For many young people in Pakistan, the last few years have carried a weekend ritual: PUBG nights. From 2018 onward, the game’s popularity exploded. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, PUBG turned into a lifeline for social connection, and late-night gaming sessions became a shared tradition. After restrictions lifted, PUBG nights became part of weekend culture in homes and cafés across the country.
But now, that culture is starting to fade. Heavy updates, device issues, and new games have pushed many players away. PUBG is trying to win them back, but the craze isn’t what it once was.
The Rise of PUBG in Pakistan
When PUBG Mobile launched in 2018, it was an instant hit in Pakistan. The mix of survival, shooting, and teamwork grabbed players from every background. Unlike older games, it didn’t require a console or a PC, just a phone. That accessibility made it a trend almost overnight.
The real boom came in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With schools closed and outdoor activities limited, PUBG became the easiest way to connect with friends. Squads formed, matches lasted until dawn, and “PUBG nights” became the highlight of the week.
The Golden Era of PUBG Nights
From 2020 to 2021, PUBG nights were everywhere. In homes, groups of friends logged into voice chats, planned strategies, and played for hours. In big cities, cafés opened their doors for late-night sessions, with players bringing their phones and competing side by side.
Food and drinks were always part of the setup. The mix of gaming, eating, and laughing turned weekends into a small celebration. For many young people, PUBG nights were less about the game itself and more about hanging out with friends.
Why the Craze Declined
As strong as the hype was, it couldn’t last forever. By 2022, many Pakistani players began leaving PUBG. There were two big reasons:
- Heavy updates: PUBG’s regular updates made the game harder to run on older Android phones. For many players, matches became slow and laggy. Frustrated, they quit.
- Device limits: Not everyone can afford high-end phones. When PUBG became too heavy for mid- and low-range devices, a large part of its audience left.
The result was clear. Squads that once played every weekend started shrinking. Cafés that hosted big PUBG nights saw fewer bookings. The culture that grew so fast after COVID began to decline.
PUBG’s Attempts to Come Back
PUBG’s developers know the game has lost players, and they’ve been working to bring them back. They’ve added in-game events, special rewards, and new modes to keep things fresh.
Outside the game, PUBG has also turned to pop culture. Big events have been organized in cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, mixing gaming with music, influencers, and entertainment. These events are designed to remind players of the fun and community PUBG once had, and to encourage them to return.
The Lifestyle of PUBG Nights
Even though the culture has slowed down, PUBG nights are still alive in smaller groups. And like before, they’re about more than just gaming; they’re about the lifestyle that comes with it.
- Snacks and drinks: Players stock up on fast food, fries, shawarmas, and pizzas. Energy drinks and sodas are almost always there for late-night energy.
- Breaks and chill: Nobody can play for hours nonstop. Between matches, gamers stretch, chat, scroll through social media, or relax outside. For many young adults, vaping has become a common part of these breaks, a quick way to unwind before heading back into the next round.
- Setups and comfort: At home, players set up comfy chairs, headsets, and backup power to deal with load-shedding. In cafés, the group energy adds excitement even when players are just watching others take their turn.
Why PUBG Nights Still Matter
Even if the hype has faded, PUBG nights left a big mark on Pakistan’s gaming culture. They showed how a mobile game could bring people together on a massive scale. They gave young people a new way to connect, especially during lockdowns, and created memories that still mean something today.
And while the trend has slowed down, it hasn’t disappeared. Many dedicated squads still log in every weekend, keeping the culture alive in smaller, tighter circles.
Looking Ahead
PUBG nights may never return to their peak, but the game is still fighting to stay relevant. With new updates, events, and pop culture tie-ins, it may win back some of the players it lost. Even if it doesn’t, the story of PUBG nights in Pakistan is proof of how gaming can shape culture, friendships, and lifestyle.
FAQs
What alternatives to PUBG are popular in Pakistan now?
Games like Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) have gained traction as alternatives. These titles often run better on mid-range devices, which makes them more accessible for Pakistani gamers compared to the heavier PUBG updates.
How do internet speeds affect PUBG nights in Pakistan?
Internet connectivity is a major factor in PUBG gameplay. Many players in Pakistan face lag or high ping due to unstable internet speeds, especially in smaller cities. Gamers often choose cafés or fiber-enabled areas for smoother weekend sessions.
What impact has PUBG had on esports in Pakistan?
PUBG helped spark interest in esports across Pakistan. Local tournaments and live-streaming communities grew during its peak years, and even now, PUBG Mobile remains one of the most competitive titles in the Pakistani esports scene.
