PUBG MOBILE FLASH is out worldwide today, giving phone players the original PUBG MOBILE game for free with a smaller initial download.
The app’s built for phones short on storage. Erangel and Classic Battle Royale come pre-installed, so you can drop into a match straight after installing and fetch other maps and modes only when you want them. It also shares accounts and cross-play with the main game, so you keep your progress and can still team up with friends on either app.
According to PUBG MOBILE’s official FLASH site, the app launched on the App Store and Google Play on 13 November, after 27 million pre-registrations. The release puts the initial download at 0.96 GB on Android, and the app requires at least 2 GB of RAM. The release also cites a range of new accessibility features and optimised performance across more devices. It also has cleaner, simplified lobby and resource screens, making it even lighter.
What changed since the beta
PUBG MOBILE lists a set of performance gains from the beta to the full launch. According to the publisher’s own copy of the release on Games Press, they’re optimisation targets, not improvements guaranteed on every device.
| Measure | Change from beta |
|---|---|
| Average frame rate | Up 10% |
| Frame-rate stability | Up 10% |
| Power consumption | Down 3% |
| Memory usage | Down 12% |
| Startup splash-screen time | Down 15% |
| Battle loading time | Down 20% |
Frame-rate settings run at 25, 30, 40, and 60 FPS, depending on what the phone can handle. Rick Li, who produces PUBG MOBILE, said the team had listened closely to beta feedback.
We’ve listened closely to player feedback throughout beta testing, continuing to optimise performance, app size and resource management to give players more flexibility in how they enjoy PUBG MOBILE whilst preserving core gameplay.
Rick Li, Producer of PUBG MOBILE and Deputy General Manager of Quantum Studio, LightSpeed Studios, Tencent Games
Expanding access to PUBG MOBILE has always been an important part of our long-term vision, and we’re continually looking for new ways to connect players around the world.
Vincent Wang, General Manager and Head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing, Tencent Games
A lighter app doesn’t mean lighter policing. FLASH uses the same anti-cheat as PUBG MOBILE, including the BANPAN security system, real-time cheat detection and enforcement, and ongoing monitoring of unfair play. For the launch, PUBG MOBILE is offering more than US$2.3 million in rewards and incentives to players and creators worldwide.
From Light to FLASH
In August, the app was revealed at the PUBG Mobile World Cup under the name PUBG Mobile Light. On 24 September, the official PUBG MOBILE X account renamed it FLASH, saying only the name had changed. It doesn’t bring back the old PUBG Mobile Lite, which was discontinued. India won’t get FLASH either. According to Peepals, Krafton is launching BGMI Air there on 10 December instead.
Like the main game, FLASH is co-developed by LightSpeed Studios of Tencent Games and KRAFTON, Inc. It arrived a day after PUBG MOBILE’s 4.7 update, with its giant Ancient Beast, went live.
What’s next
PUBG MOBILE says FLASH will stay synchronised with the main game as it evolves. Version 4.7 runs until 12 January 2027, and Erangel Subzero will arrive in PUBG MOBILE on 3 December.
