Local Servers Now Live in Nigeria and South Africa
PUBG Mobile has officially launched dedicated local servers in Nigeria and South Africa—a move that drastically reduces latency, enhances connection stability, and delivers a smoother gameplay experience for millions of African players.
The new Server Node Selection feature allows players to toggle between African and global matchmaking seamlessly with a tap—granting faster response times and more reliable competitive play. Brian Gu, Head of PUBG MOBILE Africa, emphasised the importance of this upgrade, noting that stable gameplay is critical for Africa’s passionate gaming community.
Maasai Shuka Outfit: Cultural Pride Worn in Game
In celebration of African heritage, a bold and vibrant Maasai‑inspired outfit has been added to PUBG Mobile. Drawing from traditional East African patterns and shuka cloth design, this cosmetic item brings authentic cultural expression into the battlefield.
Afro Frenzy Emote: TikTok’s Mapangale Goes Virtual
PUBG Mobile’s “Afro Frenzy” emote recreates the viral Mapangale dance that took TikTok by storm. This high‑energy dance animates victory celebrations with local flair and contemporary cultural relevance.
Mancala Mini‑Game: Classic African Strategy, Digitised
Soon available in‑game: a digital version of Mancala, one of Africa’s oldest and most beloved strategy board games. This addition honors the continent’s cultural legacy while inviting players to engage in traditional gameplay styles inside PUBG Mobile.
Continent‑Wide Events, Giveaways & Community Engagement
PUBG Mobile has rolled out a packed events calendar for African players:
- Airdrop Festival Carnival (July): Offers chances to win Infinix smartphones and Oraimo accessories.
- Africa Cup Tournament: National teams are competing now, leading up to grand finals in early September.
- TikTok × PUBG Mobile Dance Challenge (August): Invites players to showcase their moves for weekly rewards.
More Than an Update: A Co‑Created Vision
The “For Africa, By Africa” initiative is more than a slogan—it represents a commitment to co‑creation. PUBG Mobile actively incorporated player feedback across the continent, particularly around latency issues and lack of cultural representation.
Brian Gu highlights that these updates are built with input from African gamers. “This isn’t just an update—it’s a shared vision. A promise to build a game shaped by African voices, culture, and creativity.”
What’s Next?
- A digital Mancala mini‑game launch later in the year.
- Monthly festival giveaways, dance challenges, and cultural in‑game additions.
- Expanded matchmaking options and potentially more local server locations as part of PUBG’s long-term partnership with the continent.