Want to know how to play PUBG on PC? PUBG: Battlegrounds — the game that kicked off the battle royale craze — has been free to play on PC since January 2022. You can download it on Steam or the Epic Games Store, and both versions play together. This guide walks through installation, the PC specs you need, the best first settings, and how PUBG Mobile on PC differs.
Table of Contents
How to play PUBG on PC: quick overview
The whole process takes about as long as the download. Check your PC meets the requirements, install the game for free from Steam or the Epic Games Store, set up your account, practise in Training Mode and then tune your settings. The sections below walk through each step.
Step 1: Check your PC can run it
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | 64-bit Windows 10 | 64-bit Windows 10/11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-4430 / AMD FX-6300 | Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 960 2GB / AMD R7 370 2GB | NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 |
| Network | Broadband internet | Broadband internet |
Requirements are occasionally updated with big patches, so double-check the store page before downloading. Leave plenty of free space on an SSD — PUBG loads much faster from an SSD than a hard drive. The current list is always on the official Steam store page.
Step 2: Download PUBG on Steam
- Install and sign in to Steam.
- Search for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS in the Store.
- Click Play Game — it’s free, no purchase needed.
- Choose your install drive and let it download.
- Launch from your Library and accept the terms to create your in-game account.
Or download on the Epic Games Store
- Install and sign in to the Epic Games Launcher.
- Search for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and click Get.
- Install from your Library and launch.
Crossplay: Steam and Epic players are in the same matchmaking pool, so you can squad up with friends on either store.
Step 3: Set up your account and first match
- Pick a nickname and region (choose the server closest to you for the lowest ping).
- Play the Training Mode or a Casual/Normal match first to learn looting, healing and vehicles.
- Free players get the full game: all maps, modes and weapons. Paid items are cosmetic skins and the Survivor Pass.
- Consider linking a KRAFTON ID — you’ll need it for Twitch Drops and some events (see how to link PUBG to Twitch).
Step 4: Best first settings for smooth performance
Open Settings > Graphics:
- Display mode: Fullscreen for lowest input lag.
- Frame rate limit: match your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g. 144).
- Anti-aliasing: Medium or High — it helps see distant enemies.
- Post-processing, Shadows, Effects, Foliage: Very Low/Low for more FPS and less clutter.
- Textures: Medium/High if you have enough VRAM.
- View distance: Medium or higher so buildings and players load in at range.
Also update your graphics drivers and close background apps like browsers and overlays.
Recommended controls to learn
- Tab – inventory
- F – interact / loot
- Alt (hold) – free look
- Q / E – lean left and right
- Right mouse – aim down sights (hold) or toggle
- Z / C / Space – prone, crouch, jump/vault
You can change any of these under Settings > Controls.
Game modes for new players
Casual matches mix you in with bots and are the gentlest way to learn looting, healing and the shrinking play zone. Normal matches are the standard battle royale against other players. Ranked is best saved until you are comfortable, and the Arcade modes, such as Team Deathmatch, are great for practising your shooting without the long loot phase.
Tips for your first matches
- Land away from busy cities at first so you have time to loot.
- Prioritise a helmet, a vest and a backpack before anything else.
- Keep an eye on the map and move towards the next safe zone early.
- Wear headphones — footsteps and gunfire tell you where enemies are.
- Use Q and E to lean around corners instead of stepping out into the open.
- Treat vehicles carefully: they are fast, but loud and easy to spot.
Learning how to play PUBG on PC well takes practice, but most players feel at home after a few evenings of Casual matches.
Common beginner mistakes
Even once you know how to play PUBG on PC, a few habits can cost you matches:
- Looting too long and getting caught outside the safe zone.
- Running across open fields instead of moving between cover.
- Shooting at distant players and giving away your position.
- Ignoring healing and boost items between fights.
- Leaving the graphics on default and struggling with low frame rates.
PUBG Mobile on PC: what’s different?
PUBG Mobile is a separate game made for phones. If you want to play it on a computer, the official way is through an Android emulator such as GameLoop (Tencent’s official emulator for PUBG Mobile). Keep in mind that emulator players are usually matched with other emulator players, and progress is tied to your PUBG Mobile account, not your PC PUBG account. Most PC players will have a better experience with PUBG: Battlegrounds itself.
Troubleshooting
- Game won’t launch: verify game files in Steam (right-click PUBG > Properties > Installed Files > Verify) and update graphics drivers.
- High ping: pick a closer server region and use a wired connection.
- Low FPS: lower Shadows, Foliage and Post-processing first; they have the biggest impact.
FAQ
Is PUBG free on PC?
Yes. PUBG: Battlegrounds has been free to play on Steam and Epic since January 2022. Optional purchases are cosmetic.
Can Steam and Epic players play together?
Yes. Both PC versions share matchmaking and can squad up.
Can I play PUBG with a controller on PC?
The PC version is designed for mouse and keyboard; controller support is limited. Console versions are built for controllers.
Is it hard to learn how to play PUBG on PC?
The basics are easy: loot, survive and stay inside the safe zone. Winning fights takes longer to master, which is why Casual matches and Training Mode are worth using at first.
Can I play with friends on console?
No. PC players are matched with other PC players, while the console versions have their own matchmaking. If your friends play on PC through Steam or Epic, you can squad up with them.
Do I need a powerful gaming PC?
Not necessarily. A mid-range PC that meets the recommended specs runs it well on Medium settings. If you have an older machine, follow the low settings in this guide on how to play PUBG on PC and you can still get smooth frame rates.
Final thoughts
Now you know how to play PUBG on PC: download it free from Steam or the Epic Games Store, check your specs, set up your account and start in Training Mode or a Casual match. Tune the settings above for smooth frame rates, and you’re ready to drop in. Patch notes and events are posted on the official PUBG website. Also on PC? See how to play Brawl Stars on PC.
Want to stream your matches? Read how to link PUBG to Twitch. Curious about blood colour settings? See how to change blood colour in PUBG.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
