The PUBG Experimental Server is the earliest testing environment where Krafton deploys highly experimental features before they reach wider audiences. If you’ve seen it in your Steam library and wondered whether you need it installed, you’re not alone.
Let’s break down what the Experimental Server actually does, how it fits into PUBG’s testing pipeline, and whether you need to keep it taking up drive space.
What Is the PUBG Experimental Server?
The Experimental Server is PUBG’s first-stage testing environment for radical changes and new features that need isolated testing before reaching the broader player base.
It sits at the top of PUBG’s three-tier server structure:
- Experimental Server: Earliest testing, highly unstable, rare access
- Test Server: Pre-release testing for upcoming patches
- Live Server: The main game everyone plays
Think of it as Krafton’s laboratory. Features tested here are often incomplete, buggy, or still being evaluated for feasibility.
Experimental Server vs Test Server vs Live Server
Understanding the differences helps you decide what you actually need installed.
| Server Type | Purpose | Stability | Access Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Radical feature testing | Very unstable | Rarely open |
| Test | Pre-patch testing | Moderately stable | Opens before major updates |
| Live | Main game | Most stable | Always available |
The Test Server runs a few days before major updates and lets players preview upcoming content. The Experimental Server opens far less frequently, usually for specific high-risk features Krafton wants to evaluate in isolation.
Most players never need to touch the Experimental Server. The Test Server is where you’ll actually preview upcoming content that’s close to launch.
Do You Need All Three Servers Installed?
No, you don’t.
You only need the Live Server to play the full game. The Experimental and Test Servers are optional downloads that serve specific purposes.
Here’s when each matters:
Keep the Live Server installed at all times. This is PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS itself.
Install the Test Server if you want early access to upcoming features, new weapons, map changes, or balance adjustments before they go live. The best PUBG settings you fine-tune on Live can be tested against new content here first.
Install the Experimental Server only if Krafton specifically announces an experimental test period and you want to participate. These are rare events, not regular occurrences.
Many players questioned why all three needed to be separate Steam downloads rather than selectable modes within one client. The answer is technical: each environment runs different builds that can’t coexist in a single installation without creating conflicts.
How to Access the PUBG Experimental Server
The Experimental Server isn’t always available. Krafton opens it for specific testing windows and announces them through official channels.
When it’s open:
- Open your Steam library
- Search for “PUBG: Experimental Server”
- Download and install it (separate from your main game)
- Launch it like any other Steam game
You’ll need the same amount of drive space as a full PUBG installation, so budget accordingly. If drive space is tight and the Experimental Server isn’t actively running a test, uninstall it until the next announcement.
What Gets Tested on Experimental?
Krafton uses the Experimental Server for features that carry significant risk or uncertainty.
Past Experimental tests have included:
- Major engine upgrades
- Completely new game modes
- Radical map reworks
- New vehicle physics systems
- Experimental audio changes
These aren’t polished features. You’re seeing Krafton’s first attempt at implementation, which means crashes, bugs, and half-finished systems are expected.
If you’re looking for stable previews of upcoming content, the Test Server is a better choice. For those who enjoy being on the absolute bleeding edge and providing feedback on raw prototypes, the Experimental Server delivers exactly that.
When Does the Experimental Server Open?
There’s no regular schedule. Krafton announces Experimental Server test periods through:
- Official PUBG blog posts
- PUBG social media channels (Twitter/X, Reddit)
- In-game news notifications on the Live client
Test windows typically last 2-7 days and focus on one specific feature or system. When the test concludes, the server goes offline again until the next experimental period.
If you want to stay informed about upcoming tests, following PUBG’s official channels is the most reliable method. Community hubs like the PUBG subreddit also share announcements quickly.
Common Questions About the Experimental Server
Does progress carry over between servers?
No. The Experimental, Test, and Live servers maintain separate progression. Any kills, wins, or stats you earn on Experimental don’t transfer.
Can I play with friends on different servers?
No. You can only match with players on the same server type. If you’re on Experimental, your friends need the Experimental Server installed and must launch it too.
Do I need to adjust settings for each server?
Yes. Settings are stored per installation. If you’ve optimized your PUBG crosshair or input settings on Live, you’ll need to replicate them on the Test and Experimental clients.
Will deleting Experimental affect my main game?
No. Each server is a completely separate installation. Uninstalling Experimental doesn’t touch your Live or Test clients.
Should You Keep It Installed?
For most players, no. The Experimental Server sits unused 90% of the time and consumes significant drive space.
Uninstall it if:
- You have limited storage (under 200GB free)
- You rarely participate in early testing
- You prefer stable gameplay over experimental features
Keep it installed if:
- You have abundant storage
- You actively provide feedback to Krafton during tests
- You enjoy seeing features in their earliest stages
You can always reinstall it when Krafton announces the next test window. Download speeds are the only barrier, and if your connection handles it well, uninstalling between tests makes practical sense.
If you’re exploring PUBG’s maps to maximize your competitive edge, resources like the PUBG Erangel map guide offer far more consistent value than keeping an inactive server installed.
The Testing Pipeline: How Features Move Through Servers
Understanding how Krafton moves features from Experimental to Live helps you gauge what you’re seeing.
Experimental → Test Server happens when a feature survives initial testing and needs broader evaluation. This transition can take weeks or months, and some experimental features never advance at all.
Test Server → Live happens when features are polished and ready for launch. This usually occurs within one update cycle after Test Server deployment.
Not every feature touches all three servers. Many updates skip Experimental entirely and launch directly to Test before going Live. Experimental is reserved for the riskiest changes that need isolated environments.
Maximizing Your PUBG Testing Experience
If you choose to participate in Experimental or Test Server sessions, you’re directly influencing the game’s development.
Make your testing count:
- Report bugs through official channels, not just Reddit complaints
- Test specific features Krafton asks about in their announcements
- Compare new weapon attachments or mechanics against Live builds systematically
- Share constructive feedback with details, not just “this sucks”
Krafton monitors server feedback closely. Clear, detailed reports about reproducible issues carry significantly more weight than vague complaints.
Players who treated Test Server sessions seriously have influenced major balance changes, map adjustments, and feature implementations that made it to Live.
The Bottom Line
The PUBG Experimental Server is an optional testing environment for highly experimental features, separate from both the Test Server and Live game.
You don’t need it installed to access the full game or upcoming content previews, the Test Server handles that role. Experimental opens rarely for specific high-risk tests and isn’t worth the drive space unless you actively participate in those sessions.
If you’re managing multiple PUBG installations and questioning why, the Live Server is the only mandatory one. Test and Experimental are entirely optional tools for players who want to influence development or preview changes early.
For most players focused on improving their core gameplay, resources like the PUBG tips and tricks guide and map knowledge deliver more consistent value than experimental builds.