Are Players in PUBG Bots? Unraveling the Mystery of AI Opponents

The question of whether you’re facing human opponents or AI bots in PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a common one, especially among newer players. The answer, in short, is a bit nuanced: no, not all players in PUBG are bots, but yes, bots are definitely present in the game. Specifically, PUBG Mobile utilizes bots more heavily than its PC counterpart. This is done to ensure quicker matchmaking, especially for new players, and to fill out lobbies when the player count is low. The presence of bots is a balancing act, aiming to provide an engaging but not overwhelming experience. Let’s delve deeper into how this system works and address common queries surrounding bots in PUBG.

The Role of Bots in PUBG

Bots in PUBG aren’t designed to be formidable opponents. They are programmed to mimic player behavior to a certain extent, but their actions are predictable and often less coordinated than human players. Their purpose is threefold:

Filling Lobbies: When not enough real players are available, bots step in to ensure that the match starts with close to 100 participants. This prevents excessive wait times for matches.
Facilitating Early Game Engagement: For new players or those returning after a break, bots provide easier targets to practice on and gain confidence. This allows them to get a feel for the game’s mechanics without the frustration of constant defeats against experienced players.
A gentler learning curve: A large part of the game is learning maps and loot locations. Having the initial part of the game be against bots allows new players to learn the game without being constantly overwhelmed.

The distribution of bots varies greatly. New players and those who haven’t played for a while tend to experience a significantly higher proportion of bots in their matches, sometimes 80% or more. This percentage decreases as players gain experience and level up, with regular players encountering a far smaller bot presence, sometimes as low as 3%.

Identifying Bots in PUBG

Recognizing bots in PUBG isn’t always straightforward, especially as they become more sophisticated over time. However, some telltale signs can help you differentiate bots from human players:

Limited Loadout: Bots often carry only one weapon, unlike real players who usually have a primary and a secondary firearm.
Predictable Movement: They tend to move in straight lines, circle around buildings, or stay in one spot without much variation. They typically don’t land on the rooftops of buildings.
Potato Aim: Bots have noticeably poor aiming skills, making them easy to engage in firefights.
Delayed Reactions: They often react to your presence with a slight delay, giving you the advantage.
Inconsistent Behavior: Their movements and actions often feel unnatural and jerky.
Loot Discrepancy: They often have more loot than they visually carry.

Another common observation is that bots tend to spawn near real players to provide initial engagement. This means if you encounter players close to the start of the game who are easy to kill, they are likely bots. Furthermore, they will never operate a vehicle, they will never drive.

Bots in Ranked vs. Normal Modes

It’s critical to differentiate between Ranked Mode and Normal Mode in PUBG. Bots are explicitly excluded from Ranked Mode. Ranked Mode aims to offer the most competitive environment, pitting players against other skilled players with no artificial help from bots. All opponents in Ranked Mode are real players. Normal Mode, on the other hand, does include bots, particularly to accommodate new players and ensure matches start quickly.

Why the Bot System Exists

PUBG’s use of bots isn’t intended to be deceptive but rather practical. The game aims to provide a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of skill level or experience. By integrating bots, PUBG ensures that:

Matchmaking times are kept to a minimum.
New players can learn the ropes without being constantly decimated by seasoned veterans.
Lobbies are quickly filled, even during off-peak hours or in regions with lower player populations.

While the presence of bots might be frustrating for experienced players looking for challenging engagements, they are a necessary component for maintaining a healthy and engaging player base.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide more clarity regarding bots in PUBG:

1. Are all players in PUBG Mobile bots?

No, not all players in PUBG Mobile are bots. However, bots are used to fill lobbies and assist newer players or when there aren’t enough real players available. The proportion of bots decreases as a player gains experience.

2. How can I tell if I killed a bot in PUBG?

You can review your match report in PUBG Lookup to see the percentage of bots in your match, how many bots you killed, and their individual kill counts.

3. Are there bots in PUBG ranked mode?

No, there are no bots in Ranked Mode. Ranked Mode is designed for serious competition, featuring only human players.

4. Why am I encountering so many bots in my matches?

If you are a new player, a returning player, or consistently losing games, the matchmaking system will increase the number of bots you encounter to make the game more accessible and rewarding.

5. Do bots drive vehicles in PUBG?

No, bots do not drive vehicles in PUBG. They are programmed to move on foot, and are not capable of operating vehicles.

6. Can bots track you?

While bots in PUBG can “see you” as soon as you enter their line of sight, they don’t actively track you in the way human players do. Their movements are pre-programmed.

7. Where do most bots spawn in PUBG Mobile?

Bots can spawn anywhere on the map, often near real players to ensure engagement. They can even spawn in popular areas like Pochinki.

8. Is it possible to avoid bot lobbies?

While you cannot entirely avoid bot lobbies as a new player, playing during peak hours and consistently improving your rank should drastically reduce the number of bots you encounter.

9. Are bots dangerous in PUBG?

No, bots are not considered dangerous. Their aim is often poor, and their movements are predictable. They serve primarily as easier targets to practice on.

10. Do bots lean in PUBG?

No, bots do not lean. This is another common giveaway of AI opponents.

11. How does PUBG use bots to fill out matches?

PUBG uses bots to fill lobbies quickly and make sure that the games don’t stall waiting for real players. When the matchmaking can’t find enough real players, bots step in to reach a full 100 player game.

12. Are there bots in PUBG on PC?

Yes, though not as prevalent as in the mobile version, PUBG on PC will use bots to fill in lobbies if needed. However the number of bots in the PC version is drastically lower than on Mobile.

13. What is the meaning of “bot” in PUBG?

In PUBG, a “bot” refers to a computer-controlled AI player, not a human player.

14. Why is PUBG Mobile so easy?

PUBG Mobile can feel easy due to the presence of bots, which are programmed to be easier to defeat. This makes the game more accessible to new players.

15. How do I know if I’m in a bot lobby?

If a large number of players are still alive by the third circle then it’s likely that you are in a lobby with a higher bot count. Generally by the end of the third circle over 65% of the lobby will be dead.

Conclusion

The presence of bots in PUBG, particularly in PUBG Mobile, is a strategic decision by the developers to ensure a smooth and accessible experience for all players. While they might not provide the same level of challenge as real players, they play a critical role in maintaining the game’s pace and appeal. As players improve their skills, the ratio of bots to real players naturally decreases, ultimately leading to more competitive and engaging gameplay. Understanding the role of bots and how to identify them enhances the overall PUBG experience, making it easier to navigate the battleground and enjoy the game to its fullest.

Are players in PUBG bots?