If you’re looking for a Battle Royale to play, we understand why you’re considering the PUBG vs Fortnite conundrum. We’ve all been there, and it’s not an easy comparison to resolve – but we’ll help you out of course.
This article is about comparing PUBG vs Fortnite in all of the key aspects, but do remember that if you have time and storage space, both are worth a try to really feel which one works for you.
Nonetheless, let’s dive in to see if either game can snatch the W for you, or if it’s more of a tie for these two legends of the best battle royale games.
Key Takeaways
- Fortnite is far more arcade and fantasy-based, while PUBG is more realism and authenticity-focused.
- Both titles get regular updates and are still very very popular.
- Fortnite and PUBG are both available on consoles, PC, and mobile too.
- Fortnite offers regular collabs and crossovers and features external IPs.
- PUBG has larger and more tactical maps, focusing on a true-to-life aesthetic.
What is PUBG?
PUBG: Battlegrounds was originally known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and launched in 2017. It’s a battle royale title, in which up to 100 players parachute onto an island, sometimes as part of a squad, finding realistic type weapons, equipment, and items to help them survive and win the match. Players can win in PUBG by being the last player or team standing, as the circular play area closes in to force players closer and closer to each other.
PUBG gameplay has a more realistic aesthetic, and the title is available to play on Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Stadia. PUBG crossplay is available, too, but only for PlayStation and Xbox players. The game receives regular updates; patch 33.2 arrived in January 2024, and updates are usually monthly.
What is Fortnite?
Another battle royale, released in 2017, it’s a little harsh when considering PUBG vs Fortnite to say that PUBG isn’t popular when compared; but Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon. Less concerned with realism and a true-to-life aesthetic, Fortnite’s cultural references are abundantly clear.
Similar to PUBG, the Fortnite Battle Royale sees players parachute in to survive on an island map while picking up weapons, items, power-ups, and more as a storm closes in and players fight to be the last player standing so they can get the W.
Fortnite receives regular themed Seasons around once every six weeks, as well as larger Chapter story updates after 4-8 seasons of a chapter have played out. Fortnite Seasons usually add a particular IP tie, while Fortnite Chapters are more focused on a particular story unfolding. Additionally, you can expect a Fortnite update about every two weeks.
Fortnite is available on macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
PUBG vs Fortnite: Gameplay
When considering Fortnite vs PUBG, gameplay isn’t too different in terms of the key mechanics. The paths to victory are pretty much the same, as you’ll need to out-PVP or at least outlast the other players to win a match.
The real differences are in each title’s authenticity. PUBG prefers more realistic weapons, attachments, mechanics, vehicles, items, and physics like bullet drops. Fortnite cares less about such things and prefers more outlandish and wide-ranging takes on all of the above while offering better general accessibility.
Interestingly, although Fortnite and PUBG aren’t too different in gameplay styles, Fortnite is far easier to just pick up and play. It feels more arcade-like and accessible from the off, and it’s less fussy when it comes to inventory, item management, and use. For example, Fortnite guns don’t have any attachments.
Ultimately, when comparing PUBG and Fortnite, think more realistic, authentic, tactical, and realism-rooted PUBG. Then, think pop-culture arcade-style, accessible, outlandish, and instant action for Fortnite.
PUBG vs Fortnite: Mobile
For PUBG vs Fortnite mobile options, you can take the above and roll them up into a smaller device for gaming on the go. Both titles are available on mobile and work well assuming you have a decently-powered and well-charged device.
It’s worth noting that in 2018, PUBG Mobile was awarded the Game of the Year title in the Google Play User’s Choice Awards. It’s still available, which shows how popular it is. Fortnite mobile was released in 2020, having launched a beta in 2018.
PUBG vs Fortnite: Map
There’s no single PUBG map, but there are eight across which gameplay takes place. True to the overall feel of PUBG, these offer fairly realistic-feeling landscapes. The maps are large, containing industrial areas, fields, forests, military complexes, settlements, and other points of interest.
This is in contrast to Fortnite, where the game offers one single map on which the Battle Royale takes place, which can change and evolve throughout a Chapter. The Fortnite map is home to places of interest and areas, too, but it is far more fantasy-based and contains NPCs, creatures, and side quests in a way that PUBG doesn’t.
If realism and tactical map awareness are more your thing then PUBG likely wins here. If a creative, living, and magical-seeming map that has places such as Foxy Floodgate and Masked Meadows within it is more your speed, Fortnite it is.
PUBG vs Fortnite: Skins
Fortnite vs PUBG isn’t a battle of the skins, and there’s a bit of a clear winner if variety is your friend. Fortnite offers a range of both original skins and skins using external IPs – for example, the 80+ Marvel-themed Fortnite skins that are now available, make it so you can dress as your favorite superhero as you go for victory.
These are available to collect in a few ways, but usually through the Fortnite battle pass, which gives access to new and unique skins; they can also be purchased using Fortnite’s V-Bucks. For PUBG, skins can also be purchased, collected, and created in-game.
There’s a clear difference though: PUBG skins for your player or weapons don’t pull on external IPs, so while there is a huge range of options to choose from these are original. While some are no less creative than those found in Fortnite, themed skins are also available (as with Fortnite).
However, given the reach and scale of Fortnite’s collabs and crossovers; everything from Marvel to Dune, to Tomb Raider, to Snoop Dogg and Lionel Messi. If you want a game that capitalizes on popular and global culture when it comes to skins, Fortnite can deliver.
PUBG vs Fortnite: Player Count
There’s no direct comparison for PUBG vs Fortnite in terms of player numbers. In November 2024, PUBG’s reported average concurrent player number (on Steam) was approximately 320,000. This was the first average of over 300,000 players since December 2019, showing that the game is still popular and perhaps increasing in popularity across PUBG servers.
For Fortnite (via Fortnite.gg), the concurrent players can often range between approximately 2 and 5 million; even occasionally reaching over 10 million in the past. These numbers do fluctuate, but Fortnite has a larger reach, being more accessible, more in touch with contemporary culture, and less concerned with realism.
Should You Play PUBG or Fortnite in 2025?
It comes down to this when considering Fortnite vs PUBG (despite the gulf in player numbers, which means nothing if you enjoy a game): If you prefer a more realistic and authentic Battle Royale that utilizes physics that feels more true to life then PUBG is likely more for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer an arcade-style, somewhat fantasy feeling, and ever-changing Battle Royale game featuring collabs and crossovers, which is generally easier to pick up and play, then Fortnite is likely better. Both are free to play though, so you may enjoy installing both of them!
The Bottom Line
Battle Royales are a whole heap of fun, and regardless of whether you opt for Fortnite or PUBG both titles are popular, well supported, and offer a range of customizations, hours and hours of enjoyment, and ultimately strong gaming experiences. Try both, enjoy both, or pick one and stick with it; whatever works for you.
FAQs
Is PUBG the original Fortnite?
Are PUBG and Fortnite made by the same company?
Is PUBG just battle royale?
Is PUBG harder than Fortnite?
What does PUBG stand for?
Is PUBG fully free?
Do people still play PUBG?
References
- SteamDB (Steamdb)
- Fortnite Interactive Map – Fortnite.GG (Fortnite)