PUBG tests free to play, Lite version in Thailand

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is currently testing a free to play PUBG Lite version in Thailand.

PUBG Lite is expected to have less demanding hardware requirements, and is said to be a completely standalone game from the fully paid PUBG game. This means that players will not require the full version of PUBG to play PUBG Lite.

According to PUBG Corp, the new version is designed for “players in areas where the core game’s required specifications are more difficult to achieve due to the hardware available.”

So far, only Erangel is available to test on PUBG Lite, with Solo, Duo and Squad options. The testing is currently only conducted in Thailand for the PC, however, there may be plans to open up other regions to take part.

PUBG Lite is also having its own development team responsible for pushing out exclusive content and quality of life enhancements to the game.

It is significant that the testing is done in Thailand, which is part of PUBG’s largest user base – Asia. PUBG is enjoying huge popularity in China and India, and this move is clearly PUBG Corp’s attempt to shore up more users in response to Fortnite’s growing audience.

Fortnite has become an international sensational since becoming free to play, and many other first-person shooters have also followed suit. Most recently, CS:GO, the long-time competitive shooter, also went F2P and launched its own Battle Royale mode, Danger Zone.

Although not a significant disruptor, a free-to-play version of PUBG, in addition to the lower barriers of entry, is a great step for PUBG Corp to begin competing with Fortnite in 2019.