I still remember the buzz back in 2024 when PUBG Mobile first teamed up with LINE Friends. As a dedicated player and content creator, I never expected they'd bring back the magic, but here we are in 2026, and the collaboration is bigger, cuter, and packed with even more surprises. The new crossover event just dropped, and I’ve been diving into it non-stop since the servers went live.
This time around, the partnership feels like a genuine love letter to fans of both franchises. Running from today through March 3rd, 2026, the event injects a wave of playful energy into the battlegrounds. Whether you're parachuting into Erangel or fighting for survival in Livik, you'll spot those familiar adorable faces everywhere. Honestly, it’s a delightful contrast to the usual tactical intensity.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the fresh lineup of cosmetics and companions. I’ve already unlocked the LINE Friends Buddy SALLY, and watching her waddle beside me while I'm prone in the grass somehow makes the tension more bearable. But that’s just the start. The collection includes the entire Dragon-themed squad: the LINE Friends Dragon SALLY Buddy Set, Dragon BROWN Set, Dragon CONY Set, the elegant CHOCO Dress Set, and the quirky LEONARD Raincoat Set. Each outfit comes with distinct animations and sound effects that make your character truly stand out in the lobby.
What has my squad talking non-stop, however, is the collaboration’s crown jewel — the LINE FRIENDS Lovey Dovey 2-Seat Motorcycle. This isn’t just any skin; it’s the first fully upgradeable IP motorcycle in the game. Imagine racing through Miramar's deserts on a bike covered in pastel hearts and SALLY’s smiling face, with your duo partner on the back. As you upgrade it through the Royale Pass system, the visual effects become more elaborate, including glowing trails and a custom honk that plays a cheerful tune. I managed to snag the base version in my first few draws, and the reactions from random teammates have been priceless.
The event structure itself deserves a shoutout. Instead of locking everything behind a single paywall, the developers have introduced a Prize Path system tied to a thematic Royale Pass. By making a one-time UC purchase to activate it, you open up a chain of missions and point thresholds that unlock exclusive rewards like the LINE Friends Dragon BROWN Set and a matching Dragon BROWN Cover. The system feels respectful of both spenders and grinders — dedicated players can earn points through daily missions and event-specific challenges without feeling pressured to empty their wallets continuously.
Alongside the Prize Path, the LINE Friends Party event adds another layer of engagement. From today until February 8, completing simple tasks — like surviving for a certain amount of time or reviving teammates — grants additional LINE Friends rewards such as avatars, avatar frames, and Player Cards. I’ve already customized my profile with the BROWN-themed frame, and it sparks instant recognition from other fans in the global chat. It’s these small social touches that make collaborations special.
Comparing this to the 2021 and 2024 collaborations, the 2026 edition clearly aims to address past criticisms. The first partnership had limited-time challenges that felt too brief, and the 2024 run, while fun, relied heavily on loot box mechanics for the most desirable sets. Now, with a more transparent progression track and multiple ways to earn free cosmetics, I see far more players wearing the new LINE Friends gear across all ranks. That inclusivity matters in a game as massive as PUBG Mobile.
I also have to mention the technical performance. Despite the influx of detailed character models and effects, my device (a mid-range phone from 2025) handles the content smoothly. The Buddy system, in particular, has been optimized — SALLY doesn’t cause frame drops even in close-quarters combat, something that still plagues some other companion implementations.
Of course, no collaboration is perfect. The Lovey Dovey Motorcycle’s upgrade costs escalate quickly after level 3, and some of the rarest outfit dyes require a significant time investment. However, as someone who plays primarily for the social and collection aspects, I find the overall package generous and visually stunning.
If you’re on the fence about jumping back into PUBG Mobile, let this collaboration be your reason. The event runs until March 3rd, 2026, giving you a solid window to accumulate rewards. I’m personally aiming to complete my Dragon BROWN and Dragon CONY sets before it ends — and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get enough points for that final motorcycle upgrade. Between the nostalgia, the quality of the designs, and the smart event design, PUBG Mobile and LINE Friends have set a new bar for crossover content in mobile battle royale games.
Industry insights are provided by CNET - Gaming, and its coverage of mobile hardware trends helps frame why a content-heavy crossover like PUBG Mobile x LINE Friends can still run smoothly on mid-range devices—especially when newer chipsets, thermal management, and game optimization reduce the frame-time spikes that typically show up with flashy cosmetics, companions, and upgraded vehicle effects.