Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile – Can It Overtake PUBG and Free Fire?

The mobile gaming industry continues to evolve rapidly, with Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile emerging as a serious competitor in the battle royale category. Its March 2024 global release marked a turning point, placing it head-to-head with the likes of PUBG Mobile and Free Fire. But the question remains: can it genuinely challenge these giants and potentially take the lead in 2025?

Real-Time Combat Innovation in Warzone Mobile

Warzone Mobile brings a console-grade experience to mobile players by delivering high-fidelity graphics, massive 120-player lobbies, and iconic maps like Verdansk. This level of detail and scale was previously unseen in mobile shooters, giving the game an immediate edge.

Players benefit from cross-progression across Call of Duty titles, which is unique in the mobile sector. Items, XP, and weapon unlocks carry over seamlessly between Warzone Mobile and its console counterparts, reinforcing brand loyalty and continuous engagement.

Loadouts, killstreaks, tactical mechanics, and responsive movement add layers of strategic depth, aligning more closely with competitive shooters rather than casual mobile games. This design strongly differentiates Warzone Mobile from Free Fire’s arcade pacing and PUBG Mobile’s slower tempo.

Performance and Technical Improvements

Early technical issues such as overheating and lag have been addressed through multiple updates. The game now runs stably on modern devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, supporting 60fps gameplay and high-resolution assets.

Warzone Mobile utilises dynamic rendering and resource scaling, ensuring smooth performance in heavy combat zones. These enhancements position it above PUBG Mobile, which still encounters frame drops in intensive firefights, especially on mid-range devices.

Full controller support, enhanced 3D audio, and adaptive touch layouts provide users with flexible options, catering to casual players and competitive users alike — a feature still underdeveloped in rival titles.

Global Adoption and Monetisation Approach

According to Sensor Tower, Warzone Mobile has surpassed 90 million downloads globally by June 2025. While PUBG Mobile and Free Fire still lead in total lifetime downloads, Warzone is narrowing the gap in Western markets and Southeast Asia.

Activision’s monetisation strategy focuses on seasonal passes and cosmetics, steering away from mechanics that might offer unfair gameplay advantages. This approach aligns with player expectations for fairness and transparency in competitive gaming.

Revenue figures speak for themselves: in Q2 2025, Warzone Mobile brought in over $120 million, reflecting strong in-game engagement. This puts it ahead of Free Fire’s current quarter revenue and close to PUBG’s mobile income.

Rise of the Competitive Scene

2025 marked the first inclusion of Warzone Mobile in the official Call of Duty esports calendar. The Tokyo Major, with a prize pool of $1 million, was streamed live across platforms and attracted over 3 million unique viewers.

This competitive structure supports ranked modes, skill-based matchmaking, and dedicated spectator tools. PUBG Mobile remains dominant in South Asia, but Warzone Mobile is gaining traction in North America and Europe.

Free Fire retains popularity in Brazil and Indonesia but struggles to grow outside of these regions. Warzone’s technical capabilities and brand reputation provide a foundation for sustainable international growth.

Community Feedback and Future Roadmap

Following multiple updates, the community’s perception of Warzone Mobile has shifted positively. With an average rating of 4.5 on the App Store and 4.3 on Google Play, users highlight its improved performance and engaging gameplay loops.

Reddit communities and Discord servers dedicated to Warzone Mobile have grown significantly. Players share loadout suggestions, tactical strategies, and highlight clips — showcasing organic community building that mirrors the growth seen in console titles.

YouTube and TikTok creators increasingly feature Warzone Mobile in content, helping boost visibility and attract casual gamers. This natural adoption contrasts with paid campaigns that typically support Free Fire’s presence.

Integrated Ecosystem and Long-Term Impact

One of Warzone Mobile’s greatest advantages is its unified ecosystem. Cross-progression and shared battle passes between mobile and console versions deepen player investment and retention.

Scheduled for Q3 2025, upcoming updates include a competitive ranked system, zombie survival mode, and controller matchmaking filters. These additions are based on direct player feedback and community polls.

If Activision maintains this trajectory, Warzone Mobile may surpass PUBG Mobile in global revenue by early 2026. With its solid technical base and strategic alignment with the Call of Duty franchise, its growth appears both intentional and sustainable.