The Final Drop: November 13 Marks the End of an Era for PUBG Console on PS4 and Xbox One

For millions of players, the sound of the plane’s engines roaring overhead has been the start of countless hours of heart-pounding battles. PUBG: Battlegrounds, the game that almost single-handedly popularized the battle royale genre, has been a staple on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One since its console debut in 2017. For eight years, players on these platforms have dropped into Erangel, Miramar, and other iconic maps, forging friendships and creating unforgettable memories. However, as the gaming industry continues its relentless march forward, all good things must come to an end. Developer Krafton has officially announced that November 13, 2025, will be the day they finally sunset support for the game on these legacy consoles. This strategic but bittersweet decision marks a definitive end of an era for PUBG and signals a bold new chapter for the game on the current generation of hardware.

This move is not a surprise to many in the community. As outlined in the game’s 2025 roadmap, the developers have been preparing to transition PUBG to a more current-gen-focused development cycle. The decision, though, was not made lightly. In a heartfelt statement, the development team acknowledged the “heart-stopping moments” and “camaraderie” that brought so many players together on these platforms. It is a necessary step, however, to ensure the long-term health and continued growth of PUBG Console. The limitations of the older hardware were becoming a major roadblock, preventing the developers from delivering a more stable and graphically advanced experience. With the full transition to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game will be able to fully leverage the power of these systems, offering a level of performance and visual fidelity that was simply not possible before.

A Necessary Sacrifice for a Brighter Future

The main reason behind this monumental shift is to create a “more stable gameplay environment” for all console players. The performance of PUBG on PS4 and Xbox One has been a consistent source of frustration, with players often experiencing inconsistent frame rates and frequent crashes. By focusing exclusively on the newer consoles, the developers can optimize the game in ways that were previously impossible. The benefits of this transition are immense and immediate:

• Improved Visuals: Players can expect a significant visual upgrade. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions will support Dynamic 4K resolution at 60fps, while the PlayStation 5 Pro will also be able to run at a consistent 2160p at 60fps. Even the Xbox Series S will have a “Performance Mode” option, offering 1080p at a stable 60fps. The game will look sharper, more detailed, and more immersive than ever before.
• More Stable Framerates: One of the biggest complaints about the last-gen versions was the lack of a stable 60fps experience. With the full transition, a stable 60fps is now a top priority, ensuring smoother gunplay and a more responsive feel for every player. This is a game-changing improvement for a title that relies so heavily on quick reflexes and precise aiming.
• Fewer Crashes and Technical Issues: By focusing on memory-related optimizations for the new hardware, the developers expect to “reduce ongoing crash issues.” This will lead to a more reliable and less frustrating experience for all players, a huge win for a game that can often lead to intense, high-stakes moments.

What This Means for Players

For players still on PS4 and Xbox One, November 13 will be a day of reckoning. After the live server maintenance, the game will no longer be downloadable or playable on these consoles. However, there is good news for those who are planning to make the jump to the new generation. Your existing account data, including all your purchased items, skins, and progress, will be securely preserved. There is no need for a separate transfer process. You can simply log in with your account on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, and all of your data will be waiting for you. PlayStation users will need to download the new PS5 version of the game from the PlayStation Store, while Xbox users who already have the game installed will receive the current-gen version automatically via Smart Delivery. This seamless transition is a thoughtful gesture from the developers, making the move as easy as possible for their loyal fan base.

A Look to the Future for PUBG

The end of support for PS4 and Xbox One is not the end of PUBG Console; it’s a new beginning. This strategic move allows the developers to focus their efforts on creating a more stable, visually stunning, and feature-rich experience for years to come. The game is now free from the shackles of old hardware, and the potential for larger updates, more detailed maps, and new gameplay modes is now greater than ever. The developers’ commitment to maintaining cross-play fairness and providing a consistent experience across all platforms is a testament to their long-term vision for the game. While November 13 will be a sad day for many, it is a crucial step towards a brighter and more exciting future for PUBG. The battlegrounds are about to get a major upgrade, and the competition is only going to get more intense.