PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

65%
Game Brain Score Based on 421,949 reviews
  • optimization
  • gameplay
  • graphics
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Game Cover
PUBG is a shooter that’s as invested in creating a smart, nuanced survival experience as it is fun, action-packed combat.
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PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is a popular online multiplayer battle royale game. Up to 100 players parachute onto an island and scavenge for weapons and equipment to kill others while avoiding getting killed themselves. The game features different maps, vehicles, and customizable match settings, with the last player or team standing declared the winner.

  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

65%
Audience ScoreBased on 421,949 reviews
gameplay5,938 positive mentions
optimization7,776 negative mentions
  • optimization21,736 mentions

    The optimization of PUBG remains a significant point of contention among players, with many expressing frustration over persistent performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and lag, even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements over the years, the game is often described as poorly optimized, with frequent crashes and a lack of effective anti-cheat measures further detracting from the experience. Overall, while the gameplay can be enjoyable, the ongoing optimization challenges continue to hinder its potential, leading many to recommend against purchasing the game until these issues are addressed.

    • “The game has come a long way since launch, with constant updates that improve performance, add new content, and keep things fresh.”
    • “The optimization has gotten better since then, it runs smoothly on 130fps on my midrange pc(700€).”
    • “The game is now in the best state it has ever been in, 3 different maps, ability to choose maps, as well as much better optimized than before.”
    • “Optimization still non-existent, needs a 2000 dollar PC.”
    • “Incredibly bad optimization.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized, leading to frequent frame rate drops, crashes, and other performance issues.”
  • gameplay18,005 mentions

    The gameplay of "PUBG: Battlegrounds" is characterized by its intense, tactical nature, requiring players to master complex mechanics such as realistic gunplay, bullet drop, and strategic positioning. While many players appreciate the depth and challenge of the gameplay, newcomers often find it difficult due to a steep learning curve and the prevalence of cheaters, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite its flaws, including clunky movement mechanics and optimization issues, the game remains a popular choice for those seeking a more grounded battle royale experience.

    • “Gameplay: a perfect blend of strategy and chaos.”
    • “With intense gameplay, realistic graphics, and a highly engaging competitive system, 'PUBG' has become one of the most iconic titles in gaming history.”
    • “The gameplay is simple: land, loot, run, shoot, die.”
    • “Scummy gameplay loop of dying to hackers, waiting 20 minutes to find a game, and dying to hackers, same issues on mobile.”
    • “Full of cheaters, good game mechanics ruined by people who don't even use them. I got killed about 1000 times from people who aim behind me even when moving in cars. Unplayable.”
    • “The gameplay loop quickly grows stale, devolving into a monotonous cycle of looting, shooting, and dying, with little sense of accomplishment or satisfaction to be gained.”
  • graphics10,519 mentions

    The graphics of PUBG have received mixed reviews from players, with many noting that while the game can look stunning on high settings, it often suffers from poor optimization and performance issues. Players with lower-end systems frequently experience lag and graphical glitches, leading to frustration, especially when compared to other modern titles. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the realistic aesthetic and detailed environments, highlighting that the graphics can enhance the immersive experience when the game runs smoothly.

    • “Realistic graphics and gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, creating an immersive environment that truly makes you feel like you're stranded on a remote island.”
    • “With its realistic graphics and diverse environments, players can immerse themselves in thrilling matches.”
    • “Zero optimization - the game is so old and the graphics are not that great but the optimization is so bad you can't help but think the developers are actually mining bitcoin.”
    • “The graphics were so bad, it's hard to believe this is a game released in 2017......”
    • “The graphics are so unpolished and ugly that even on ultra settings, the game runs poorly, and the graphics look like something from a 2008 game.”
  • stability10,206 mentions

    The stability of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reviews highlighting persistent issues such as frequent crashes, lag, and a plethora of bugs and glitches. Despite the game's popularity and the developers' efforts to address some of these problems, players continue to report frustrating experiences, including desynchronization, hit registration issues, and unresponsive mechanics. While some users acknowledge improvements over time, the overall sentiment remains that the game is still plagued by instability, making it difficult to recommend for those seeking a smooth gaming experience.

    • “Game runs great, haven't had a problem since.”
    • “The game runs great now, looks pretty good, and I have never been banned for 'stream sniping' someone.”
    • “Game runs great and is tons of fun.”
  • monetization4,979 mentions

    The monetization strategy of PUBG has drawn significant criticism from players, primarily due to the introduction of microtransactions and loot boxes, which were initially promised to be absent during early access. Many players feel that the developers prioritize profit over gameplay improvements, leading to a perception of the game as a cash grab, especially given its ongoing issues with optimization and cheating. While some players acknowledge that the microtransactions are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, the overall sentiment is that the focus on monetization detracts from the game's integrity and player experience.

    • “Monetization: skins galore”
    • “Best battle royale and a fair monetization.”
    • “The monetization is there but can be ignored altogether and doesn't take away from the experience.”
    • “The game feels like a cash grab with its predatory lootbox system—nickel-and-diming players at every turn.”
    • “It's clear the devs prioritize monetization over gameplay or community feedback.”
    • “The emphasis on monetization over addressing core gameplay issues has alienated some players.”
  • humor2,565 mentions

    The humor in "PUBG: Battlegrounds" is often described as a mix of chaotic fun and frustrating glitches, with players frequently sharing hilarious moments that arise from the game's unpredictable mechanics. Many reviews highlight the comedic value of team mishaps, absurd vehicle physics, and the antics of both friends and random players, making it a game best enjoyed in a group setting. While the game has its share of bugs and issues, these often contribute to the overall enjoyment, leading to memorable and laugh-out-loud experiences.

    • “Cute factor: sure, PUBG is all about intense survival, but there's a little bit of charm in how you and your squad celebrate small victories or your hilarious missteps (like accidentally running into a tree).”
    • “But hey, if you’re into adrenaline, hilarious squad mishaps, and a side of hacker-fueled rage, this game’s for you.”
    • “The game's humor and witty dialogue add a whole new level of enjoyment.”
    • “In my opinion, it's not funny and a waste of time; it could've been better.”
    • “They ruined this game so fast it's not funny.”
    • “The game is good, but honestly, spending 30 minutes on a match and losing not because you got outplayed or made a mistake but rather a player standing behind a rock in the middle of a rocky mountain is not funny and makes you want to quit.”
  • story2,059 mentions

    The reviews for the "story" aspect of the game reveal a mixed sentiment among players. Many users note that the game lacks a traditional narrative or storyline, often describing it as having "no story" or being primarily focused on gameplay rather than plot. However, some players appreciate the emergent storytelling that occurs during matches, where each game can create unique experiences and memorable moments, likening it to a personal story of survival and competition. Overall, while the game does not offer a structured narrative, it allows players to craft their own stories through gameplay interactions.

    • “The narrative, though secondary to the action, provides a compelling backdrop with its well-developed characters and gripping story arcs.”
    • “Each match tells a new story with unexpected twists.”
    • “Every session is a unique story of survival, as up to 100 players compete in an ever-shrinking play zone, adding a sense of urgency and suspense that is always compelling.”
    • “However, its story lacks depth compared to counterparts like Fortnite.”
    • “The missions are ridiculous and annoying, and the rewards we receive for completing the missions are not satisfying.”
    • “The fact that it forces you to do 15 training missions before you can even get into the real game is too much.”
  • grinding756 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players expressing that it requires an excessive time investment, often described as needing "a second life" to keep up. While some find enjoyment in the grind for cosmetics and leveling, the overall sentiment leans towards it being tedious and unrewarding, especially with the added frustration of hackers and a lack of meaningful rewards for effort. Many reviews highlight that the grind can detract from the fun, making the gameplay feel repetitive and frustrating.

    • “Easily has 200k players in the dead of night on Steam alone, so getting into a game isn't tedious.”
    • “I've always wanted a game like this to exist; there's no grinding to get the most powerful weapons or perks like those in COD or BF games.”
    • “Great for a quick game after work, not grindy.”
    • “That's over 100 crates and months of grinding to get the BP and buy contraband coupons every week only to make you feel like shit in a matter of minutes. It's really heartbreaking to see how there's no real reward at all for the constant regular player who makes up for the active daily pool. This battle royale game requires people to be playing, and for those who do not wish to spend any money, there's no real reward.”
    • “I spent hours grinding to level 80 just so I could try to play ranked, and it was a complete letdown.”
    • “The game is riddled with hackers, every other game is lost because of one of these hackers coming in and speedhacking/aimbotting/etc. The game was great prior to the addition of crates, now these hackers are farming points to get money.”
  • replayability693 mentions

    The replayability of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is widely praised, with many players highlighting its high replay value due to the unpredictable nature of each match, diverse gameplay options, and ongoing content updates. The game's mechanics, including randomized loot and varying player strategies, contribute to an experience that feels fresh and engaging, making it particularly enjoyable when played with friends. Despite some technical issues and criticisms regarding optimization, the overall consensus is that PUBG offers an impressive level of replayability, often described as "infinitely replayable."

    • “With a range of multiplayer modes and ongoing content updates, the game offers substantial replay value.”
    • “Its intense gameplay, realistic mechanics, and endless replayability make it a must-play for fans of the genre.”
    • “The game's replayability is off the charts; I keep coming back for more.”
    • “In the beginning it was a good game but they got all that money and did nothing with the game; it's not good for replayability.”
    • “The game feels much smoother and more playable, but the replayability really isn't there, for me at least.”
    • “Overall, 8/10 game, but replayability is 1/10, and in this game replayability is everything.”
  • music500 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the immersive soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the overall atmosphere, while others criticize the lack of in-game music during gameplay, leading to a repetitive and sometimes silent experience. Many users express frustration over the prevalence of loud, distracting music from other players in lobbies, which detracts from the intended audio experience. Overall, while the main menu music and some soundtracks are appreciated, there is a strong desire for more variety and better integration of music during actual gameplay.

    • “The soundtrack, with its pulsating electronic beats, complements the intense action, while the sound effects are sharp and impactful.”
    • “The soundtrack in this game is so immersive; I find myself humming the tunes all day.”
    • “The sound effects and music are also top-notch and help to create a truly immersive atmosphere.”
    • “May the developer's mother live on as fully as the in-game music disable feature works (it doesn't work at all)”
    • “⚠️ Background music is minimal and can feel repetitive during long sessions.”
    • “From ear-piercing voice acting to repetitive background music that will haunt your dreams, every auditory aspect of this game is a symphony of agony.”
  • emotional324 mentions

    The emotional aspect of PUBG is described as a profound rollercoaster, eliciting a wide range of feelings from intense excitement and camaraderie to frustration and heartbreak. Players express deep emotional investment in the game's highs and lows, often feeling a mix of joy and despair due to its competitive nature, bugs, and issues like cheating. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create memorable moments, but also note the emotional toll it can take, leading some to vow never to play again.

    • “All in all, PUBG is an intense, heart-pounding battle royale experience where every match is an emotional rollercoaster.”
    • “I've never been so emotionally invested in a game's story before.”
    • “This game has the unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, and I'd like to share my heartfelt review.”
    • “While I would love to talk about how emotional my experience was the first time I played this game with a friend and how nostalgic I felt, I would also like to add some comments about the game as well.”
  • atmosphere305 mentions

    The atmosphere in PUBG is widely praised for its intense and immersive qualities, driven by realistic sound design and detailed graphics that enhance the feeling of tension and suspense. Players appreciate the dynamic environments and the sense of danger that permeates each match, although some express concerns about the game's evolving aesthetic and the introduction of cosmetic items that detract from its gritty atmosphere. Overall, the game is recognized for creating a unique and engaging atmosphere that keeps players on edge, making it a standout in the battle royale genre.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is very intense, which is supported not only by the sounds, but also by the graphics and the constant threat from all sides.”
    • “The realistic graphics and attention to detail create an atmosphere that is both visually stunning and tactically challenging.”
    • “From the rustling of leaves to the distant crack of gunfire, every detail adds to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is tense and lonely, and the environment can feel oppressive, adding to the game’s suspense.”
    • “What once was a gritty, intense survival battle royale has now devolved into an absurd carnival of pink bunny costumes and a rainbow atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is missing; gameplay is decent, game modes lack variety, and cosmetics don't look like how they do on icons and showcase art.”
  • character development23 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the immersive and well-crafted designs that allow for a strong connection to the characters, while others criticize the lack of depth and limited customization options. The attention to detail in character and weapon design enhances the visual experience, but some reviews highlight a disconnect between character development and the overall narrative, leading to dissatisfaction. Overall, while there are commendable aspects, significant improvements are needed in character depth and customization to meet player expectations.

    • “The character development in this game is so well-crafted; you really connect with them.”
    • “The level of detail in the world and character designs is remarkable, contributing to a visually stunning experience that immerses players into a living, breathing world.”
    • “Careful examination reveals a strategic infusion of Korean cultural elements throughout the game, from the visually appealing landscapes to the intricate details of character designs.”
    • “The original storyline lacked the depth and character development found in the movie adaptations.”
    • “There's no long-term goal or character development; your involvement is only required until you die, and you can jump back in or call it quits for the day.”
    • “Based on my previous experience with this game, I have come to conclude that the character development in this game is truly awful.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

Play time

185hMedian play time
451hAverage play time
30-600hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,919 analyzed playthroughs

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