PUBG Drones: What we know about free-to-play

Published: January 4 2022

Last updated: September 6 2022

PUBG Drones: What we know about free-to-play
Ace Missions, build your player profile, and make your GGs more rewarding with Stryda free Battle Pass!
Start Competing

Drones in PUBG? What else is coming with the free-to-play mode?

PlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds: the game that changed the game. From an Arma 3 mod to the success we see today. Mr. PlayerUnknown started something genuinely incredible, changing esports as we know it, without even knowing it. But you guys know all that, so I’ll skip to the chase: drones! Cool!

As you’ll be aware, at The Game Awards 2021, PUBG Battlegrounds announced it would be becoming free-to-play. PUBG will be shifting to a F2P model on 12th January 2022. But what does that mean for us, and what does it have to do with drones? 

PUBG free-to-play

What is free-to-play?

Free to play is when a game grants you access to the base game for free. You’ll then pay for additional features. This means anyone can play PUBG, regardless of if they’ve paid for it. You’ll then pay for a Plus account, which will grant you access to additional features.

What is BattleGrounds Plus?

‘Plus’ is when you’ve paid for the game. It costs $12.99 (or your country’s equivalent), and with it, you’ll unlock the following game features:

  • Ranked mode

  • Custom matches

  • Medal achievements in career mode

  • Survival mastery XP rewards.

You’ll also receive some sweet items:

  • Captain' Camo Hat

  • Captain's Camo Mask

  • Captain's Camo Gloves

  • 1,300 G-Coins (the in-game currency).

Missed the last update? Check out our rundown of the 14.1 patch here!

I own PUBG; what will happen to me?

Never fear cool gamer friends. Things won’t change too drastically for you on January 12th. In fact, you get some cool stuff out of this!

Plus account

On January 12th, 2022, you’ll be automatically updated to a Plus account if you already own the game. Sweet!

Items

You’ll get some fantastic items for being a legacy player of the game. In this commemorative cosmetic items pack, you’ll receive:

  • Battle-hardened Legacy Corset

  • Battle-hardened Legacy Jacket

  • Battle-hardened Legacy Gloves

  • Battle-hardened Legacy Pants

  • Battle-hardened Legacy Boots

  • Shackle and Shanks Legacy – Pan

  • Nameplate – Battle-hardened Legacy

Now, to redeem these items on Playstation, you’ll need to get them from the in-game store before the event is over. So get downloading!

More enemies

Free to play means more enemies for you to obliterate. In the first new months, there’ll probably be a boatload of noobs for you to grind that XP. Go easy on them but, you know, not too easy.

More people also means shorter wait times for matchmaking!

Anti-Cheat

Rumor has it the anti-cheat got a nifty overhaul. So those ranked matches are about to get a lot less messy.

Drones

On the 4th of January, PUBG shared a video on their Facebook with some exciting news. We found out the new game will have drones. Yes - drones! PUBG has said the addition of drones is just one of the ‘new ways to win games.’ What else will change? What else will they announce? Dogs? Well, maybe…

It’s all very exciting. You’re pumped to show some newbies who’s boss, and I’m excited to no longer be the lowest-ranked player. Also, those drones—that’s cool too. 

Follow along over on our socials for more PUBG news and events. Toodles!

Tabatha

Tabatha
Content manager

Marketing video games by day, kilt hating by night. Tabatha enjoys short walks where coffee is the end destination.