PUBG: Battlegrounds going free to play is a move I thought was going to come some time ago. But in January 2022, it’s finally going to happen. It’s one of the only Battle Royale games that charge a cost to download. It’s even different from its own mobile version, as PUBG Mobile is free to play as well. However, it’s time for some change. During The Game Awards 2021, it was revealed that we’re going to see a major change to PUBG: Battlegrounds in 2022, as it shifts to free to play.

That’s right, PUBG: Battlegrounds is moving forward into a new era! On January 12, 2022, PC and console editions of PUBG: Battlegrounds will shift to a free-to-play model. This is incredibly exciting and should bring far more people back to play PUBG. As it will be shifting to a free to play mode, they will introduce an optional premium account upgrade, BATTLEGROUNDS Plus. This will be for a one-time price of $12.99 USD, and gives players access to a few benefits:

• Bonus 1,300 G-COIN
• Survival Mastery XP + 100% boost
• Career – Medal tab
• Ranked Mode
• Custom Match functionality
• In-Game items, like the Captain’s Camo set. It includes a hat, camo mask, and camo gloves.

For players who already own and played before the free to play transition, they will receive the PUBG Battlegrounds – SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE PACK. This gives an automatic account upgrade to BATTLEGROUNDS Plus, the Battle-Hardened costume skin, the Shackle and Shanks Legacy Plan, and the Battle-Hardened Legacy nameplate. It is an interesting choice to see Ranked Mode in BATTLEGROUNDS Plus though. We’ll see if there’s any complaint or backlash on that.

Now that’s a good thing to see. Players who already own the game won’t have to buy the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade is a major boon. 

CH Kim, CEO of KRAFTON Inc talked about this reveal:

“As PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS pioneered the battle royale genre and has grown into a globally influential game IP, this is the perfect time to transition to F2P and welcome new players to the game. The game has grown substantially since we brought it to Early Access nearly five years ago, and we believe it offers one of the best values in gaming. Whether it’s the game’s eight unique maps, consistently updated features, or engaging in-game partner activations, transitioning to F2P is the next step in our journey to widen the scope of the PUBG IP through content that both new and veteran players will love.”

Over the next few weeks, there will be several activities and events to take part in, to celebrate the transition. Players can also pre-register to play the F2P version, take a “gaming personality test”, and participate in the “Invite A Friend” activity to earn some more in-game items. This is a huge move for PUBG and should be a positive for the community.