PUBG adds AI squadmates that listen, loot, and fight like real players

NVIDIA ACE creates realistic AI characters for games. These characters can interact with players naturally – they listen, talk, understand the game’s world, and even make smart choices, feeling like a real person you’re playing with.

PUBG is adding an AI teammate called PUBG Ally. This companion will respond to your commands, help you find weapons and equipment, and even chat with you while you play. Initial testing will begin in early 2026 through PUBG Arcade, focusing first on players who speak English, Korean, and Chinese so the developers can gather feedback.

The AI tool is meant for players who need a teammate or want help learning the game.

How PUBG Ally works

The ASUS ROG Ally lets you communicate using either text or voice chat, giving you flexibility in how you connect with teammates. Plus, thanks to NVIDIA technology, it can actually “see” what’s happening in the game – identifying enemies, locating items, and responding to changes – almost like a real player.

The game will handle things like collecting items, driving vehicles, and battling enemies, even when you’re not actively giving commands. In fact, it might be more dependable than playing with random teammates. But seriously, this feature could be a great help to players who want a more laid-back experience or just need a trustworthy partner in the game.

While it may feel a bit strange at first, NVIDIA ACE isn’t limited to just PUBG—many other games are also adding these features.

Krafton has announced a major focus on artificial intelligence, planning to integrate AI into all aspects of its game development process to make things faster and more efficient.

The company is starting to use Agentic AI – AI tools that can independently plan, set objectives, and complete tasks, especially those that are repetitive or require analysis. This allows developers to concentrate on more strategic work by automating routine processes.

Other games adopting ACE: inZOI, NARAKA, MIR5 and more

Several other games, including inZOI, Naraka, MIR5, ZooPunk, and Dead Meat, are also integrating NVIDIA’s ACE technology, following PUBG’s lead.

In inZOI, the game world will feel more dynamic and realistic because you’ll encounter AI characters that live their own lives, respond to what’s happening around them, and work towards their own objectives – all alongside you as you play.

Like PUBG, Naraka will let you team up with AI players. These AI teammates can join your game, collect weapons and supplies, and help you battle other players.

MIR5 is trying something new with its boss battles. Instead of being predictable, these bosses will learn how you play and change their strategies accordingly. This sounds really promising, and it’s exactly the kind of dynamic challenge I’d hope for in a massive online game, if executed well.

The future is AI companions in multiplayer games, I guess?

In the future, we can expect to see more games – like battle royales and multiplayer titles – featuring AI-powered teammates. The approach MIR5 is taking with AI-controlled bosses that learn and adapt in their MMO is particularly interesting.

Despite the benefits, there’s a concerning possibility. With people increasingly spending time inside, glued to their phones, and turning to AI for support, it raises the question of whether gaming could follow the same trend. Could players who enjoy the social aspect of teaming up eventually end up primarily playing with AI companions instead?

This is an interesting concept to consider. However, these systems are still being developed and have a ways to go before they’re fully realized. NVIDIA’s ACE, in particular, will require a lot of refinement – it’s important to avoid making AI teammates too powerful, and it will likely take several adjustments to get the balance just right.

FAQ

What exactly is PUBG adding?

PUBG is adding AI-controlled teammates, called “PUBG Ally,” using NVIDIA’s ACE technology. These AI teammates can understand your instructions, share items, drive, and fight with you as you play.

How do they work?

These AI teammates communicate using both voice and text. They understand what’s happening in the game as it unfolds and respond accordingly – for example, by identifying enemies, locating useful items, and adjusting their strategies to fit the situation.

When can I try the PUBG Ally AI teammate?

The first tests for PUBG Ally will start in early 2026 within PUBG Arcade, and will initially be available to players who use English, Korean, or Chinese.

Is this replacing real teammates?

It’s not quite what you might think. I’ve observed it’s designed to be a helpful companion for people playing alone, those new to the game, or anyone simply wanting a dependable teammate. However, some players are concerned it might discourage people from playing *with* each other.

Will other games use NVIDIA ACE AI companions?

Several games, including inZOI, Naraka, MIR5, ZooPunk, and Dead Meat, are now using AI technology from NVIDIA ACE to create more realistic and interactive teammates or characters, with each game implementing it in its own way.

2025-10-31 01:40

PUBG adds AI squadmates that listen, loot, and fight like real players — powered by NVIDIA’s ACE tech