Mobile shooter PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has been holding the palm in the “royal” genre for several years now battle”, bringing console-quality graphics right to the pocket of gamers. However, you have to pay for high detail textures and large-scale maps with free space in the device’s internal memory. The question of how much it actually weighs PUBG Mobile on Android becomes critically important for owners of smartphones with a modest amount of storage, especially before installing major updates.
The answer to this question is not as clear as it might seem at first glance, since the final size of the installation depends on many factors: the version of the operating system, the selected graphics, the number of loaded cards and resources. If at the start of the game in the app store you see a figure of about 2 GB, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual volume that the game will occupy after fully downloading all assets and unpacking the cache can reach impressive values, requiring careful planning of free space.
In this article we will analyze in detail the structure of the occupied space, explain the difference between the size of the installation file and the final volume in the system, and also give practical advice on optimizing storage without losing the quality of the gameplay. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid a situation where the download is interrupted 99% due to a lack of several megabytes.
Basic installation size and system requirements
When downloading a game from the official store Google Play or alternative sources such as TapTap, the user initially downloads a basic installation package (APK). Its size usually varies from 1.5 to 2.5 GB depending on the current client version and region. However, this is only an executable file and the minimum set of data required to launch the launcher and begin the initial loading of content.
After the first launch, the game will require you to download additional resources that are an integral part of the game world. It is at this stage that the amount of space taken up begins to grow rapidly. Minimum system requirements for a comfortable game it is assumed that you have at least 4 GB of RAM and about 10-12 GB of free permanent memory. This is necessary not only for storing files, but also for the correct operation of caching mechanisms and temporary files.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to install the game if you have less than 3 GB of free space above the stated minimum. The process of unpacking archives requires a temporary buffer, and its absence will result in an installation error or damage to the game files.
It is worth considering that developers are constantly adding new content: modes, skins, events and graphics improvements. Therefore, the base installation size is not static and can change with each major patch. Always check the latest requirements in the update description before you start downloading.
Structure of space occupied: APK, OBB and cache
To understand where exactly your disk space goes, you need to understand the data storage architecture of Android applications. PUBG Mobile uses a complex structure consisting of several key components. The first component is the application file itself, which contains the code and core libraries. The second, and most voluminous, are the OBB (Opaque Binary Blob) resource files, which store textures, character models, sounds and maps.
The third component is the user cache and configuration data. This includes game logs, temporary files loaded during sessions, and graphics settings you selected in the menu. Over time, this section can grow larger if you don't clean it regularly. It is critically important to understand that deleting only the APK file through the file manager will not delete the game completely - massive folders with resources will remain taking up space.
For clarity, let's look at the weight distribution in a typical installation with maximum settings:
- 📦 Installation package (APK): takes up about 200-300 MB after optimization by the system, although it is downloaded as a larger file.
- 🗺️ Resource files (OBB): the main volume, including maps Erangel, Livik, Sanghuk and others, can reach 8-10 GB.
- ⚙️ Cache and user data: varies from 500 MB to 2 GB depending on the duration of the game and number of saved replays.
Users often encounter a situation where the system shows that the game takes up more space than the sum of these components. This is due to the peculiarities of the Android file system and the allocation of space for future updates. Removing the game through the standard settings menu ensures that all these directories are cleared.
Before deleting the game, be sure to save your control and graphics settings to the cloud or take screenshots, as when you reinstall them they will be reset to factory values.
The influence of cards and additional resources on memory size
One of the main features of PUBG Mobile is the ability to select downloadable maps. The game does not require the presence of all locations on the device at the same time, which allows users to save space. You can download only those maps that you plan to play in the near future, leaving the rest in the cloud for downloading as needed.
Each map is a unique set of high-resolution textures, environmental objects and sound. For example, a map Erangel with its detailed forests and cities weighs significantly more than an arcade map Arena. In the game settings, in the section Loading resources, you can see the exact weight of each available location and manage their presence on the device.
| Map name | Approximate size | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Erangel | ~2.5 GB | Required for classic mode |
| Miromar (Miramar) | ~2.8 GB | Required for desert battles |
| Sanhok | ~1.9 GB | Compact map for fast matches |
| Livik | ~1.5 GB | Optimized for weak devices |
| Nusa | ~1.2 GB | Additional mode, can be removed |
Removing unused cards can free up from 5 to 8 GB of free space, which is a significant indicator for budget smartphones. It is recommended to leave only one or two main maps loaded, and load the rest dynamically before the start of the match, if the Internet speed allows it.
What happens if you delete a map during the game?
If you delete the files of the map you are currently on in a lobby or match, the game may crash or show an error loading textures (black floors and walls). Delete resources only while in the main menu.
Difference between versions: Global, KR, Lite and Beta
There are several versions of PUBG Mobile on the market, and their weight may differ significantly. The main global version (Global) contains all available content, events and maximum graphics quality, which makes it the heaviest. There are also regional versions, such as Korean (KRJP) or Indian (BGMI), which may have differences in the set of resources due to local features and regulatory requirements.
The version PUBG Mobile Litedeserves special attention. This modification was created specifically for devices with a small amount of RAM (up to 2 GB) and limited storage. It reduces the number of players in a match (up to 60 people), reduces the size of the maps and simplifies the graphics. The installation weight of the Lite version usually does not exceed 1 GB even taking into account all resources, which makes it an ideal choice for older smartphones.
There is also a beta version of the game, which is used to test new features before their release. It is installed as a separate application and does not replace the main game. The weight of the beta client can be unstable and often exceeds the size of the release version due to debugging tools and raw resources that have not yet been optimized.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install multiple versions of the game at the same time (for example, Global and Lite) if you have limited space. This will lead to duplication of shared libraries and quickly fill up memory.
The choice of version should depend not only on the available space, but also on the processor power. Installing a heavy global version on a weak phone will lead not only to a lack of memory, but also to a critical drop in FPS and overheating of the device.
The PUBG Mobile Lite version takes up 3-4 times less space than the standard version, due to simplified graphics and a reduced amount of content.
How to clear the cache and free up space in the game
During active gaming, the client accumulates temporary files that can take up gigabytes of useless space. These include error logs, old versions of configs, cached images from news and events. Regularly clearing this data helps not only free up space, but also speed up application launch.
The safest way to clear it is to use the game’s built-in tools. To do this, you need to go to the settings, go to the Resources tab and find the clear cache button. This procedure will delete temporary files without affecting your personal settings, skins or progress, as they are stored on the server. However, after such cleaning, the next time you log in, the game may take a little longer to load, restoring the necessary data.
If the built-in cleaning does not help or the game does not start, you can use Android system tools. Go to Settings → Applications → PUBG Mobile → Storage. Here you will see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Clear data”. The first deletes temporary files, the second resets the game to the state immediately after installation, requiring re-download of all resources.
☑️ Correct cleaning of PUBG Mobile
It is also recommended to check manually folder Android/obb/com.tencent.ig (or similar for your version) through the file manager. Sometimes there are files from previous versions or unsuccessful updates that can be safely deleted if the game is working correctly.
Optimizing storage and transferring data to a memory card
For owners of smartphones with memory card support microSD It is possible to transfer part of the game data to an external drive. This allows you to keep the system's internal memory free for the operating system and other critical applications. However, it is worth noting that modern versions of Android (starting from 11) have significantly limited the access of applications to external memory for security purposes.
Some manufacturers' shells (for example, MIUI or OneUI) have a standard function for transferring applications. You can try to move PUBG Mobile through the menu Settings → Applications → PUBG Mobile → Storage → Edit → Memory card. If this option is active, the system will transfer the APK and some data, but heavy OBB files may remain in the internal memory due to performance limitations of reading from the SD card.
An alternative method involves using the function “Smart storage” or analogues that automatically transfer rarely used files to the card. You can also try using the memory card mode as internal storage (Adoptable Storage), if your phone supports this function. In this case, the system will format the card and combine it with the internal memory into a single space.
⚠️ Attention: The reading speed of microSD memory cards is often lower than the speed of the built-in drive. Transferring the game to a slow card can lead to long loading times for matches and stuttering when loading textures. Use only UHS-I U3 or higher cards.
If transfer is not possible, the only solution is to regularly audit other applications and media files. Deleting old videos, transferring photos to the cloud and emptying the folder Downloads often gives more free space than trying to optimize the game itself.
Is it possible to delete the Android folder after deleting the game?
Yes, after correctly deleting the application through the settings, the com.tencent.ig folders in the Android/data and Android/obb directories can be deleted manually through the file manager to completely free up space.
Frequent problems with lack of space and their solution
One of the most common problems is the “Not enough space” error when updating the game, even if there seem to be free gigabytes. This is due to the fact that the update process requires the simultaneous availability of the old file, the new downloadable archive and space to unpack it. In fact, updating a 2 GB game can require up to 6-7 GB of free space.
Another problem is memory fragmentation. On devices that fill and delete files quickly, free space may be scattered in small chunks, preventing the system from writing a large, continuous game file. In such cases, a complete reboot of the device helps, which starts the storage optimization processes.
If the game crashes with a memory error during a match, try lowering the graphics settings. Switching from HDR or Ultra HD to HD or Smooth reduces the amount of textures loaded into RAM and reduces the load on the cache. This will not dramatically reduce the weight of the game on the disk, but it will stabilize its operation.
- 🚀 Reboot: a simple restart of the phone can free up to 500 MB of RAM and temporary memory.
- 📉 Reducing graphics: using anti-aliasing
Anti-aliasingwhen turned off saves resources. - 🗑️ Deleting replays: saved match recordings take up a lot of space, delete them immediately after viewing.
In extreme cases, when nothing helps, it is recommended to make a full backup of important data, reset the phone to factory settings and install the game on a clean system. This ensures that there are no file conflicts and maximum available storage capacity.
To successfully update PUBG Mobile, always have a reserve of free space equal to three times the size of the update file.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How much exactly will PUBG Mobile weigh in 2026 after all updates?
The total weight of the game with all high-quality maps and resources can reach 12-14 GB. The basic installation without additional cards takes about 6-7 GB.
Is it possible to play PUBG Mobile if you delete all cards?
No, you must have at least one map file to start a match. However, you can only store one map (for example, Livik) to minimize the space it takes up.
Why does the game size increase after each update?
Developers add new textures, weapon models, skins and optimize old content, which inevitably leads to an increase in data volume. Old files are not always deleted automatically.
Is it safe to use third-party apps to clear the PUBG cache?
You should use third-party cleaners with caution. They can delete important configuration files, which will reset your control or graphics settings. It is better to use built-in cleaning.
Does the amount of free memory affect the FPS in the game?
Yes, critically. If the internal memory is more than 90% full, the speed of writing and reading data drops, which causes freezes, long loading times and game crashes.