Is Free Fire More Popular than PUBG?
The competitive gaming world is filled with a plethora of popular online games, but two players that have dominated the chat in recent times are PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Garena Free Fire (FF). Both games have garnered immense popularity across the globe, with numerous fans vying for control. In this article, we will delve into a comparison of these two battling behemoths to decipher which one stands taller on the popularity meter.
Is FF more popular than PUBG?
Initially, PUBG was perceived as the pioneer of Battle Royale games, with Fortnite and Apex Legends following later. However, Free Fire, developed by 113 Industries, quickly gained widespread acclaim and adoption, mostly due to its lightweight app size and optimized gameplay features. As a result, it is no surprise to find Free Fire boasting numbers that surpass PUBG on some platforms.
Current Numbers: A Comparison of Free Fire and PUBG
To give you an idea of the numbers being thrown around, here is a comparison of the in-game currencies generated by the two games in 1Q21:
| Ranking | Game | Revenue(in USD millions) | Number of Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | PubG Mobile | $744.4 million | Not publicly disclosed |
| 2nd | Garena Free Fire MAX | $254.6 million | 150 Million+ daily active users [1] |
Statistics Highlighting FF’s Wider Reach
While revenue numbers might vary, when it comes to the pure numbers of active users and daily downloads, Free Fire stands out. Here is a brief comparison:
- Active Users Daily: Free Fire boasts of over 150 million DAU, whereas PUBG’s DAU is allegedly in the range of around 40-50 million [2].
- Downloads: Free Fire has surpassed PUBG as the most downloaded mobile game (iOS and Google Play store) with over 1 million downloads in Q1 alone [3].
Performance on Mobile and PC Markets
To put it plain and simple: Free Fire is the champion of Mobile Battle Royale, while PUBG holds its ground among PC gamers.
- Mobile Performance: According to recent reports: PUBG’s mobile division generates 4x higher revenue than FF’s combined revenue [4].
- FF excels: with over 150 M DAU and 9 M downloads daily [4].
- PC Performance: PUBG thrives on PC, topping charts as one of the most played Battle Royale modes [5].
- FF, though popular in some regions, has no PC version available.
Gameplay Features and Monetization Models
Some significant differences in gameplay features could also impact user engagement and dedication. For instance:
• Battle Royale Modes:
- PUBG: offers various modes with unique mechanics and game-altering features, such as Battle Royale, Tactical, Snowball, etc.
- FF: primarily boasts a standard Battle Royale mod with occasional event-based unique game modes.
• Esports and Tournaments: PUBG has a significantly larger esports following and frequent, well-established tournaments:
- PUBG competes with popular esports scene (PGL, Red Bull, and more.)
- FF has few notable tournaments, mostly driven by the company itself: (FFCS, ESL Pro League).
Closing Remarks
It is only natural that popularity can take many forms and vary vastly across regions. In comparison, Garena Free Fire (FF) has clearly taken the crown in recent times, dominating the popularity charts on mobile platforms through its accessible nature, efficient gameplay, and robust DAU. Meanwhile, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), as the pioneering Battle Royale game, remains a well-established and cherished title. The ongoing battle between Free Fire and PUBG undoubtedly contributes to an exciting scenario, fueling innovation for the entire gaming industry and ensuring the competitive spirit behind both titles.