PUBG in 2025: A Clunky, Chaotic, Yet Endlessly Entertaining Battle Royale
Eight years after its initial release, PUBG remains an unshakable force in the battle royale genre. Despite its age and the rise of newer competitors, the game continues to draw massive player numbers on Steam. But how does it hold up in 2025?

Diving back into the game after a long hiatus, the experience is a blend of nostalgia, frustration, and unexpected hilarity. PUBG has never been the smoothest shooter—its clunky mechanics are part of its DNA—but what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in sheer intensity. Even the simplest kills still feel deeply satisfying, and the unpredictability of each match keeps the adrenaline pumping.

The journey to secure that coveted chicken dinner was anything but easy. Early matches ended in disaster, with brutal third-place finishes and unfortunate positioning that left me sandwiched between enemies. At times, it was impossible to tell whether I was outplaying real players or merely farming bots, a long-standing criticism of the game’s matchmaking. But PUBG’s unique charm lies in its absurdity—whether it’s tap-dancing through the sky, rocking ridiculous outfits, or attempting to take down enemies with a frying pan, the game never stops delivering moments of pure, unscripted comedy.

Beyond the chaos, PUBG still has some of the best audio design in the genre. Gunshots feel visceral, and enemy movement remains tense and unpredictable. However, the learning curve remains steep, and the lack of clear UI elements for things like supply crate drops can make the game feel unnecessarily obtuse for newcomers.

Determined to secure a win, I switched to first-person mode in a final late-night attempt. Half-asleep and lacking any sense of dignity—camera off, possibly pantsless—I finally clinched a victory. Was it against a bot? Probably. Did I care? Not in the slightest.

In 2025, PUBG is still ridiculous, still frustrating, and still an absolute blast. It may be showing its age, but for those willing to embrace its quirks, the game continues to offer some of the most thrilling and hilarious battle royale moments out there.