In PUBG: Battlegrounds, the flare gun is a unique and rare weapon that plays a crucial role in adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay. It doesn’t deal damage like traditional weapons, but instead, it allows players to summon high-tier loot or a special armored vehicle, depending on where and how it’s used. Understanding how the flare gun works can give players a significant advantage, especially during the later stages of the game when better equipment can make the difference between survival and elimination.
How to Find the Flare Gun
The flare gun is a rare spawn in PUBG, and players will need to keep an eye out for it in common loot locations like houses, compounds, and crates. Its rarity means that not every match will have a flare gun, and finding one early can significantly boost your chances of winning. Be sure to check high-loot areas like military bases or airfields, where better gear generally spawns.
How the Flare Gun Works
The primary purpose of the flare gun is to call in special supply drops, but the drop type varies depending on the location where it is fired. When fired into the sky, it emits a bright flare that signals the game’s air-drop mechanics to send either a supply crate or a vehicle, depending on whether you are inside or outside the safe zone.
- Inside the Safe Zone: If you fire the flare while inside the current play zone (the safe area marked by the white circle), a special airdrop will arrive. This supply crate typically contains level 3 gear such as helmets and vests, and high-powered weapons like the AWM, M249, or Groza. Alongside the loot, players may also find healing items and ammunition. The high-level loot makes this drop extremely valuable, often drawing attention from other players who may attempt to ambush you while waiting for the drop.
- Outside the Safe Zone: If the flare is fired while standing outside the play zone, the airdrop brings an armored vehicle instead of loot. The vehicle is usually the BRDM-2, an amphibious and highly durable transport vehicle. The BRDM-2 can withstand significant damage from bullets and explosives, making it a useful tool for surviving the final stages of the game when movement is critical. However, the BRDM-2 can be slower and more vulnerable to ambushes, as other players will likely hear and see its arrival.
Flare Gun Strategy
Using the flare gun is not without its risks. When fired, the bright flare immediately reveals your position to other players, making you a target. You need to assess whether the potential rewards from the airdrop outweigh the risk of drawing unwanted attention. Communication and coordination are essential in squad matches, as your team can set up defenses while waiting for the airdrop to arrive.
Timing is another key factor. Firing the flare too early in the game can expose you to multiple enemies, while firing it too late may mean you don’t have enough time to reach the airdrop, especially if the safe zone is shrinking fast. A well-timed flare can provide much-needed gear, especially in the later stages of the match, when high-level equipment can greatly increase your chances of winning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Firing the flare gun indoors or under cover: The flare needs to reach the sky for the airdrop to be triggered. Firing it from a building or under a tree will waste the flare, as it won’t go high enough to signal the drop.
- Ignoring the safe zone: Firing the flare outside the safe zone when you meant to call in loot can instead bring a vehicle, which may not be as helpful if you already have a good one or are in a good defensive position.
- Not preparing for enemy encounters: Given the visibility of the flare, many players will rush toward your location hoping to steal the airdrop. Make sure you have a good defense plan or a quick exit strategy if necessary.
So there you have it 🙂
