In PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), victory doesn’t just come from accurate shooting and sharp tactical thinking—it also depends on how well you manage your inventory and loot during a match. Efficient looting can mean the difference between surviving and being unprepared for crucial firefights. If you can streamline how you gather and manage your resources, you’ll be better equipped for the long road to that slot demo final circle.
In this article, we’ll explore strategies for looting quickly and efficiently, understanding what items to prioritize, how to manage your inventory space, and how to adapt your looting strategy depending on the phase of the game.
1. Looting Basics: What to Prioritize Early On
The first minutes of any PUBG match are critical. After landing, you have very little time to gear up before potential confrontations. Looting efficiently during this phase is crucial to ensure you’re prepared for early-game encounters and able to make it to the mid and late game.
a. Weapon First
Your first priority when looting is finding a weapon. Any weapon is better than none, but if possible, aim for versatile weapons like assault rifles (M416, AKM) or SMGs (Vector, UMP45). These guns perform well in most situations and can be effective in both close and mid-range engagements.
If you only find a pistol or shotgun early, don’t spend too much time searching for the perfect gun right away—grab what’s available to defend yourself and move quickly.
b. Backpack, Helmet, and Armor
Once you have a weapon, you’ll need protection and inventory space. A backpack is essential for increasing your inventory capacity, while a helmet and body armor (vest) will provide much-needed protection during engagements. Even a Level 1 backpack, helmet, and vest are better than nothing in the early game, but keep an eye out for Level 2 or 3 gear as you loot further.
- Pro Tip: Prioritize a backpack first, as it will enable you to carry more loot, allowing you to hold essential items like ammo, healing items, and grenades.
c. Healing Items
Next, focus on gathering healing items. Bandages, First Aid Kits, and Med Kits will be crucial in recovering health after fights. Also, grab Boost Items (energy drinks and painkillers) when possible, as they’ll give you an edge in recovering from damage or moving faster when needed.
- Ideal Starting Inventory: Aim to have at least one First Aid Kit, 10 Bandages, and 1-2 Boost Items early in the game.
d. Ammunition
Once you’ve secured a weapon, helmet, armor, and healing items, focus on gathering ammunition. Keep in mind that while it’s tempting to grab as much ammo as possible, carrying excessive amounts can quickly eat up your backpack space. For assault rifles or SMGs, about 150-200 rounds is usually sufficient for most matches.
2. Managing Inventory: How to Make Room for Essentials
Efficient inventory management is critical to avoid wasting time sorting through unnecessary items during combat. A cluttered inventory can slow down your reactions and cost you precious seconds in dangerous situations.
a. Limit the Amount of Ammo You Carry
It’s common for players to overstock on ammunition, but ammo takes up a significant amount of space in your inventory. You should aim to carry just enough rounds to be prepared for sustained firefights without overloading. For most weapons, 150-200 rounds will be enough to handle engagements throughout the match. For shotguns or sniper rifles, you can carry even fewer rounds, as these weapons aren’t typically used in rapid succession.
- Pro Tip: Drop excess ammo for weapons you aren’t using. For example, if you no longer need shotgun shells after switching to an assault rifle, get rid of the shells to free up space.
b. Optimize Grenades
Grenades are highly valuable but can quickly fill up your inventory. Carrying one or two frag grenades, one or two smoke grenades, and a Molotov cocktail can give you versatility in combat situations without overburdening your backpack. Smoke grenades are particularly useful for creating cover when moving through open spaces or reviving a teammate, while frags are best for clearing enemies out of cover.
- Pro Tip: Avoid carrying too many grenades at once. Each grenade takes up valuable space, so it’s best to prioritize frags and smokes, which are more useful in various scenarios.
c. Healing Items
Managing healing items is crucial. First Aid Kits, Med Kits, Bandages, and Boost Items are all essential, but don’t overdo it by carrying too many. Aim to carry around 3-4 First Aid Kits, 10 Bandages, and 5-6 Boost Items (a mix of energy drinks and painkillers). More than that can crowd your inventory, leaving little space for other critical supplies.
- Pro Tip: If you find more than 4-5 First Aid Kits, consider dropping some for grenades or more ammo, as First Aid Kits have diminishing returns after a certain point in the game.
3. Adapting Your Inventory for the Mid- and Late-Game
As the game progresses and you move into the mid and late phases, your inventory needs will change. The early-game focus on gathering essentials should shift toward refining your loadout and preparing for final engagements.
a. Upgrade Your Gear
By mid-game, you should focus on upgrading your gear. If you’re still holding onto Level 1 equipment, actively seek out Level 2 or Level 3 armor, helmets, and backpacks. These upgrades offer better protection and more inventory space, which can be crucial when dealing with heavy firefights in the final circles.
- Pro Tip: If you come across Level 3 gear, always prioritize it, as it provides the best defense and can absorb more damage, increasing your chances of survival.
b. Drop Unnecessary Items
By mid-game, you’ll likely be holding onto items that are no longer essential. For example, if you’re carrying multiple attachments for guns you aren’t using, drop them. Unused 9mm or 12-gauge ammo can also be discarded if you’ve switched to other weapons. Keep your inventory lean and focused on the items you’ll need for the final engagements.
- Pro Tip: Take a few moments during safe periods (such as after looting a compound or just before the next zone closes) to reassess your inventory and discard anything unnecessary.
c. Prioritize Throwables
In the late-game, grenades become even more important. Smoke grenades are essential for creating cover and blocking enemy sightlines, while frag grenades are perfect for flushing enemies out of cover or clearing buildings. If you’re down to the final few circles, consider dropping extra healing items or unnecessary ammo to carry more grenades.
4. Speed Looting: How to Loot Quickly and Efficiently
In PUBG, speed is often the key to survival, especially when looting after a firefight or in high-traffic areas. Efficient looting means quickly grabbing what you need and moving on before exposing yourself to enemy fire.
a. Use the Inventory Screen (Tab Looting)
Instead of manually picking up items by interacting with them, open your inventory screen (Tab on PC, or the equivalent button on console). This allows you to quickly drag and drop items into your inventory and helps you see everything available in a loot pile at a glance. It’s faster and more efficient than manually selecting each item.
- Pro Tip: Practice tab looting in quieter areas of the map so that when you’re in a high-stress situation, you can do it quickly and effectively.
b. Don’t Loot During Fights
One of the most common mistakes players make is looting immediately after or even during a firefight. While grabbing loot is important, doing so while exposed can lead to quick death. Always make sure the area is secure before looting, and even then, loot quickly and move on.
c. Use Quick Pickups
If you only need a specific item from a loot pile (such as ammo or a grenade), use the quick-pickup feature to instantly grab it. This reduces your exposure time and keeps your focus on staying alert for enemies.
Conclusion
Managing your inventory and looting efficiently in PUBG can be the difference between a win and a loss. By prioritizing the right items, managing your space, and knowing when and how to loot quickly, you can stay prepared and one step ahead of the competition. Whether it’s the early-game scramble for survival or the late-game preparation for final combat, understanding how to manage your inventory will make you a more effective and efficient player on the battlefield.