PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
" Realistic action-adventure battle royale with tactical depth but plagued by rampant cheating "
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Review
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is a pioneering battle royale game that revolutionized the genre with its intense 100-player survival gameplay. Players appreciate its tactical depth, realistic gun mechanics, and team-based communication, which create a thrilling and immersive experience. The game has evolved over many years, maintaining a dedicated player base who enjoy the slow-paced, high-stakes matches and the satisfaction of outlasting opponents for the coveted "chicken dinner".
However, the current state of the game in 2025 is marred by a pervasive cheating problem. Many players report rampant hackers using aim assist and wallhacks, with ineffective bans allowing cheaters to return quickly. Additionally, performance issues such as lag, crashes, and poor optimization affect gameplay, especially after the game became free-to-play. Server limitations, like the absence of regional servers for some countries, also degrade the experience. Despite these issues, some players still find enjoyment playing with friends and appreciate the game’s core mechanics and gunplay.
Highlights
Players praise PUBG for its realistic gunplay and tactical gameplay, which offers a slower, more strategic battle royale experience compared to faster-paced competitors. The game’s team communication and squad-based dynamics enhance the fun, especially when playing with friends. The graphics, while not cutting-edge, are considered good and fitting for the game’s style. Longtime players appreciate the nostalgia and depth, with many hours spent mastering weapons and maps. The game’s core loop of looting, surviving, and intense firefights remains engaging for many fans.
Criticisms
The most frequent criticism is the prevalence of cheating, with many players frustrated by ineffective anti-cheat measures and temporary bans that fail to deter hackers. Performance problems such as lag, crashes, and stuttering are common complaints, making the game sometimes unplayable. Some players dislike the introduction of bots and slow matchmaking, which detract from the competitive experience. The lack of regional servers for certain countries leads to high ping and poor gameplay quality. Additionally, changes to monetization, removal of popular maps, and forced tutorials for returning players have alienated parts of the community.
Pros
- • Realistic and satisfying gunplay mechanics provide tactical depth and immersion.
- • Team communication and squad play greatly enhance the gaming experience.
- • Longtime players enjoy the nostalgia and evolving gameplay over the years.
- • Graphics are good and appropriate for the game’s style and setting.
- • The slow-paced, strategic gameplay differentiates it from other battle royales.
- • Extensive variety of weapons and vehicles add to gameplay diversity.
- • Regular updates introduce new content and keep the game fresh for some.
Cons
- • Rampant cheating severely impacts gameplay fairness and enjoyment.
- • Anti-cheat enforcement is weak, with cheaters quickly returning to matches.
- • Performance issues including lag, crashes, and stuttering are widespread.
- • Lack of regional servers causes high ping and poor experiences for some.
- • Bots and slow matchmaking reduce the competitive integrity of games.
- • Forced tutorials for experienced players disrupt the flow and feel tedious.
- • Monetization changes and removal of popular content alienate players.
Rating Criteria
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the high-stakes winner-take-all shooter that started the Battle Royale craze, is free-to-play! Drop into diverse maps, loot unique weapons and supplies, and survive in an ever-shrinking zone where every turn could be your last.