PUBG Mobile has pulled off an epic stunt with the launch of its exclusive April Fools' Arcade Mode: Item Hunt!

The mode is available for 8 whole days, accessible right in the Arcade Mode tab of the game lobby—simply select Item Hunt to matchmake solo or team up with friends. It rotates across three maps: Vikendi, Miramar and Rondo. Each map features unique hiding spots and looting logic, so learning the terrain will save you a ton of unnecessary travel.

The core rule of this mode is a 3-round format. Before each round, all players vote to join either the Item Team or the Hunter Team. Winning a round earns you Event Tokens, which can be redeemed for exclusive rewards—this is the ultimate goal for playing the mode.

The most exciting part of Item Hunt is the team-based rivalry, with completely distinct gameplay for each side. Here’s a breakdown to get new players up to speed in no time. The Item Team’s core objective is to stay concealed for all 3 rounds—you don’t need to fight to win, just play it ultra-tactical and stay hidden at all costs.

Prioritize obscure corners of the map for hiding: think snowdrift crevices in Vikendi, container tops in Miramar, and deep thickets in Rondo. My personal test proves the reed marshes in Rondo are the ultimate hiding spot—Hunters will never find you there.

The Item Team has three skills per match: Duplicate Item, Shock Attack and Flash Attack—don’t waste them randomly. Duplicate Item spawns a decoy that matches your camouflaged form right beside you, confusing Hunters, and it’s perfect for using when you’re spotted. Shock Attack and Flash Attack can restrict Hunters’ movement at close range, making them ideal for making an escape—never squander them on meaningless moves.

Most importantly, stay calm and don’t move an inch; the quieter you are, the less likely you are to be detected. As soon as you hear a Hunter’s footsteps, hug cover immediately and reposition only after they’ve left.

The Hunter Team is the offensive side, with the core goal of scouring the map to find and eliminate all members of the Item Team—it’s a test of your observation skills and tactical awareness. Search the map in designated areas in order, don’t run around aimlessly. For example, in Vikendi, start with the Castle → Warehouse → Snow Cabin; in Miramar, head to the Desert Church → Oil Tanker Group → Small Town first to avoid missing any spots. Teaming up with your squad to split up and search different areas will double your efficiency.

There are pro tips to identify the Item Team, who camouflage themselves as map props like crates, barrels and bushes.

 Spot the fake props with these three telltale signs: real props never move, while fake ones have slight occasional shifts; an interaction icon will appear on your screen when you get close to a fake prop (there’s no such icon for real ones); and Shock/Flash Attacks produce visual effects—head for the effect’s location, and you’ll almost certainly find a hiding spot. For Squad play, don’t split up completely: pair up to search adjacent areas and call out positions to each other. Focus fire on any suspected Item Team members—never go solo, or you’ll get ambushed.

No matter which team you play for, the end goal is to claim all rewards. Here are my tested pro tips to earn rewards twice as fast as casual play:

1. Always play all 3 rounds: you get 1 Event Token for winning a round and 0.5 for losing one. Quitting after 1-2 rounds is a huge waste—I play at least 5 matches a day and guarantee 15+ Event Tokens as a minimum.

2. Prioritize Squad play: it’s much easier to reach a unanimous vote for team selection, and teammates have each other’s backs. Your win rate is 30% higher in Squads than solo, whether you’re on the Item Team or Hunter Team. Teaming up with a fixed squad will make grinding rewards even more efficient.

There’s a clear priority for redeeming rewards in the Event Shop: April Fools' Exclusive Clown Series Skins > Event UC Crates > Loot Crates. The Clown Series Skins are limited-time exclusive—redeem these first at all costs! Event UC Crates open for random UC, which is the perfect way to fill your regular resource gaps.

Talking about resources, I’ve had a fixed habit playing PUBG Mobile for years: stock up on resources, and you’ll never panic. When I’m short on UC or in-game items, I use COCODP—it’s truly a game-changer for convenience.

This year’s Item Hunt is easily PUBG Mobile’s most well-crafted April Fools' mode yet—it’s hilarious and strategically challenging, perfect for casual players and hardcore grinders alike. Remember the event duration, pick the right team, and use the tips shared here, and you’ll claim every single reward with ease.

Log in and squad up now! May you win every match, rack up endless Event Tokens, and get your hands on the Clown Series Skins in no time. See you in the game!