Introduction: Beyond the Public Queue
You've mastered the mechanics, you understand the meta, and you consistently dominate your public ranked matches. So, what's next? For the truly dedicated player, the path leads beyond the official matchmaking into the world of competitive scrims. This is where the game transforms from a battle royale into a high-stakes game of chess. This guide will show you how to take the first steps onto the competitive stage in 2025.
What Are Scrims and Why Should You Play Them?
"Scrims" (from "scrimmage") are organized practice matches played by serious, competitive teams in a private lobby. The experience is fundamentally different from ranked play.
- Elevated Gameplay: Scrim lobbies are filled with coordinated teams who play with strategy and discipline. The pace is slower, rotations are more deliberate, and end-games are incredibly intense, often with 10+ teams alive in the final circles.
- Learning and Networking: Playing against better players is the fastest way to improve. You'll learn new strategies, understand high-level rotations, and network with other dedicated players, which can lead to opportunities with established teams.
- A Taste of Pro Play: This is the closest you can get to the experience of professional PUBG esports without being a signed player. It's the training ground for future pros.
How to Find a Team and Join Scrims
Finding your place in the competitive scene requires proactivity and a good attitude.
- Discord is Your Hub: The entire competitive PUBG community lives on Discord. Search for PUBG community servers for your region (e.g., "EU PUBG Scrims"). These servers are where teams look for players (LFP - Looking For Player) and where organizers post information about upcoming scrims.
- Create a "Player Card": When advertising yourself, be professional. Create a short "player card" that includes your in-game name, your preferred role (Entry Fragger, Support, IGL - In-Game Leader), your stats page (link your pubglooker.com profile!), your availability, and what you're looking for in a team.
- Start with Tier 3/Open Scrims: Don't expect to jump into Tier 1 pro scrims immediately. Look for "Open" or "Tier 3" scrims. These are designed for new teams and players. Prove yourself here, get your team name noticed, and you'll earn invitations to higher-tier lobbies.
Mindset and Etiquette: How to Be a Good Teammate
Your reputation is everything in the competitive community. Talent alone is not enough.
- Be Punctual and Reliable: Scrims run on a schedule. Be online, in the Discord voice channel, and ready to go before the lobby information is released. Teams will quickly drop players who are consistently late or absent.
- Constructive Communication: The IGL leads the team, but everyone should provide clear, concise information ("comms"). Call out enemy positions, damage dealt, and your own rotations. After a loss, discuss what went wrong constructively. Avoid blaming teammates. - Be Open to Learning: You will get destroyed in your first few scrims. This is normal. Don't get discouraged. Watch the kill feed, understand how the winning teams are playing, and be open to feedback from your IGL and teammates. Every game is a lesson.
Conclusion: The First Step of a Long Journey
Entering the competitive scene is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. It will test your skills, your patience, and your ability to work as part of a team. By being proactive, professional, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can find your place in the community and experience PUBG at its highest and most thrilling level.