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You have definitely heard of some of the most famous battle royale games like Fortnite or PUBG. But what is it about the genre that makes it so popular, and which are the hottest battle royale games you can bet on right now? Find out here in our comprehensive guide!
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A Battle Royale is a genre of multiplayer video games, where common themes of survival, exploration and combat are combined together in a last man standing scenario. You normally play on your own or with a small group of friends, and the last team standing is the winner of the match. Since the inception of the genre with H1Z1 and Rust, there have been many exciting variations of this gameplay principle, and we will introduce you to some of them in this guide. You will also find out how battle royales have a place among the ranks of esports games.
Interestingly, it is speculated that the genre was inspired off of the back of an incredibly popular Japanese action movie with the same name. In the plot of the movie, the Japanese government captures 42 9th grade students, and traps them on an island, forcing them to kill one another by telling them only one can make it out. This concept is the same in the battle royale genre, where a set number of players must survive on an island with no escape. Some battle royales are paid for, and if the genre does not at all sound interesting to you, take a glance at our free esports games and MOBA esports games guides.
Perhaps the most exciting part of any battle royale title is the unpredictability of how a match will go down. The loot within any given chest is random, you can drop out of a plane at any map point, the death-circle is in a different location each round… the possibilities are endless, and the real test is how quickly you can adapt to the circumstances you are handed. As if that was not enough, there is one important fact you can never forget: everyone you see wants to kill you in order to survive and take your loot.
A lot of these most popular battle royale titles also have mobile equivalents, which is a sure-fire way to contribute to their further success. The most amazing part is, a lot of these become mobile esports games, with a very strong and healthy competitive scene.
While Battle Royales are fun to play, you can also watch as a spectator; several have made it to the status of esport. Professional esports players from all over the world now battle it out in games like COD, Fortnite or Apex Legends for giant prize pools. Whereas esports like CS:GO, LoL and DOTA are usually league based, open only to players from esports organisations, many battle royale esports are open to all players, provided they achieve a high enough rank. Usually, you bet on a specific player, rather than a team, though there are exceptions. Many of these titles are now available at esports betting sites meaning you could use your gaming knowledge to win an extra sum.
In 2020, even Activision has jumped on the battle royale wave, with Warzone being the Call of Duty of the genre. The game has grown in popularity largely since its release, due to CoD being such a pivotal shooter genre, and Warzone has amazing, realistic graphics and guns. No frills, just find loot and survive, this version is considered by some to be better than PUBG. Most importantly, this is essentially a free-to-play version of CoD, which is not seen before.
The game was only released in March of 2020, and a couple months later it was a bigger player favourite than most of the titles yet to be mentioned. In 2022, Warzone is one of the 10 most popular games to watch on Twitch. The Activision title is currently available on PlayStation, Xbox and Windows based devices.
There is also, however, a Call of Duty mobile version, which also has the famed battle royale mode. The epic storyline and various events that happen throughout seasons in Warzone keep the players excited and engaged, but most of its success can easily be attributed to the legacy CoD has in gamer’s hearts.
World Series of Warzone is Activision’s own sponsored esport. While it is a bit smaller (in terms of fan attention, prize money, etc, than COD or COD mobile esports), the competition still boasts decent prizes. In 2021, trios and duos from the US and Europe duked it out for their share of a USD 200,000 prize pool.
Fortnite is another incredibly popular battle royale title, that has also grown into an esport. It has a unique aspect where players can to build defensive structures during the match. While most other battle royales will get you by just by seeing someone and shooting at them, in Fortnite you have characters of different ages build walls, stairs, ramps, platforms in various combinations in order to get a better angle on your enemy, or to get out of their line of sight. This unique mechanic makes the game pretty difficult to get the hang of at first, but it feels incredibly rewarding once you learn how to build yourself terrain and outplay your opponent with it.
Fortnite has two base maps, but these are changed a little every season. For instance, there are often special events during the winter seasons, where the whole map – or just parts of it – will be covered in snow. This changes the tactical approach of the players, as you are more visible if the background is white and you are wearing colourful gear. Additionally, players can now create their own maps. Still, the aim of the game is the same: escape the storm, loot, shoot, and kill, but remember to build!
The game is available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Xbox, Windows and Mac, so whatever device you are holding or using, you can be sure there is a way for you to play Fortnite on it. The game also constantly has various collaborations with pop-culture figures and celebrities. For instance, players can unlock the outfit of famous football Neymar Jr, and run around in matches wearing his football kit. And the game constantly adds new characters, such as the Rock. These in-game cosmetics also keep players attracted.
The rock, on a rock, next to the rock who is wearing a rock, playing some rock for the rock while on a rock. 📷 The_Zoink pic.twitter.com/9sx0HELyw0 — Fort Intel (@FortINTEL) February 7, 2022
The rock, on a rock, next to the rock who is wearing a rock, playing some rock for the rock while on a rock.
📷 The_Zoink pic.twitter.com/9sx0HELyw0
— Fort Intel (@FortINTEL) February 7, 2022
Fortnite esports is some of the biggest in the world, with the developer pledging $20 million in prize money throughout the course of 2021. “Tayson” was the best player for 2021, for the second year in a row, winning FNCS Grand Royale, along with his teammates Veno and Rezon.
Congrats to our #FNCS Grand Royale Europe Champions @hentvv @taysonFN and @ChapixFN! pic.twitter.com/lL4C2ocLI6 — Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) November 22, 2021
Congrats to our #FNCS Grand Royale Europe Champions @hentvv @taysonFN and @ChapixFN! pic.twitter.com/lL4C2ocLI6
— Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) November 22, 2021
In 2022, Arena and Open Events are open to all players, while Fortnite Championship Series is open to all Champion Rank players. Players can compete Solo, Duo, or Trio, depending on the event. Every day there is an Open, Cash, or Contender Match.
Apex Legends is one of the most epic battle royale games out there, for one simple reason. It has taken the successful aspects of games like Overwatch, League of Legends and DOTA2 through the introduction of heroes, each of whom has a unique ability set. Apex Legends is still a battle royale game with all the good old loot and kill stuff, but it is definitely different from its siblings, and the dynamic of hero abilities sure makes for an interesting watching experience.
The game is one of the older battle royale titles, having come out in February of 2019. One of the key praising points of the game is the unique, smooth and fluid movement of the characters, which makes for a hell of an enjoyable experience. Apex Legends is more of a quiet but incredible title and may not instantly come to one’s mind when considering the battle royale genre, but, by March 2021, it was reported that the game was the fifth most popular on Steam.
March of 2021 also saw the game’s release on Nintendo Switch, which surely will help its growth in the future. What’s more, the publisher has been in the works for a mobile Apex Legends version too, so the only way for this title seems to be upwards. From 8 February 2022, there will be a new season, including Aces High Seer, Breaking the Law Loba, the Scream Machine Reactive Hemlok, and more.
Be the last one standing – in style, with the Defiance Battle Pass 💥 Start earning Aces High Seer, Breaking the Law Loba, the Scream Machine Reactive Hemlok, and more when the Season launches tomorrow, Feb 8. pic.twitter.com/gqhdLMHnXi — Apex Legends (@PlayApex) February 7, 2022
Be the last one standing – in style, with the Defiance Battle Pass 💥
Start earning Aces High Seer, Breaking the Law Loba, the Scream Machine Reactive Hemlok, and more when the Season launches tomorrow, Feb 8. pic.twitter.com/gqhdLMHnXi
— Apex Legends (@PlayApex) February 7, 2022
Apex Legends has a developer supported esports scene, with frequently occurring tournaments of some of the game’s finest players battling it out. In 2021 “Taisheen” had the most earnings, while “Mande” and “rpr” were not too far behind, all earning more than $90,000 USD in 2021.
There is also the ALGS Pro League, divided between North America, EMEA, APAC North, APAC South and South America. While Split 1 has been completed in 2021, Split 2 will take place in 2022.
Split 1 Playoffs left you wanting more #ALGS ? Split 2 begins February 8th😈 In the meantime, relive the EMEA & NA Playoffs, watch some Top Plays or Countdowns to hold you off until we return🔥 Start here:👉https://t.co/v35MlQjdU1 pic.twitter.com/kJAyV4SY6r — Apex Legends Esports (@PlayApexEsports) January 26, 2022
Split 1 Playoffs left you wanting more #ALGS ?
Split 2 begins February 8th😈
In the meantime, relive the EMEA & NA Playoffs, watch some Top Plays or Countdowns to hold you off until we return🔥
Start here:👉https://t.co/v35MlQjdU1 pic.twitter.com/kJAyV4SY6r
— Apex Legends Esports (@PlayApexEsports) January 26, 2022
Have a look at our Apex Legends betting guide for our best tips.
PUBG, or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is one of the games that paved the way for the entire genre. It was released on Steam Early Access in 2017, and the fresh concept attracted a lot of players. In PUBG, the lobbies usually consist of 100 players who jump out of a plane with only the clothes they are wearing, and they must loot and kill each player they come across. To prevent players sitting in the same house or corner all game, there is a system which restricts the play zone, forcing players into a certain endgame location on the map. In PUBG, this mechanic is a ring of electricity, which kills any player inside it and gets tighter and tighter the more players die.
Originally, the game began with only one map and a PC version, but at the time of writing, there is a huge mobile gaming scene, and five maps, each different from another. For example, there is a desert map as well as one set in a jungle. PUBG is one of the least experimental of the battle royale titles, and its principles have stayed basic since release, with no flashy gimmicks and a limited amount of unrealistic elements. You simply loot, shoot, kill, and try to survive.
Everybody's got a go-to weapon. Which one would you recommend to your friends for surviving in the Battlegrounds? #battlegroundsforall #PUBGforAll #PUBG #BATTLEGROUNDS #AR #DMR #Pistol #SG #SMG #SR pic.twitter.com/RCqYKPkyw3 — PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS (@PUBG) December 29, 2021
Everybody's got a go-to weapon. Which one would you recommend to your friends for surviving in the Battlegrounds? #battlegroundsforall #PUBGforAll #PUBG #BATTLEGROUNDS #AR #DMR #Pistol #SG #SMG #SR pic.twitter.com/RCqYKPkyw3
— PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS (@PUBG) December 29, 2021
PUBG has completely encapsulated the mobile gaming market, especially in India. Even though it was eventually been banned in India in September 2020, PUBG Mobile was still one of the most grossing games worldwide, with $2.6 billion revenue generated during 2020. Before the ban in India, half of the game’s player base originated from that country alone. It has been rumoured the publisher is coming up with a way to return to the region, so, have a look at our guide to esports betting from India.
In 2021, the PUBG Global Championship was won by Team NewHappy, who took home $1,378,264, besting, Heroic, Virtus.pro, and TSM. 2022 will see a new format. In Europe there will be two G-Loot events, along with two editions of the PCS and the PUBG Nations Cup. The teams with the most points will advance to the PUBG Global Championship, held in November and December 2022.
ARE YOU READY? 🔥 It’s going to be another huge year of #pubgesports in Europe! 2022’s calendar is as jam-packed as ever, and we’re ready to jump into the #PUBG Battlegrounds at full-throttle! 📰 Find out what’s coming in 2022 now- https://t.co/nqzv4ZXvYN pic.twitter.com/Qc8ho72i8r — PUBG Esports (@PUBGEsports) January 28, 2022
ARE YOU READY? 🔥
It’s going to be another huge year of #pubgesports in Europe! 2022’s calendar is as jam-packed as ever, and we’re ready to jump into the #PUBG Battlegrounds at full-throttle!
📰 Find out what’s coming in 2022 now- https://t.co/nqzv4ZXvYN pic.twitter.com/Qc8ho72i8r
— PUBG Esports (@PUBGEsports) January 28, 2022
2022 will see an enhanced format for PUBG Mobile esports. Instead of focusing on pros, the competition will host more regional amateur and semi-pro tournaments, in the regions South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Concrete dates for these countries have yet to be announced.
Garena Free Fire is like the quarterback footballer brother of Apex Legends: it is not quiet and you will know about it even if you do not want to or intend to. The mechanics of the game are simple- it is a loot and shoot title. What Garena Free Fire has though, is the fact that the publisher, Garena, got ahead of everyone else and broke into the battle royale mobile market way back in 2017. This gave them enough time to build a loyal fanbase, whom they have clearly managed to keep satisfied, as at the time of writing the game has over 315 million people who log in at least once a month. To compare, that is like everyone in Russia logging in three times a month.
How does Garena Free Fire have such incredible statistics you ask? Well, the answer is simpler than you may think: Latin America, Southeast Asia and India. For a Western gamer, this title may not be at the front of their minds, but in that region of the world, it is clearly a pivotal title. The most attractive thing about Free Fire is that it can run on even the most low-end of smartphones, making it incredibly accessible even in the poorer regions of the world.
The conclusion is simple: Garena Free Fire is one of the biggest video games in the entire world, and is a testament to the accessibility and scale of the battle royale genre.
2021 was a tumultuous year for Free Fire esports. The 2021 Free Fire World Series was won by Thai team EVOS Phoenix. Free Fire Championship will return to 13 regions in 2022, including India, Brazil, Latin America, CIS, Europe, Middle East, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and MCP region (Malaysia – Cambodia – Philippines). The 22 best teams from these 13 tournaments will then compete in the Garena Free Fire World Series in May 2022.
While Battle Royales might not be as popular for esports betting as say LoL or CS:GO, you will still find them on select betting sites, especially sites that deal focus primarily on esports. Betting on individual based esports instead of team based esports has a slightly different dynamic and requires a different strategy. Still, if you know a game well, you could use your knowledge to win an extra prize.
A battle royale is a fresh, multiplayer genre, where the aim of the game is to survive, loot and kill other players in the match to become the last man (or woman!) standing.
USA: Fortnite, EU: Warzone, India: Garena Free Fire, Latin America: PUBG Mobile.
Garena Free Fire has an incredible popularity in the Eastern regions of the world, while Fortnite esports is gigantic in the West.
Yes! Almost all of the most popular battle royale titles have mobile equivalents, and those that don’t right now, definitely are in development for making them.
Yes! At select betting sites, you can bet on Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Garena Free Fire, PUBG and more. Some of our recommendations are bet365, Pinnacle, and Betway.