Even years after its release, and the countless competitors it’s produced, PUBG is still huge. On PC and console, daily player counts regularly reach into the hundreds of thousands, with spikes past a million whenever a new season or map drops. PUBG Mobile is even bigger, boasting billions of downloads worldwide and tens of millions of daily active players.

In other words, PUBG is not dead at all. The player base is active, matchmaking is fast, and new content is still being pumped out every month.

How To Get Free UC in PUBG Mobile 2025

For PUBG Mobile players, UC (Unknown Cash) is the key to unlocking premium outfits, gun skins, and season passes. While you can buy UC outright, there are legitimate ways to get it for free if you’re willing to put in some time.

In-game events often give UC or UC coupons as rewards. These events rotate frequently like seasonal festivals, collaborations, or limited-time missions. So it’s worth checking the events tab every day.

Logging in daily also helps, since some events offer cumulative rewards that stack over time. Official giveaways on PUBG Mobile’s social channels and tournaments occasionally drop free UC codes, and for Android users, apps like Google Opinion Rewards can give you Play Store credit you can convert into UC.

Just be careful: scams promising unlimited UC are everywhere. Stick to official channels, event rewards, and trusted top-up platforms like Joytify to stay safe.

PUBG’s Evolution and Updates in 2025

One reason PUBG is still relevant is how much it has evolved. Performance improvements have made the game smoother and more stable across all platforms. New maps and modes keep players engaged, from classic Erangel firefights to fast-paced Arena matches.

Competitive play is also alive and well, with regional leagues and global championships keeping the esports scene active. The transition to current-gen consoles in late 2025 is set to improve frame rates, load times, and overall match stability even further.

Tips for New and Returning Players

If you’re dropping in for the first time, or even returning after a long break, focus on getting comfortable with the basics. Learn where to land: do you want to go for high-risk high-reward hot drops or quieter loot spots where you can gear up safely? Master the sound cues for footsteps, gunfire, and vehicles, since sound is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Experiment with different weapons to find your favorites. Recoil control and fire rates matter more than rarity. And most importantly, play with squads when possible because communication and teamwork often win matches more than raw aim skill.