KRAFTON is leveling up the battlegrounds. The studio behind PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has revealed PUBG Ally, a next-gen AI teammate powered by NVIDIA ACE and KRAFTON’s own AI tech. Debuted during the GeForce Gamer Festival in Seoul, this new system blends real-time strategy, voice interaction, and intelligent gameplay into one futuristic companion.
Today’s reveal marks a major step toward AI-enhanced gaming, as PUBG Ally steps beyond basic NPC behavior and into something more like a true squadmate who thinks, reacts, and evolves.
PUBG Ally Introduces Co-Playable Characters for PUBG
PUBG Ally introduces a new term to the gaming world: CPC, or Co-Playable Character. Instead of being a silent bot following simple scripts, PUBG Ally can:
- Discuss strategy and adapt tactics
- Loot, revive, and support teammates
- Make independent combat and survival decisions
- Learn behaviors based on gameplay
- Communicate naturally using in-game voice chat
Picture having a teammate who not only understands PUBG callouts like “rotate to Pochinki” or “need a level 3 vest,” but also responds and supports like a real player. It’s like teaming up with a human squadmate who never tilts, never rage-quits, and always pings ammo when you’re dry.
Built With NVIDIA ACE for Ultra-Responsive On-Device AI
Powered by an on-device Small Language Model built with NVIDIA ACE, PUBG Ally is engineered to operate with ultra-low latency. No cloud delay, no stuttery voice commands. Just snappy, responsive AI that feels at home right in your squad.
PUBG Ally supports English, Korean, and Chinese, with KRAFTON noting plans to expand based on community demand.
Kangwook Lee, Head of KRAFTON AI, emphasized that this project marks the start of a new era for in-game agents. With features like real-time strategy shifts and context awareness, PUBG Ally aims to redefine how players interact with AI characters.
Playtest Coming in Early 2026 in PUBG Arcade
Players won’t have to wait too long. PUBG Ally’s first public test arrives early 2026 inside PUBG Arcade, the mode where PUBG experiments with fresh gameplay outside battle royale rules.
The playtest will allow players to squad up with the AI teammate, provide feedback, and help shape the final rollout. KRAFTON says it will continue refining the system throughout 2026 through its long-term partnership with NVIDIA.
KRAFTON’s Shift to “AI-First” Future
This reveal comes shortly after KRAFTON announced its official transformation into an AI-First company during its October town hall. The publisher is building Agentic AI tools across workflows and aiming to use AI to enhance gameplay, development pipelines, and services.
From smarter game characters to automated development tools, the company is ready to paint its future in digital brainpower.
A New Era for Battle Royale Squadmates?
PUBG changed multiplayer shooters once. Now, it looks ready to change how we think about teammates, too. PUBG Ally represents more than a feature. It feels like a peek into the future of gaming where AI isn’t just window dressing but an active part of play.
Better communication. Smarter support. And tactical synergy that doesn’t need a mic check.
If this is the future of the battleground, we’re dropping in.
