Although it was released in 2017, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is still a part of many gamers' daily routine. However, the PC version of PUBG has a major advantage over the console versions: PC players can run the game at 60 FPS or more, whereas console players are limited to 30 FPS, which many players dislike. PUBG Corp has finally addressed this problem, though, optimizing the game for both current-gen systems and the next-gen Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
The latest update to the PUBG Test Server, available now, unlocks a higher frame rate on all current-gen consoles, so the game that started the battle royale craze finally feels much smoother on consoles, running at 55 FPS on both Xbox One and PS4. Even with this update, though, PUBG will perform better still with access to the next-gen technology in the upcoming consoles. PUBG will run at 60 FPS when it comes out on next-gen consoles in November, as long as the player has Frame rate mode activated, which lowers the resolution to 1080p.
At first sight, that may not look like a great performance boost over current-gen's 55 FPS, but, while the current consoles' frame rate will sometimes drop (which can be the deciding factor between winning and losing), the next-gen versions' frame rate has only minor drops. Overall, players will likely have a better experience in PUBG if they're playing on the next-gen consoles, with higher frame rates and more consistency.
PUBG's Upcoming Console Performance Changes Explained
It's important to note PUBG has backwards compatibility for the next-gen consoles as well as a free upgrade, so anyone who previously bought the game on a current-gen console can play with the same account. PUBG also supports cross-platform multiplayer, so players on Xbox One and PS4 players can team up with friends playing on the Xbox Series X or PS5. This also means players can play with others on the opposite platform, with Xbox players being able to play with players on PlayStation.
Even though players on the Xbox Series X will be able to experience these performance boosts, the Xbox Series S will not be able to handle 60 FPS just yet. Because the Xbox Series S is based off the Xbox One S build (the Xbox Series X version is based off the Xbox One X build), it will be harder for the developers to boost PUBG's performance while still keeping a high resolution. However, PUBG Corp is looking for a solution to this problem to bring a higher frame rate to everyone.
Performance and graphics have been a longtime complaint from many PUBG players, so it's reassuring that PUBG Corp is finally making a big change for console players. Those picking up an Xbox Series S may be disappointed they won't experience the same performance upgrade of the Series X, but hopefully Series S optimization is next on the developer's to-do list.