PUBG: Battlegrounds embraces free-to-play model four years after launch

PUBG: Battlegrounds is finally free-to-play four years after it first dropped on PC and consoles. It follows CS: GO's footsteps by offering a two-tiered system that helps differentiate between F2P players and those who paid full price for it. For starters, ranked matchmaking is only available to those who pay US$12.99 for the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade. Other perks include the Carrier/Medal tabs, the ability to create/play custom games, and a 100% XP boost.

One also gets some in-game cosmetics and currency at purchase. The features will automatically be available to everyone who purchased the game before its F2P transition. They also get some additional cosmetics, a custom nameplate and more. The rewards will be available to players after they log into the game and are found under the Customize tab.

Krafton claims it has ramped up its anti-cheat measures to help level the playing field. PUBG: Battlegrounds has been plagued with cheaters/bots of late, and it will only worsen once the game goes F2P. That's the reason why ranked matchmaking is hidden behind a paywall, according to Krafton. Then again, anti-cheat measures have seldom stopped anyone, and it'll be interesting to see how PUBG:Battlegrounds fares.

PUBG: Battlegrounds joins its phone-based siblings, PUBG Mobile and PUBG: New State (and Battlegrounds Mobile India), as a F2P title. The game desperately needed to revitalise its dwindling PC/console player base, which is one of the better ways to go about it. Besides, Krafton can still rake in the moolah selling in-game cosmetics, battle passes, and the likes.