We are the generation that loves a good gaming experience. If you have played games like Call of Duty, but are looking for something lighter but on mobile, Free Fire or PUBG Mobile is your game to play.
Even though they look similar, both games are very different. Their game styles, controls, graphics, and other features are not the same.
Free Fire and PUBG Mobile are two of the most well-known mobile games worldwide. Both are battle royale games with millions of players and big fan communities. In the mobile gaming market, they are currently the main rivals.
Don’t know which one to play? Let’s compare to give you better clarity on the choice.
Playing Battle Royale
Battle royale games include Free Fire and PUBG Mobile. In other words, players land on a map, gather equipment and weapons, and attempt to survive as the play area shrinks. Being the final player or team standing is the aim.
The game’s speed is the primary distinction between the two.
Free Fire has shorter matches that resemble arcade games and are significantly faster. Like its PC/console predecessor.
PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG Mobile are slower, more realistic, and feature longer matches and larger maps.
PUBG Mobile Vs Free Fire: Detailed comparison
Free Fire: Base download is around 500 MB, but with resource packs, can grow to ~1.5 GB+.
PUBG Mobile: Base app is around 800 MB–1 GB, but full install can exceed 2.5–3 GB depending on resources/maps downloaded.
- Weapons Comparison
Free Fire
- Around 45 weapons
- Basic types: ARs, SMGs, shotguns, snipers, etc.
- No DMR category
- Fewer throwables (mainly grenades)
- Simple mechanics, easy to use
PUBG Mobile
- Around 52 weapons
- Includes all basic types plus DMRs
- More throwables: grenades, smokes, stuns, Molotovs
- Realistic mechanics: recoil, bullet drop, hit damage
- More attachments and deeper customization
Free Fire offers simpler weapons for quick action. More realistic combat features and a wider variety of weapons are offered by PUBG Mobile.
- Graphics and Performance
PUBG Mobile and Free Fire offer very different visual experiences.
The Unreal Engine-powered PUBG Mobile offers crisp, lifelike visuals, intricate textures, and captivating settings.
This makes the game feel closer to a PC or console experience, but requires stronger device performance and a stable internet connection.
On the other hand, Free Fire, which uses the Unity Engine, features more cartoonish and colorful graphics.
It’s designed to run smoothly even on lower-end devices, making it more accessible for a wider audience. Even Free Fire Max, the upgraded version, has a smaller download size and is optimized for better performance without needing high-end specs.
Do you prefer high-quality realism or smoother gameplay on lighter devices?
- Characters in PUBG vs. Free Fire
Free Fire features unique characters with special abilities that impact gameplay. For example, Caroline’s “Agility” skill lets her move faster. The game currently offers 32 characters, each with their own ability (except Adam and Eve).
PUBG Mobile does not have characters with special powers. It focuses on realism, offering only cosmetic customizations like outfits.
- Maps in PUBG Mobile vs. Free Fire
When it comes to maps, PUBG Mobile offers larger and more detailed environments compared to Free Fire. This is mainly because PUBG supports higher player counts and has fewer limitations in graphics and gameplay.
Free Fire currently features 5 maps:
- Bermuda
- Bermuda Remastered
- Kalahari
- Purgatory
- Alpine
However, PUBG Mobile has more than 5 now including:.
- Erangel
- Livik
- Miramar
- Sanhok
- Vikendi
- Nusa and event maps (like Metro Royale or Payload mode)
Overall, the maps in PUBG are larger and more realistic, whereas those in Free Fire are smaller and move more quickly, giving each game a unique gameplay style.
- Gameplay
One major difference between Free Fire and PUBG Mobile is how their gameplay mechanics affect match speed and player strategy.
In PUBG Mobile, matches typically last between thirty and forty-five minutes and are slower and more strategic. Players need to plan carefully, including choosing smart landing spots and rotating through zones with a solid strategy.
In contrast, Free Fire offers a faster-paced experience, with matches lasting about 10 to 20 minutes. Players need to rely on quick decisions, sharp reflexes, and aggressive play to survive.
Overall, PUBG is ideal for players who enjoy detailed planning and realism, while Free Fire suits those who prefer quick, action-packed matches.
- System Requirements
PUBG Mobile needs a more powerful device because of its high-quality graphics and larger maps.
Free Fire, on the other hand, is optimized for lower-end devices, so it runs smoothly even on smartphones with basic specs.
This makes Free Fire more accessible to a wider audience.
Can you earn from Free Fire or PUBG?
Yes. However, the ways of earning might be different. Here is how you can earn from them:
| Earning Method | PUBG Mobile | Free Fire | Notes |
| eSports Tournaments | ✅ Strong scene: PMGC, PMPL, etc. | ✅ Big in regions like LATAM, SEA, India | Prize pools vary; PUBG generally offers higher prizes |
| Streaming (YouTube/Twitch) | ✅ High viewership | ✅ Very strong fan base | Both games offer strong audiences for content creators |
| Sponsorships & Brand Deals | ✅ Common among pro teams/streamers | ✅ Available for top players/creators | Depends on region and popularity |
| Custom Rooms & Coaching | ✅ Often monetized by content creators | ✅ Same as PUBG | Used by many casual influencers |
| Clan/Team Events | ✅ Paid internal tournaments | ✅ Garena hosts events with cash prizes | Often seasonal |
| Official Partner Programs | ✅ PUBG Mobile Partner Program | ✅ Free Fire Partner Program | Both offer monetization tools and in-game perks |
So, which is better: PUBG Mobile or Free Fire
| Category | PUBG Mobile 🟩 | Free Fire 🟨 | Winner |
| Graphics Quality | High, realistic (Unreal Engine) | Moderate, cartoonish (Unity Engine) | PUBG Mobile |
| Device Requirements | Medium to High (3GB+ RAM) | Low (1–2GB RAM) | Free Fire |
| Game Size (Full) | ~2.5–3 GB | ~1.5 GB | Free Fire |
| Gameplay Style | Tactical, slower, realistic | Fast-paced, arcade-style | Depends on preference |
| Match Duration | 30–45 minutes | 10–20 minutes | Free Fire (for quick games) |
| Characters & Abilities | Cosmetic only | Unique characters with skills | Free Fire |
| Weapons Variety | More weapons, deeper customization | Simpler weapons | PUBG Mobile |
| Maps & Size | Larger, detailed maps | Smaller, fast-action maps | PUBG Mobile |
| Customization | Realistic outfits, weapon skins | Colorful outfits, skill upgrades | Tie (depends on taste) |
| Competitive Scene | Strong eSports presence | Moderate eSports presence | PUBG Mobile |
| Accessibility | Mid to high-end devices | Runs on almost any phone | Free Fire |
Conclusion
For gamers who prefer quick, intense matches and a laid-back gaming experience, Free Fire is ideal. It runs well on low-end devices and is easy to pick up.
But if you want more thrill and continuation, realistic visuals, more intricate gameplay, and bigger maps are all features of PUBG Mobile. It’s ideal for gamers who prefer strategy, immersion, and have devices with higher specs.
