What was your first video game? Do you remember the thrill of your first experience? I still remember my first game, Freedom Fighters, an offline classic released in 2003. That game holds a special place in my heart, but as time passed, I began exploring online games like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Call of Duty, and PUBG. Today, online gaming is at its peak, and among the most popular are Call of Duty and PUBG. Today, let's compare two of the biggest names in the online gaming world: Call of Duty vs. PUBG.
Call of Duty vs. PUBG
Call of Duty (COD) is a legendary name in the gaming world. It is a military-themed video game that was first launched on October 29, 2003. It was developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, and COD quickly became a household name. Call of Duty first debuted as a World War II-based game, immersing players in thrilling yet realistic battles. COD has seen multiple versions and updates through time and evolution, including its highly successful mobile version, which was released in 2019. COD mobile became so popular that it surpassed 270 million downloads in just one year. The latest version, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, was released in November 2023, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is slated for October 2024.
PUBG, or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, hit the gaming scene on December 20, 2017. Inspired by the Japanese film Battle Royale, PUBG introduced a new kind of battle royale experience where survival is the key. PUBG started as a Windows game and soon expanded to consoles and mobile devices. PUBG Mobile, launched in 2018, became a massive hit, particularly in the mobile gaming community. The game has achieved several Guinness World Records and has sold over 75 million copies on PCs and consoles. It’s among the highest-grossing games ever, with global players spending $113.77 million on PUBG Mobile in March 2024.
COD Mobile vs. PUBG Mobile: Which Game is Better?
Mobile gaming has taken the world by storm, and games like COD Mobile and PUBG Mobile are at the forefront of this revolution. Both games have millions of active players but cater to slightly different audiences.
COD Mobile, developed by Tencent-owned Timi Studios, immediately won the “Best Mobile Game” award at The Game Awards 2019 just after its release. With over 50 million Call of Duty active players, the game offers a fast-paced, action-packed experience, especially in its multiplayer modes.
On the other hand, PUBG Mobile was launched in 2018. It was also developed by Tencent Games and quickly became one of the most downloaded games on app stores, with over 80 million PUBG active players. PUBG Mobile offers a more realistic, survival-focused experience that appeals to those who enjoy tactical gameplay.
These games have millions of active players worldwide. Let's compare them to see which game is better.
Gameplay Mechanics in PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile
When it comes to gameplay, both games offer distinct experiences.
PUBG Mobile focuses on realistic battle royale gameplay. Players drop onto an island, where they must scavenge for weapons, gear, and medical supplies to be the last ones standing and surviving until dawn breaks. The game emphasizes strategy, positioning, and survival. Weapons and vehicles are designed to mirror real life, offering a more grounded experience.
COD Mobile provides a much faster-paced experience. Its gameplay is designed for quick, intense action, with players having access to an arsenal of weapons and equipment designed specifically for mobile play. Furthermore, multiple game modes exist with unique features that allow them to tailor their playstyle accordingly; battle royale mode aside, COD Mobile excels in its multiplayer matches, which include Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy modes. The gameplay is more dynamic, with features like scorestreaks, operator skills, and extensive weapon customization.
Game Modes, Graphics, and Visuals
Both games provide a range of modes, yet each offers something distinct. For instance, PUBG Mobile's primary focus lies in its battle royale mode with several maps, including Erangel, Miramar, and Sanhok; it also includes TDM/War Mode modes to enhance player's experiences further. Furthermore, its graphics aim to replicate reality by depicting realistic environments with vivid weather effects to provide an immersive gaming experience.
COD Mobile also includes a BR mode but places greater emphasis on its multiplayer offerings. Players can engage in classic modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search & Destroy, and unique offerings like Zombie Mode. Furthermore, its graphics offer stunning character and weapon designs that give players an unforgettable experience.
Maps and Environments
PUBG Mobile offers a variety of large maps, each with different terrain and weather conditions. Maps such as Erangel, Miramar, and Sanhok offer realistic battlefield experiences complete with urban areas, mountains, and rivers, creating a truly immersive environment to enhance the game's realism. The environments are richly detailed, enhancing the game’s focus on realism.
COD Mobile offers fewer battle royale maps but makes up for this with its diverse multiplayer maps. Each map is tailored for fast-paced action, with urban environments and tight spaces designed to encourage close-quarters combat. New maps are regularly introduced into rotation to keep things interesting for players who prefer intense, close-quarters combat.
Community and Player Base
Both games boast vibrant communities with millions of active players and strong representation in esports.
PUBG Mobile boasts an immense player base. Its community of players is extremely engaged with one another, participating in tournaments, streaming content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, discussing strategies on social media forums, etc.
COD Mobile also has a strong player base. The game’s community is passionate, with many players involved in competitive gaming, streaming, and community events.
Both games regularly update their content, keeping players engaged with new maps, modes, and features.
Customization and Progression
Customization and progression are critical aspects of both games.
Call of Duty Mobile's Gunsmith system offers expansive customization opportunities, enabling players to add different attachments to weapons as they level up through 300 levels in its progression system. Furthermore, this game boasts special perks, scorestreaks, and operator skills as players level up.
PUBG Mobile, on the other hand, has a simpler progression system but offers a variety of skins and cosmetic items. The game offers customization, though it is more focused on looting during BR matches. The game has a progression system with 100 levels, and players can unlock additional content through battle passes, daily and seasonal events.
Conclusion: Which Game Should You Play?
In the end, whether you prefer PUBG Mobile or COD Mobile comes down to your gaming style. If you enjoy a realistic, survival-focused experience with tactical gameplay, PUBG Mobile might be your game. However, if you prefer fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with a variety of modes, COD Mobile could be the better choice.
Both games offer rich, immersive experiences, so why not try both and see which one suits you best?
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