Is PUBG free to play? Yes — PUBG: Battlegrounds is completely free to download and play on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. The game that helped launch the entire battle royale genre used to cost $29.99, but it switched to a free-to-play model in 2022. You can install it, drop onto the map, and play full matches without spending a cent.
That said, "free" can mean different things from one game to the next. Below we break down exactly what costs nothing, where to get the game, how the studio actually makes money, and the one optional upgrade you can buy if you want the full experience.
The quick answer
PUBG: Battlegrounds is 100% free-to-play. There is no purchase required, no trial timer, and no paywall blocking the core battle royale. Everything that costs money is optional: cosmetic skins, the seasonal Battle Pass, and a one-time account upgrade called PUBG Plus. None of these give you a competitive advantage, so the game is not pay-to-win.
Yes, PUBG is free to download and play
On January 12, 2022, the developers removed the price tag and made PUBG: Battlegrounds free for everyone. Players who had already bought the game were granted a special commemorative pack, but new players simply hit "Play" at no cost. The store pages on Steam and the console marketplaces now list the title as Free-to-Play rather than showing a price.
Where to download PUBG for free
You can grab PUBG: Battlegrounds for free on every platform it supports. On PC it's available through Steam; on console it's free on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store for Xbox. Just search for "PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS," click install, and you're ready to queue up.
Keep in mind that PUBG Mobile and PUBG: New State Mobile are separate free apps built specifically for phones. They share the brand and battle royale style, but they are different games from the PC and console version.
How PUBG makes money
If the game is free, how does it stay funded? Like most modern battle royales, PUBG earns revenue from optional cosmetics. You can buy clothing, character skins, weapon finishes, and crates using an in-game currency called G-Coin, which you purchase with real money. There's also a seasonal Survivor Pass (the game's Battle Pass) that rewards you with cosmetic items as you play and level it up.
Crucially, none of these purchases affect gameplay. A flashy outfit or a gold weapon skin looks great, but it does not change weapon damage, accuracy, recoil, or any other stat. That means PUBG is not pay-to-win — skill, positioning, and game sense still decide every match.
The optional PUBG Plus upgrade
There is one extra worth knowing about. PUBG Plus is an optional, paid account upgrade that bundles a number of perks together. It typically unlocks access to certain account features, grants bonus currency and starter items, and adds quality-of-life extras like a name change and expanded career stats. Some features tied to a premium account have changed over the years, so check the in-game store for the exact contents in your region.
The important point: PUBG Plus is entirely optional. You can install the game, play ranked matches, climb the leaderboards, and win chicken dinners without ever buying it. Think of it as a convenience and value bundle rather than a requirement to enjoy the game.
Things to know before you install
- The full game is free. All maps, modes, and weapons in the core rotation are available to free players from day one.
- It's cross-platform on consoles. PUBG supports crossplay, so you can squad up with friends on different consoles.
- Cosmetics are cosmetic. If anyone tells you to spend money to compete, they're wrong — skins never boost stats.
- Mobile is a different game. If you play on a phone, you'll be downloading PUBG Mobile or PUBG: New State, not the PC/console title.
Common questions about the cost
I see a price on a key reseller — is that legit?
You should never need to buy a key. PUBG is free directly on Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Microsoft Store. Avoid third-party "key" sites that try to charge you for a free game.
Why does the store still mention $29.99?
That's the historical price before 2022. Current store pages list the game as Free-to-Play; any $29.99 figure you see refers to the old paid version or a bundle.
Do I lose anything by playing for free?
No. Free players get the complete battle royale experience. The only things you miss are optional cosmetics and the PUBG Plus perks, none of which affect how you perform in a match.
Frequently asked questions
Is PUBG: Battlegrounds free on Steam?
Yes. PUBG: Battlegrounds is free to download and play on Steam. The store page lists it as Free-to-Play with no purchase required.
Is PUBG free on PS5 and Xbox?
Yes. PUBG is free on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store for Xbox, including current-generation consoles. Just search for it and install at no cost.
Is PUBG pay-to-win?
No. Everything you can buy in PUBG is cosmetic — outfits, skins, and weapon finishes — plus an optional account upgrade. Purchases do not improve weapon stats or give a gameplay edge.
What is PUBG Plus and do I need it?
PUBG Plus is an optional paid account upgrade that bundles bonus currency, starter items, and extra features. You do not need it to play, rank up, or win — it's a convenience purchase.
Was PUBG always free?
No. PUBG originally cost $29.99 and went free-to-play in 2022. Existing owners received a commemorative pack when the switch happened.
Final thoughts
So, is PUBG free to play? Absolutely — PUBG: Battlegrounds is fully free on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with no paywall standing between you and the core battle royale. The only things that cost money are optional cosmetics, the seasonal Battle Pass, and the PUBG Plus upgrade, and none of them affect your performance in a match. Download it, drop in, and start hunting for that chicken dinner. For full details, see the official PUBG: Battlegrounds website.
