Can You Still Download & Play PUBG in India After the Ban?

Sadly, there's no way to play PUBG on your smartphone anymore. However, gamers in India can still play other versions of this battle royale game – created for platforms like Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation. Keep on reading to learn all there's to know about playing PUBG in India after the ban.

As you know by now, after plenty of speculation and rumors, the government of India has decided to ban PUBG Mobile along with another 117 Chinese apps. This isn't the first time that India has banned Chinese apps, and it's not even the first time that legal action was taken against PUBG.

So, what can you do if you've been a fan of PUBG Mobile? Well, unlike with other apps that had been banned in the past, there's still a way to play certain versions of PUBG – just not on your smartphone.

With that said, here's everything you need to know about downloading and playing PUBG in India, after the latest ban.

Which PUBG Games Are Now Banned in India?

When it comes to Android and iOS, PUBG offers two versions of the game. There's 'PUBG Mobile' and 'PUBG Mobile Lite.' Both of those versions are now banned in India, across both Android and iOS.

It's important to mention here that both PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite are developed by Tencent Mobile International – a company coming from China. As you see, this is the main reason why PUBG games are no longer available in India.

However, it's also important to mention that other versions of this game exist. And more importantly, they aren't made by Tencent. Instead, they're made by a gaming company headquartered in South Korea.

Who Owns PUBG? Is This a Chinese App?

Keep in mind that Tencent owns only the mobile versions of PUBG. This means that PUBG is a Chinese app - but only on Android and iOS. The situation is quite different on other platforms and gaming systems.

The original version of PUBG (for PCs, Xbox, and PS4) was developed by PUBG Corporation (a part of Bluehole Studio), a gaming company headquartered in South Korea.

Those two brands (PUBG Corporation and Bluehole Studio) are now unified under a single Krafton Game Union brand. And most importantly, Krafton is stationed in Bundang-gu, Seongnam – South Korea.

Does That Mean Some PUBG Games Are Still Available in India?

That's right! Only the mobile versions of PUBG have been affected by this latest ban – those made by Tencent. Other versions of PUBG, made by Krafton, are still available in India.

Keep on reading this article, as we'll explain all there's to know about the PUBG versions made by Krafton – which is how you can download and play PUBG in India after the ban.

Why Is PUBG Banned in India?

Like it happened on several occasions in the past, India once again notes that security and data privacy concerns exist related to apps with servers in China. Moreover, the decision to ban PUBG was tied to matters of the country's national security.

The government says that banning apps produced in China will "safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and Internet users." Additionally, this decision is a "targeted move to ensure safety, security, and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace."

Which Method Is India Using to Ban & Block PUBG?

The government of India has decided to introduce a blanket ban on PUBG. This is a complete digital ban, which also involves using your device ID and your IP address.

We've seen this happen already with high-profile apps such as TikTok. First, that app disappeared from Apple's and Google's App Stores. Then, those who had TikTok installed on their devices were unable to use it – as the app's connection to its servers was severed.

In other words, if you have PUBG Mobile installed on your Android or iOS device, it will most definitely stop working (if it hadn't stopped working already). And since you won't find PUBG Mobile on your device's App Store, there won't be a way to re-download it. All you can do is delete the game from your device.

Can You Use a VPN to Bypass the PUBG Ban in India?

No – VPNs will most likely be useless in this case. We're talking about a blanket ban here, which also involves your device's ID and your device's IP address.

While VPNs can hide your IP address, that benefit of using this type of software won't get you very far. That's because it's impossible to change your device's ID data.

Related: Can VPNs Be Used to Bypass Banned Chinese Apps in India?

Let's also not forget to mention that India has been blocking VPNs and proxies. In fact, the country has been very aggressive in its intention to block privacy-protecting software.

In the end, even if you decide to use a VPN in India, there are plenty of legal questions involved regarding accessing PUBG Mobile. Just because you're using a VPN doesn't mean that you're allowed to go against this country's laws.

Can You Download & Play PUBG in India After the Ban?

Yes – you can still play PUBG in India after the ban. However, we're talking about the versions of the game available for Windows PCs, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Here's everything you need to know about getting started with this version of the game, including how much it costs, as well as where to find it.

How to Get Started With PUBG on Your Windows PC

Windows PC users are in luck because PUBG offers two versions of the game – a paid one, as well as a free-of-charge one. Here's what you need to know.

Which Version of PUBG for Windows Should You Pick?

Depending on your computer's specs, budget, and expectations, you can pick from two versions of PUBG for Windows. Here's a brief overview.

• PUBG for Windows: If you're switching from PUBG Mobile, the Windows version of PUBG will blow you away. It comes with high-end graphics, has more difficultly levels, comes with regular updates, and offers enhanced controls for new input types. This is an AAA-level game designed for full immersion.
• PUBG Lite for Windows: This version is very similar to PUBG Mobile. It's designed for those with non-gaming PCs, so you get toned-down graphics, as well as battle royale matches with up to 40 players. This version also receives regular updates, but not as frequently as its premium counterpart.

PUBG vs. PUBG Lite for Windows – Official Requirements Comparison

Unlike PUBG Mobile (which you can run on any smartphone), PUBG and PUBG Lite for Windows come with specific minimum system requirements. This is going to be the most differentiating factor when choosing between the two, so take a look below.

How Much Does PUBG Cost on Windows?

Here are all of our options when it comes to buying PUBG for Windows.

• PUBG for Windows: In India, the price of PUBG ranges from ₹799 to ₹999, depending on a retailer. We're talking about the digital version of the game here.
• PUBG Lite for Windows: This version of PUBG comes completely free of charge. You can download it from its official website.
• Xbox Game Pass Subscription: Keep in mind that Microsoft's Game Pass subscription brings PUBG as well. There are three subscription plans available, where you can choose from a plan for PCs only, a plan for Xbox consoles, or a plan that combines the two.

From Where to Buy PUBG for Windows?

There are many options in front of you. However, for the sake of convenience, you can either order the game from Amazon (₹799) or buy PUBG via Steam (₹999).

As noted above, you can also buy PUBG via Microsoft's Game Pass subscription. If you only need a PC version, you'll find it priced right now at ₹329/month.

No matter which of the retailers mentioned above you pick, you'll receive a digital version of the game - you'll download it from the Internet and keep a copy of the game on your Windows PC.

How to Get Started With PUBG on an Xbox One Console

If you have an Xbox console, you're in luck because PUBG is available for this platform as well. Here's how much it costs, as well as where to find PUBG for Xbox.

How Much Does PUBG Cost on Xbox?

As you can expect, you can choose from where to buy PUBG for Xbox. However, you can expect to pay from ₹655 (when discounted) to ₹1,300 – depending on a retailer.

Keep in mind that PUBG requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription for Xbox consoles. This is a multiplayer online game, so you need Microsoft's subscription to its online gaming service.

There's also another way to play PUBG on Xbox – and that's by getting an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This one is priced at ₹999/month, brings you over 100 games (including PUBG), and also includes Xbox Live Gold.

From Where to Buy PUBG for Xbox?

If you're looking for the game only, you can find it on Amazon priced at ₹655. If you decide to use Xbox's Game Store, you'll need to pay ₹1,300.

Don't forget to get your Xbox Live Gold subscription as well – which is best done by using your Xbox. You can also do the same remotely, via Microsoft's website.

If you want to get everything at once, go for Microsoft's Game Pass subscription. However, make sure to buy the Ultimate Plan as it comes with Xbox Live Gold as well.

How to Get Started With PUBG on a PS4 Console

There are different ways to get started with PUBG on a PS4 console. So, let's review your best options, including how much you'll need to pay, and where to find the game.

How Much Does PUBG Cost on a PS4?

The prices for PUBG (for the PS4 platform) range from ₹1,280 up to ₹1,999. What's surprising is that using PlayStation's digital store might be the most expensive way to get started with PUBG.

Keep in mind that you'll need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play PUBG. There are multiple subscription plans to choose from, where the basic monthly plan comes priced at ₹499. However, if you decide to get a PS Plus subscription now (more about this below) – PUBG will come free of charge!

From Where to Buy PUBG for PS4?

The most affordable way to get started with PUBG on PS4 is by getting a PlayStation Plus subscription. The monthly plan is priced at ₹499. You can also get a 3-month plan for ₹1,399 or an annual subscription for ₹3,590.

Keep in mind that the above-found links will take you to PS Plus gift cards – which you can redeem using your PS account. However, that has to be a PS account registered in India.

If you want a standalone game, you can find it on Amazon or by using PS Store (and download the game to your console instantly).

This brings us to the end of our guide. We hope that now you know how to download and play PUBG, even after its Indian ban. In case you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. And finally, don't forget to share this article online!