Is PUBG Ranked Paid? A Deep Dive into the Competitive Scene
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Yes, PUBG ranked mode is indeed paid. While the base game, PUBG: Battlegrounds, transitioned to a free-to-play model, access to its competitive ranked mode requires a one-time purchase. This has been a significant change for the game, shifting the landscape for both casual and dedicated players. Let’s explore why this decision was made and what it means for the PUBG community.
Understanding PUBG’s Free-to-Play Transition
Initially, PUBG was a paid game. However, recognizing the growing competition in the battle royale genre and aiming to expand its player base, the developers made the bold move to go free-to-play. This opened the doors for many new players to experience the game’s intense combat and strategic gameplay.
However, the free-to-play model introduced a new challenge: maintaining the integrity of the ranked experience. Ranked mode, designed for competitive play, needed a way to deter cheaters and smurfs (experienced players using new accounts to play against less skilled players). That’s where Battlegrounds Plus and its associated cost come into play.
The Cost of Competitive Play: Battlegrounds Plus
To unlock PUBG’s ranked mode, players must purchase the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade. This is a one-time fee of $12.99, and it acts as a gatekeeper to the competitive scene. The main purpose of this purchase is to create a barrier to entry for cheaters. If a player is banned for cheating, they will lose access to their account, and to re-enter ranked, they would need to purchase Battlegrounds Plus again with a new account. This discourages repeat offenses.
Furthermore, the Battlegrounds Plus is not simply a key to ranked mode. It comes with several additional benefits, providing value for the purchase, which we will explore further.
How to Unlock PUBG Ranked
Accessing ranked mode isn’t just about paying the fee. There are a few prerequisites you need to meet:
- Purchase Battlegrounds Plus: The most important step, you must pay the $12.99 fee to upgrade.
- Survival Mastery Level: You need to reach a minimum Survival Mastery level of 80. This requires playing the game and gaining experience, showing that you have a good handle on the basics and gameplay.
- SMS Verification (potentially): Depending on your platform and region, you may be required to verify your account using a valid phone number via SMS verification. This is an additional measure to prevent the creation of multiple accounts by cheaters.
Once these requirements are met, you are able to play in PUBG’s competitive ranked mode.
Battlegrounds Plus: More Than Just Ranked
The Battlegrounds Plus upgrade is not just about unlocking ranked play. It also grants players other benefits:
- Access to Ranked Mode: As already discussed, this is the primary draw for most competitive players.
- Bonus XP and Boosts: Players receive bonus XP and boosts, helping them progress faster within the game.
- Exclusive Cosmetics: Owners of Battlegrounds Plus receive exclusive cosmetic items.
Is Battlegrounds Plus Worth It?
The value of Battlegrounds Plus depends heavily on what you want from PUBG. For casual players who primarily enjoy the normal unranked mode, or play with friends for fun, the upgrade may not be worth the investment. If you are not interested in competitive play, the extra experience points and cosmetics do not offer the best value for money.
However, if you are interested in competitive play, the Battlegrounds Plus is necessary to access ranked mode. The $12.99 fee is likely worth it for the competitive experience and the additional challenge.
Is the Anti-Cheat System Effective?
The $12.99 fee is a useful tool against cheating, making it more costly for dishonest players to return to ranked mode. While this does not eliminate cheating entirely, it significantly reduces its impact on the competitive modes.
While no system is perfect, the combination of the fee, along with monitoring from the developers and reporting from the community, aims to provide a fairer and more enjoyable experience.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know about PUBG Ranked
Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about PUBG’s ranked mode:
1. Can you play PUBG ranked for free?
No, you cannot play PUBG ranked for free. Accessing the ranked mode requires purchasing the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade for $12.99.
2. What is included in PUBG’s Battlegrounds Plus?
Battlegrounds Plus includes access to ranked mode, bonus XP and boosts, and exclusive cosmetic items.
3. Is PUBG free to play now?
Yes, PUBG: Battlegrounds is free-to-play. However, access to the ranked mode is not free.
4. Why does PUBG ranked cost money?
The main reason for the fee is to deter cheating. By making it costly to re-enter ranked, the developers aim to minimize the impact of cheaters on the competitive scene.
5. What is the minimum level to play ranked in PUBG?
You need to reach a minimum Survival Mastery level of 80 before you can play in ranked mode.
6. Do you need to verify your account with SMS to play ranked?
Depending on your platform and region, you may need to verify your account using SMS before you are eligible for ranked mode.
7. Are there bots in PUBG ranked?
No, bots are not in ranked mode. Ranked mode is designed for players to face off against other players, ensuring a higher degree of competition.
8. How does PUBG rank players?
PUBG’s ranked system is divided by game mode (first-person or third-person), and you will have separate scores for each.
9. Does PUBG offer any rewards for playing ranked mode?
Yes, players in ranked mode receive seasonal rewards based on their ranking, including cosmetic items and other exclusive goodies.
10. What do paid PUBG players get?
Players who purchased PUBG before it went free-to-play received the PUBG – Special Commemorative Pack, which includes the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade and exclusive skins.
11. Is PUBG still popular?
Yes, PUBG remains one of the most popular games in the world, with a massive player base.
12. Is PUBG difficult to play?
PUBG is known to be a little more challenging and realistic compared to some other battle royale games due to its gun mechanics, slower pace, and emphasis on aim.
13. Is Call of Duty better than PUBG?
Both Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG: Battlegrounds have a dedicated fanbase and offer different experiences. Call of Duty is known for its fast-paced action, while PUBG focuses on strategy and realism. Which game is “better” depends on personal preference.
14. How much money does PUBG make per day?
PUBG has generated significant revenue, averaging around $8.1 million per day in 2021.
15. Who is the richest PUBG player?
Although there are many professional PUBG players, the richest eSports player is Johan Sundstein, primarily known for his achievements in Dota 2. He has earned millions of dollars through his eSports career.
Final Thoughts
While the introduction of a fee to access ranked mode in PUBG may have been initially controversial, it has ultimately helped to maintain the integrity of the competitive scene. The Battlegrounds Plus upgrade provides a way to discourage cheating while also offering additional benefits to players who are serious about playing ranked. If you’re looking to test your skills against the best of the best, then the $12.99 fee is a necessary and worthwhile investment. Otherwise, the free-to-play normal mode offers a vast amount of enjoyment without the need to pay.