For those who love diving into mobile games, Free Fire remains a staple in the survival genre. The game has endured significant challenges but continues to be one of the most popular games in India, captivating gamers with its thrilling challenges and regular updates from publisher Garena.
However, Free Fire faced a major setback when it was banned in India in February 2022 due to national security concerns linked to its Singaporean origins and data privacy issues. After a year-long hiatus and multiple delays, Garena relaunched a localized version, Free Fire India, which has since regained its footing in the market. As of January 2026, with the game's esports scene thriving and redeem codes actively distributed, Free Fire's popularity is on the rise again.
In a nutshell, while the 2022 ban disrupted its momentum, Free Fire's relaunch has seen it bounce back. Before the ban, it boasted around 40 million monthly active users in India. Globally, as of January 2026, Free Fire has over 1 billion downloads and approximately 85 million monthly active players, with India contributing significantly to its download numbers. The game's esports tournaments, like the Free Fire India Championship 2024, drew 1.8 million peak concurrent viewers, highlighting its strong community.
Free Fire – Origins and Relaunch in India
Free Fire is developed by 111 Dots Studio in Vietnam and published by Garena, a Singapore-based company. Despite initial concerns over ties to China (due to Garena's CEO Forrest Li's birthplace), the game is not Chinese-owned. Garena has expanded globally, focusing on markets like Southeast Asia and India.
After the 2022 ban, Garena announced a relaunch in 2023 with Indian cricket star MS Dhoni as brand ambassador, but faced delays due to regulatory hurdles. By 2025, esports returned, and as of January 2026, Free Fire MAX is actively promoted with daily redeem codes for Indian players, indicating the game is accessible and popular once more.
Free Fire is available on Android, iOS, PCs, and consoles, with over 500 million downloads worldwide historically. In India, its low system requirements make it accessible on budget devices, contributing to its popularity in emerging markets.
If you're new to Free Fire, it offers classic survival gameplay with an intuitive interface and stunning graphics. In 2026, it's a strong alternative to BGMI (PUBG Mobile India), especially with its vibrant esports scene. GuruGamer recommends jumping in to experience the excitement!
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