5 Best PUBG Mobile Alternatives You Can Play in India

PUBG Mobile, once a dominant force in the Indian mobile gaming scene, is still banned in India. But fear not, battle royale enthusiasts! The mobile gaming world offers a wealth of alternatives that can fill the PUBG-shaped void. Here's a breakdown of five strong contenders to quench your thirst for strategic survival gameplay in India.

Call of Duty Mobile

Call of Duty Mobile (COD Mobile) brings the iconic Call of Duty franchise to your fingertips. It boasts a variety of fast-paced game modes, including the classic battle royale alongside thrilling options like Domination, Team Deathmatch, and Search and Destroy. If you crave the adrenaline rush of constant action, COD Mobile delivers.

Pros

• Diverse Game Modes: Offers more than just battle royale, catering to different playstyles.
• Frequent Updates: New content, maps, and weapons keep things fresh.
• Established Franchise: Familiar characters and settings for Call of Duty veterans.

Cons

• Steeper Learning Curve: The fast pace and complex mechanics might be daunting for newcomers.
• Focus on Run-and-Gun Play: Strategic thinking might take a backseat compared to PUBG Mobile.

Garena Free Fire MAX

Garena Free Fire MAX is a battle royale experience known for its quick matches, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes. This makes it a great choice for players on the go or those with limited playtime. The game features a vibrant world with unique characters and abilities, adding a layer of customization to your gameplay.

Pros

• Quick Matches: Perfect for short bursts of intense action.
• Character Abilities: Adds a strategic element not found in all battle royales.
• Regular Events: Frequent in-game events keep things exciting.

Cons

• Simpler Graphics: Compared to some competitors, the visuals might seem less realistic.
• Emphasis on Luck: Certain character abilities and random item drops can influence outcomes more than in other games.

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)

Developed specifically for the Indian market, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is the closest alternative to PUBG Mobile you'll find. It offers a very similar battle royale experience with familiar maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. If you miss the core gameplay loop of PUBG Mobile, BGMI is a natural fit.

Pros

• Faithful Recreation: Offers a near-identical experience to PUBG Mobile.
• Indian-specific Features: Localized content and events cater to the Indian audience.
• Large Player Base: Plenty of players to find matches with.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Restricted to the Indian market.
• Potential for Ban: BGMI was banned back in 2022, and even though the ban was lifted a year later, BGMI could get banned again this year due to concerns regarding data transfers to Chinese servers.

Fortnite

While not technically available on the Google Play Store, Fortnite on mobile (through Epic Games' launcher) offers a unique twist on the battle royale formula. Building structures for cover and strategic movement adds a whole new dimension to the genre. The quirky art style and lighthearted tone might not appeal to everyone, but Fortnite undoubtedly offers a refreshing take on the genre.

Pros

• Building Mechanic: Adds a layer of strategy and creativity not found elsewhere.
• Cross-play: Play with friends on other platforms like PC and consoles.
• Regular Content Updates: New seasons bring fresh content and map changes.

Cons

• Availability: Requires downloading the Epic Games launcher, bypassing the Play Store.
• Art Style: The cartoony graphics might not be for everyone.
• Performance: May require a high-end phone for smooth gameplay.

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile

Call of Duty Warzone Mobile is now available to download for free on Android and iOS devices. The game offers a familiar Call of Duty experience with fast-paced action and strategic depth, along with cross-progression, so players can keep their unlocked items and progress across platforms.

Pros

• Large-scale Battles: Promises intense, action-packed matches with a high player count (120 players).
• Cross-progression: Keeps your unlocked items and progress (weapons, operators) across COD Mobile and Warzone Mobile.
• Free-to-play: Accessible to everyone, with in-app purchases available for additional cosmetics.
• Multiple Game Modes: Offers variety beyond just battle royale, including Plunder, Team Deathmatch, and a mobile-exclusive battle royale mode.
• Familiar Maps: Verdansk and Rebirth Island provide a sense of comfort for Call of Duty veterans.

Cons

• Download Size: Requires a significant initial download (around 1.5GB) and additional data (around 5GB).
• Potential for Pay-to-Win Mechanics: Free-to-play model might incentivize in-app purchases for an advantage.

Remember, this is just a starting point. With the ever-evolving mobile gaming landscape, new contenders are sure to emerge. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting developments!