PUBG Mobile Teams Up With The King of Fighters for Limited-Time Crossover Featuring Iconic Fighters

Why It Matters

The partnership blends two strong gaming franchises, driving player engagement and expanding PUBG Mobile’s audience while showcasing the monetization potential of branded cosmetic drops.

Key Takeaways

• Crossover runs Jan 30–Mar 10, 2026.
• Features Mai Shiranui, Nakoruru, Iori Yagami skins.
• New emotes, companion hawk, glider, parachute added.
• Cosmetic items only, no gameplay advantage.
• Event rewards earned via challenge point system.

Pulse Analysis

Cross‑genre collaborations have become a staple for mobile publishers seeking fresh content without overhauling core mechanics. By pairing PUBG Mobile’s battle‑royale platform with SNK’s iconic King of Fighters roster, Krafton taps into a nostalgic fan base while offering existing players novel visual flair. The timing—early 2026—coincides with a surge in retro‑inspired releases, positioning the event to capture both competitive gamers and casual fans drawn to recognizable arcade characters.

The event’s content rollout focuses on high‑visibility cosmetics: character skins that replicate signature fighter attire, animated emotes mirroring classic moves, and a companion hawk that follows players in‑match. Because these items are strictly aesthetic, they preserve the game’s balance, addressing community concerns about pay‑to‑win dynamics. The point‑based prize path incentivizes repeated play, boosting daily active users and extending session length, which in turn enhances ad revenue and in‑app purchase potential without alienating the broader player base.

Industry analysts view this crossover as a blueprint for future mobile collaborations. Leveraging established IPs reduces marketing spend while delivering instant brand recognition, a valuable asset in the crowded mobile market. As more developers explore similar partnerships, we can expect a rise in limited‑time events that blend narrative tie‑ins with cosmetic monetization, reinforcing the importance of brand synergy in sustaining long‑term player retention and revenue growth.

PUBG Mobile Teams Up With The King of Fighters for Limited-Time Crossover Featuring Iconic Fighters

John Popko · Jan 30, 2026

PUBG MOBILE has launched a limited‑time crossover with the long‑running fighting game franchise The King of Fighters, bringing characters, cosmetics and themed items into the mobile battle‑royale.

The collaboration is live from Jan. 30 through March 10 and introduces a slate of new content inspired by the fighting series, including character outfits, emotes, companions and gameplay cosmetics. According to the publisher, the crossover is available to all players as part of an in‑game event.

Among the additions are themed character sets modeled after three well‑known fighters from the franchise: Mai Shiranui, Nakoruru and Iori Yagami. Each set includes signature outfits and visual effects designed to reflect the characters’ appearances and personalities within the original fighting games.

New items, emotes and event rewards

In addition to character cosmetics, the event introduces a selection of themed emotes and companions. Players can unlock animated emotes inspired by classic fighting‑game movements, as well as a companion based on Nakoruru’s hawk, Mamahaha, which follows players during matches.

The crossover also adds new traversal and combat‑themed cosmetics. These include a fighting‑game‑inspired glider and parachute, along with an upgradeable melee‑style item that can be enhanced through multiple levels. The items are cosmetic in nature and do not alter core gameplay balance, according to the developer.

Several additional themed items are available, including helmets, backpacks and decorative ornaments that reference classic arcade‑era aesthetics from the franchise. Players can also earn smaller decorative rewards styled after chibi versions of the featured characters.

To support the collaboration, PUBG MOBILE has introduced a limited‑time prize path tied to the event. By completing in‑game challenges, players can earn points that unlock crossover‑themed rewards, including outfits, emotes and other cosmetic items.

PUBG MOBILE is developed by Lightspeed Studios and published globally by Krafton. The King of Fighters series is owned by SNK and first debuted in 1994, with its most recent mainline entry released in 2022. The PUBG MOBILE × The King of Fighters collaboration runs through March 10, 2026, and the game is available to download for free on iOS and Android devices.