How to Switch PUBG Servers

Can You Switch Servers in PUBG?

PUBG previously allowed players to select a server region from the lobby. This option was later removed from the PC and console versions. The game now assigns a server automatically based on network location, connection quality, and queue conditions.

There is currently no in-game option to manually switch server regions. Your account registration region does not necessarily determine the server you enter. PUBG makes the matchmaking decision based on current network conditions.

This has caused problems for some players. Recently, players in South America, especially Brazil, and parts of Europe have repeatedly been assigned to Southeast Asia servers. Matches can still start, but ping becomes much higher and connection stability suffers. One occasional match on a distant server may only mean that the local queue is temporarily limited. But if you enter the same unusually distant region for several matches in a row, your current network path or the server assignment process may be producing an unsuitable result.

Can a VPN Change PUBG Servers?

A VPN can change the network exit location seen by the game, so it may affect automatic server assignment. However, it is not an ideal way to change PUBG servers.

Most VPNs route all device traffic through a remote node. While this may change your exit location, it can also add unnecessary detours, higher latency, packet loss, or login verification problems. The node quality, privacy handling, and IP reputation of free VPN services can also be difficult to verify.

PUBG does not provide an official in-game server-switching feature through VPN use. More importantly, network tools should not be used to evade penalties, interfere with fair matchmaking, or create abnormal account activity. Even when the goal is only to change the connection region, frequently changing your network exit location can make sign-in, anti-cheat verification, and matchmaking less stable.

If your goal is to return to a closer server rather than change account information or make cross-region purchases, a solution that only handles game traffic is more suitable.

GearUP Is a Safer Option

GearUP changes PUBG server connections by optimizing the network path and provides a region-locking feature called Game-Fencing. This helps maintain a stable connection after switching regions. By matching a better route, it can also provide lower latency than ordinary server-switching methods.

As an official PUBG partner, GearUP is widely used for its streamlined design that does not require players to manually configure network settings. Its server selection is clear and straightforward, with solutions for both PC and console platforms.

PC players can use the desktop client to view detailed network status:

Console gaming often happens in the living room. To avoid requiring players to start a PC as an extra step, GearUP offers Router Plugins that change and optimize the game connection directly at the network-device level:

• ASUS Router Plugin Introduction
• ZTE Router Plugin Introduction
• Tenda Router Plugin Introduction
• OpenWrt router installation guide
• Keenetic/Netcraze router installation guide
• Steam Hardware Plugin Installation Guide

Which PUBG Server Regions Can You Select?

GearUP currently provides these PUBG server regions:

Region code	Server region	Players who should usually prioritize it
AS	Asia	Players in Asia
SEA	Southeast Asia	Players in Southeast Asia and nearby Oceania
RU	Russia	Players in Russia and nearby areas
NA	North America	Players in North America
EU	Europe	Players in Europe
SA	South America	Players in Brazil and other South American countries

Do not choose a region only because your friends play there or because you prefer its matchmaking environment. A closer region usually means lower base latency, fewer network hops, and less risk of connection fluctuation.

If you want to play with friends in another region, select the same target server region, but expect additional latency from cross-region play. Physical distance between Europe and South America, or Asia and the Americas, cannot be fully removed.

What Are the Benefits of Changing PUBG Servers?

The most direct benefit is avoiding long-term matches on a distant server that does not fit your location.

When a player in Brazil is assigned to Southeast Asia, game data must travel much farther and pass through more network nodes. European players sent to the same region face similar problems. High ping affects more than the number shown on screen. It can increase input delay in close-range fights, position synchronization differences, vehicle stuttering, and the risk of mid-match disconnects.

Switching your connection back to a closer target region can provide:

• Lower base latency
• More stable shooting response and movement synchronization
• Less risk of route fluctuations and packet loss
• More stable matchmaking and match connections
• A more consistent experience when playing with friends in the same region

Changing servers cannot remove latency caused by physical distance. If you intentionally choose a distant region to play with friends, higher ping remains unavoidable. Its main purpose is to prevent automatic assignment from repeatedly sending you to a server that is clearly unsuitable for your location.

FAQ

Q1: Does changing PUBG servers change my account region?

No. GearUP server locking adjusts the target for your game connection. It does not change your PUBG account region, Steam Store region, or payment information.

Q2: Why am I in Brazil or Europe but getting assigned to Southeast Asia?

PUBG assigns servers automatically. Queue conditions, regional service availability, and how your current network path is evaluated can all affect the result. If you enter Southeast Asia repeatedly, automatic assignment is not producing a suitable regional result.

Q3: Does server locking guarantee that I will enter my target region?

No. You may still be unable to match if the target region is under maintenance, its queue is unavailable, or PUBG itself has a service issue. Server locking reduces abnormal automatic assignment by prioritizing your selected region.

Q4: Can console players use it too?

Yes. Xbox and PlayStation players can use GearUP Router Plugins for connection optimization and server locking at the router level, without running the PC client on their console.