Head-to-head · PC Games
Counter-Strike 2 vs PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Counter-Strike 2 leads on 0 checks, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCounter-Strike 2 · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Counter-Strike 2 scores higher on our rubric for pc games: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
On supported os, Counter-Strike 2 gives you Multiple where PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS offers Windows.
Counter-Strike 2 is the better fit for PC players seeking free tactical team matches. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is the better fit for free battle royale squads.
- Counter-Strike 2 fits best
PC players seeking free tactical team matches
- PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS fits best
Free battle royale squads
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Side by side
| Feature | Counter-Strike 2 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in PC Games | #4 in PC Games |
| Best for | PC players seeking free tactical team matches | Free battle royale squads |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Features Counter-Strike 2 2/4 · PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS 2/4 | ||
| Single-player | — | — |
| Online multiplayer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Controller support | Not published | Not published |
| Mod support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Genre | Action | Not published |
| Supported OS | Multiple | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Counter-Strike 2 is Valve’s objective-based competitive first-person shooter for PC players who want tactical team matches without paying to access the base game. It runs on Windows and Linux and focuses on online multiplayer rather than a… Read the review → |
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is a free online battle royale for Windows, aimed at players who want survival matches with friends or on their own. Up to 100 players land on a map, collect weapons, armor, and other items, then compete as the playable… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Counter-Strike 2 — where it wins
- Free base game includes objective-based online team matches
- Premier mode tracks CS Rating and global and regional leaderboards
- Updated maps, dynamic smoke, and community Workshop tools
Where it doesn't
- Prime matchmaking requires a separate $14.99 upgrade
- Focused on online multiplayer, with no single-player mode
- Available on Windows and Linux, not a broad range of platforms
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS — where it wins
- Free-to-play matches support up to 100 players.
- Solo, Duo, and Squad modes suit different group sizes.
- Training Mode covers weapons, parachuting, and driving.
Where it doesn't
- Windows is the only listed platform.
- Ranked Mode and Custom Matches require BATTLEGROUNDS Plus.
- The shrinking Blue Zone pressures players to keep moving.
- Counter-Strike 29.3/10 · Free plan
A free competitive shooter with visible ratings, leaderboards, and optional Prime matchmaking.
Try Counter-Strike 2Full verdict → - PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Windows battle royale with Solo, Duo, and Squad play.
Visit PUBGFull verdict →
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All PC games comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update