PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS drops 100 players onto a massive island with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The last player or squad standing claims the coveted "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner." If you're new to the game, the learning curve can feel steep — but with the right fundamentals, you'll be outlasting veterans in no time.
This guide walks you through every phase of a match, from the moment you jump out of the plane to that final climactic circle. Follow these steps and you'll significantly increase your odds of survival — and your first win.
As a beginner, your primary goal is survival, not kills. Most players lose because they take unnecessary fights. Stay alive longer, and the kills will come naturally as you gain confidence.
Step 1: Master the Parachute
Your first decision — where and how to land — often determines whether you survive the first two minutes. A bad drop means an early trip back to the lobby. A good drop sets you up for the entire match.
As a new player, avoid high-traffic areas like Pochinki, Military Base, or School on Erangel. These locations attract experienced players who will eliminate you before you find a weapon. Instead, target smaller compounds on the edge of the flight path — places with 2-3 buildings that give you enough loot to get started without the chaos.
To land quickly on a nearby target: look straight down and hold forward (W) to achieve maximum fall speed (~234 km/h). To reach a distant location: maintain a flat trajectory by looking at the horizon while holding W, achieving ~125 km/h for maximum glide distance. Deploy your parachute at the last possible moment to maintain speed.
Landing on a rooftop gives you immediate access to loot that spawns there and a height advantage over anyone landing nearby. Cut your parachute at the last second to drop directly onto the roof and sprint for the first weapon you see.
Don't follow the crowd. If you see multiple parachutes heading to your chosen spot, redirect to a nearby building. A 1v1 gunfight with no armor is a coin flip — avoid it when possible.
Step 2: Loot Like a Pro
Efficient looting means getting fully geared quickly and knowing what to pick up. Every second spent in the inventory menu is a second you're vulnerable.
Grab the first weapon you see — even a pistol — then immediately look for a better option. Your ideal early-game loadout is an assault rifle (M416, SCAR-L, or AKM) paired with an SMG (UMP45) for close quarters. Later, you can swap the SMG for a sniper or DMR.
Always upgrade to the highest-level vest and helmet you find. A Level 2 helmet reduces headshot damage by 60%, while a Level 3 vest absorbs 55% of body damage. Prioritize armor over extra ammo — you can't shoot if you're dead.
A balanced inventory for beginners: 3-4 first aid kits, 5-6 bandages, 2-3 painkillers, 1-2 energy drinks, and 2 frag grenades. Carry 150-200 rounds for your primary weapon caliber. Don't hoard — a full backpack slows you down and you'll rarely use more than this in one match.
Use the quick-loot feature (default: right-click on PC) to instantly pick up items without opening the inventory. This cuts your looting time in half and keeps you aware of your surroundings.
Step 3: Combat Fundamentals
Combat in PUBG is punishing — a few well-placed shots can end a fight instantly. These basics will keep you alive in your first engagements.
Hip-firing is inaccurate beyond point-blank range. Right-click to aim down sights before firing. At close range, use hip-fire with an SMG or shotgun. At medium range, always ADS. At long range, use scopes and single-fire mode.
Never stand in the open during a firefight. Use Q and E keys (default) to peek left and right from behind cover. This exposes only a small portion of your body while allowing you to fire. After each burst, return to cover to reset and heal.
When firing full-auto, pull your mouse downward to counteract vertical recoil. The M416 has manageable recoil — start with it. The AKM hits harder but kicks more; use single-fire or short bursts at medium range. Practice in the training mode before jumping into matches.
Step 4: Rotation & Positioning
The play zone shrinks throughout the match, and getting caught outside it means certain death. Learning to rotate safely is one of the most important skills in PUBG.
The blue zone (electric field) deals increasing damage over time. Start moving before the zone begins to shrink, not when it reaches you. Check the map (M key) frequently and plan your route to the next safe zone.
A vehicle (UAZ, Dacia, Buggy, or motorcycle) dramatically increases your rotation speed and safety. If you spot one near your loot location, grab it. Park it behind cover near your position so it's ready when you need to move.
Position is everything. High ground gives you better visibility, longer sightlines, and a natural defensive advantage. When entering a new zone, head for hills, ridges, or upper floors of buildings. Avoid open fields — you're a sitting duck for anyone with a scope.
Never run across open terrain in a straight line. Zigzag and use cover-to-cover movement. If you must cross an open field, throw a smoke grenade to create visual cover — smokes are the most underrated item for beginners.
Step 5: Win the Endgame
The final circles are where champions are made. With 10 or fewer players left, every decision matters. Patience and positioning trump raw aiming skill.
In the late game, avoid being the first to shoot. If you hear a firefight nearby, stay hidden and let them weaken each other. Move in after the fight to clean up survivors. This is called "third-partying" and it's the most reliable way to get kills as a beginner.
When the circle is small and enemies are behind cover, frag grenades force them to move. Cook a grenade (hold left click for 3-4 seconds) and throw it directly into their hiding spot. Smoke grenades can block sightlines and allow you to reposition safely.
In the last 2-3 circles, try to be near the center of the zone. This means you won't have to move when it shrinks, and enemies rotating in will be exposed while you hold a strong position. If you're on the edge, you'll be forced to run through the open while enemies shoot at you.
When it's down to the final 1v1, stay calm and don't panic. Use your ears — headphones are essential for hearing footsteps and direction. Wait for your opponent to make the first move, then react. The player who stays calm almost always wins the final duel.
Pro Tips for Beginners
- Play solo first — learn the mechanics without the pressure of carrying a team.
- Use headphones — sound direction tells you where enemies are before you see them.
- Lower your sensitivity — most pros use 400-800 DPI with low in-game sensitivity for precise aiming.
- Practice in training mode — spend 10 minutes before each session warming up your aim and recoil control.
- Don't loot dead enemies immediately — their killer might still be watching the body. Wait 30 seconds, then approach with caution.
- Keep your energy up — painkillers and energy drinks give you a speed boost and passive healing, crucial for rotations and endgame.
- Learn one map first — start with Erangel, learn the loot spots and rotation paths, then branch out to other maps.
- Review your deaths — after each match, think about what got you killed and what you could do differently next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most players see significant improvement after 50-100 hours of play. Focus on one skill at a time — landing, looting, then combat — rather than trying to master everything at once. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
The M416 is the most beginner-friendly assault rifle due to its manageable recoil and versatility. Pair it with an SMG like the UMP45 for close quarters until you improve your aim. Once comfortable, experiment with the AKM for higher damage.
Solo mode is best for learning the basics since you only need to worry about yourself. Once you're comfortable with mechanics, squads offer more forgiving gameplay with revives and covering fire. Playing with more experienced friends can accelerate your learning.
Yes, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS went free-to-play on January 12, 2022. You can download and play the base game for free on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. A paid Battlegrounds Plus upgrade unlocks ranked mode and additional features.
