PUBG LITE vs. PUBG: A Detailed Comparison for Battle Royale Enthusiasts

The core concept is the same: 100 (or 60 in LITE) players parachute onto an island and fight to be the last one standing. However, PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) and PUBG LITE are distinctly different games tailored for different audiences and hardware. PUBG is the original, more demanding experience, boasting higher fidelity graphics, more features, and a larger player base. PUBG LITE, on the other hand, was designed as a free-to-play, optimized version intended for lower-end devices. This translates to reduced graphical detail, smaller maps, and a streamlined gameplay experience, aiming to make the battle royale genre accessible to a wider audience. Let’s dive into the specifics.

Key Differences Between PUBG and PUBG LITE

• Graphics and Performance: This is the most significant difference. PUBG demands a reasonably powerful PC or mobile device to run smoothly at higher settings. PUBG LITE, with its reduced textures, simpler models, and optimized code, can run on significantly less powerful hardware, even integrated graphics.
• Device Compatibility: PUBG is available on PC, consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and mobile (Android and iOS). PUBG LITE was initially released for mobile and later a PC version became available, however, the PC version of PUBG LITE has since been discontinued.
• Gameplay: While the fundamental gameplay loop remains the same, PUBG LITE typically features shorter matches and, at least initially, fewer players per match (60 vs 100) on mobile versions. The PC LITE version had the 100 player count.
• Map Size: PUBG features larger maps like Erangel (8x8km), Miramar, Vikendi, and Sanhok. PUBG LITE, especially on mobile, uses scaled-down maps.
• Features and Content: PUBG generally receives more frequent updates and features a wider range of weapons, vehicles, customization options, and game modes. PUBG LITE typically lags behind in content updates.
• Monetization: Both games utilize a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items.
• Player Base and Servers: PUBG has a larger and more established player base. PUBG LITE’s player base was smaller and geographically more concentrated in regions with lower hardware accessibility.
• Game Engine: PUBG originally ran on Unreal Engine 4. The engine used for PUBG LITE isn’t public knowledge but it’s highly likely that it’s a highly optimized version of Unreal or a different engine entirely.

Is PUBG LITE Still Playable?

It’s important to note that PUBG LITE for PC was officially discontinued on April 29th, 2021. This means you can no longer download or play the PC version. PUBG MOBILE LITE still exists, but it’s important to confirm its availability on your respective app store.

Why Choose PUBG Over PUBG LITE (Or Vice Versa)?

Choose PUBG If:

• You have a powerful gaming PC, console, or high-end mobile device.
• You prioritize high-fidelity graphics and a more immersive experience.
• You want access to the latest content updates, features, and game modes.
• You prefer a larger player base and more competitive environment.
• You want a more complete and authentic PUBG experience.

Choose PUBG LITE If:

• You have a lower-end mobile device and struggle to run the full version of PUBG.
• You want a free-to-play option without sacrificing the core battle royale gameplay.
• You prefer shorter matches and a more casual experience.
• You don’t mind reduced graphical fidelity and fewer features.
• You are primarily looking for a mobile gaming experience without high hardware demands.

FAQs: Your Questions About PUBG LITE and PUBG Answered

1. Can PUBG Lite players play with PUBG players?

No. PUBG LITE and PUBG are completely separate games with different servers and codebases. Cross-play is not possible.

2. What does “PUBG Lite” mean?

PUBG Lite refers to a free, lightweight version of PUBG designed to run on low-end devices with reduced graphics and system requirements.

3. Is PUBG PC Lite still available?

No. PUBG PC Lite was officially discontinued on April 29th, 2021.

4. What are the minimum system requirements for PUBG Mobile Lite?

Typically, PUBG Mobile Lite requires:

• Android 4.1 or later
• 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended)
• Qualcomm Processor

5. Is PUBG PC free or paid?

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS (PC) is now free-to-play, offering a base game experience with optional in-game purchases.

6. Can I play PUBG PC without a graphics card?

You can try to play PUBG PC without a dedicated graphics card if your CPU has a powerful integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU). However, performance will likely be poor, especially on higher settings. AMD’s Ryzen APUs (e.g., Ryzen 5 2400G, Ryzen 3 2200G) are known for having relatively strong iGPUs.

7. Why was PUBG Lite discontinued?

The official reason for PUBG LITE’s discontinuation was never explicitly stated, but it’s widely believed that the game’s active player count was too low to justify continued development and server maintenance.

8. How big is PUBG Lite?

The download size of PUBG LITE varies depending on the platform and current version. For Android, it’s typically around 300-600 MB.

9. Does PUBG Lite have bots?

Yes. PUBG LITE, like many battle royale games, uses bots to fill out matches, especially at lower ranks or during off-peak hours. This ensures that players can quickly find a match even if there aren’t enough real players available.

10. What are the benefits of playing PUBG Lite?

The primary benefit is accessibility. PUBG LITE allows players with low-end devices to experience the core PUBG gameplay without requiring expensive hardware upgrades.

11. Is PUBG Mobile Lite worth playing?

Whether PUBG Mobile Lite is “worth it” depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a low-end device and enjoy the battle royale genre, it’s a good option. However, if you have a capable device, the full version of PUBG Mobile offers a richer and more visually impressive experience.

12. How are the maps of PUBG Mobile Lite different from PUBG Mobile?

PUBG Mobile Lite typically features smaller versions of popular PUBG Mobile maps such as Erangel, designed to accommodate the reduced player count and lower hardware capabilities.

13. Is PUBG Mobile Lite free on Steam?

No. PUBG Mobile Lite is designed for mobile devices running Android and iOS. There’s no version of PUBG Mobile Lite on Steam.

14. Why was PUBG Mobile Lite created?

PUBG Mobile Lite was created to cater to players with low-end or cheaper phones who couldn’t run the full version of PUBG Mobile smoothly.

15. How much RAM is recommended for PUBG Mobile Lite?

While the minimum RAM requirement is typically 1GB, 2GB of RAM is recommended for a smoother and more stable experience.

The Future of Battle Royale Accessibility

While PUBG PC Lite is no longer with us, the spirit of accessibility it embodied remains relevant. The gaming community will continue to evolve, seeking ways to bring high-quality experiences to a wider audience. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring how games can be used for education and social good. It is through shared knowlege and passion for gaming that future iterations and adaptations, like PUBG LITE, will be available in the future. Consider learning more about the GamesLearningSociety.org.