PUBG: Battlegrounds, formerly known as PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, is finally free-to-play. This transition applies across all platforms (but not PUBG: Mobile), including both PC and console, and follows several years of the game as a paid, premium offering. However, that doesn't mean those who bought the game already as being left in the dust, and there will still be paid options moving forward for those looking to further support it and get some extra goodies.
The game now has a free basic version which includes most modes. If you want to dive into ranked or custom matches, you'll need to fork out $13 for Battlegrounds Plus. Those who bought the game previously will have their accounts automatically upgraded to Battlegrounds Plus along with a handful of goodies in a special commemorative pack.
To celebrate the relaunch, Krafton is chucking all sorts of rewards at players through Drops events. Players can watch streams, complete in-game missions and invite friends to play to nab some extra bits and bobs for their character.
Along with the game going free-to-play, a new update has introduced tactical gear, action queueing and a host of training modes. The latter should be especially useful to the swathe of new players who dive in for their first chicken dinner with a basic training grounds, tutorials and AI training matches now available.
For those who have played the paid version before, you'll get the following:
- Shackle and Shanks Legacy - Pan
- Battle-hardened Legacy nameplate
- Costume skin set
And you'll also get a free Battlegrounds Plus membership. It is is a premium option that went on sale when the free era began. It's free for anyone who bought the game prior to this, and costs $13 to purchase as a one-time transaction on its own. You get the following rewards:
- Ranked mode
- Custom match creator
- Captain's Camo Hat
- Captain's Camo Mask
- Captain's Camo Gloves
- Career medal tab
- 1,300 G-coin
- Survival Mastery XP + 100% boost