Free Fire was banned in India in February 2022 after the government raised security and data-privacy concerns. Following the ban, Garena announced a special localized version for the country called “Free Fire India.” This new edition was planned with Indian servers, stronger data protection, and India-specific features. The first official release date was set for 5 September 2023, and the Indian gaming community was highly excited for its comeback.
Launch Delay & Postponement
Just one day before the planned launch, Garena postponed the release. The company stated that they needed more time for gameplay refinement, Indian localization, and additional security improvements. After this delay, no new official release date was announced throughout 2023, 2024, or even most of 2025. Many rumours spread online, but Garena never confirmed any specific timeline.
Developments in 2025 & Esports Return
In 2025, Garena made a partial comeback in India through Free Fire MAX. They announced the TEZ Free Fire Max India Cup 2025 with a ₹1 crore prize pool, showing that the company still had strong plans for the Indian market. However, this was not the actual relaunch of Free Fire India. It was only an esports return, not an official launch of the original game.
Current Status as of December 2025
As of now, Free Fire India still does not have an official release date. Garena continues to work on India-specific servers, data compliance, and security features, but no public announcement has been made. Free Fire India is not available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. At this moment, Free Fire MAX remains the only playable version of the game in India.
What This Means for Indian Players
Players who are waiting for the official relaunch of Free Fire India will have to wait a little longer, as Garena has not confirmed any launch window. Some industry reports suggest a possible comeback in late 2025 or early 2026, but nothing is officially verified. Until the official version returns, Indian players must rely on Free Fire MAX for a similar experience.
Final Verdict
The relaunch of Free Fire India is still pending, but Garena’s recent esports activities indicate that the company is preparing to re-enter the Indian market. Until an official announcement is made, the community should stay updated through Garena’s verified channels. For now, Free Fire MAX remains the active and supported version available in India.
