Garena Launches Free Fire India With Diwali Event and Safety Features

Garena launched Free Fire India on October 28, 2026, bringing the popular battle royale game back to the country after a 2022 ban.

The game is available as a free, standalone app for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

"India is home to a passionate community of players, creators and esports talent, and we are grateful for their continued enthusiasm and support," said Vaibhav Das Mundhra, Head of Operations, India, Garena.

The launch follows a planned September 5, 2023 release that was postponed with no confirmed date at the time.

Garena said in its announcement on Tuesday, October 27, that the India-specific version will include local events, a special Diwali campaign and new measures to promote responsible gaming.

What safety features does Free Fire India include?

Garena has implemented several measures aimed at promoting safer gaming, especially for children.

These include parental consent requirements for users under 18, regular playtime reminders, playtime limits and spending caps.

The company said it incorporated feedback from relevant Indian government stakeholders during the preparation of the game.

It has implemented enhanced data protection measures, including hosting the game on servers in India.

"With FFI, our focus is on providing a familiar and engaging gaming experience that is thoughtfully tailored for players in India, while encouraging safe and responsible play," Mundhra said.

Garena highlighted data protection and responsible gameplay as part of its India-focused approach.

The effectiveness of these safeguards will become evident once the game is released and people start utilising the features, the company said.

What India-specific content is available?

The launch includes a special Diwali campaign celebrating India's diverse cultures and communities.

This event is scheduled to run until November 15 and will feature themed artwork, costumes, and exclusive in-game content inspired by the country's cultural diversity.

Garena said the game will offer locally relevant in-game events and campaigns that celebrate the country's diverse cultures and communities.

One of the key attractions will be the Diwali event.

How has the game been optimized for devices?

Free Fire India has been optimized to run on a broad range of smartphones, giving players with different device specifications the opportunity to enjoy the game.

The developer has optimised the game for a variety of mobile devices, including entry-level smartphones with limited RAM and processing capabilities.

This will enable users with different hardware capabilities to enjoy the game.

Actual performance may vary depending on a phone's processor, available memory, operating system, and internet connection.

Players should check the app store listing for device compatibility before installing.

What are Garena's plans for Indian esports?

The company aims to support the development of India's esports ecosystem by collaborating with partners across the country.

Garena said it will create opportunities for players to hone their skills and participate in competitive gaming, from grassroots and collegiate competitions to international events.

Building on its ongoing esports initiatives, Garena aims to support pathways for aspiring Indian players and teams.

"This new game reflects our long-term commitment to India’s gaming community, and we look forward to supporting more opportunities for players to enjoy gaming, connect with one another and pursue their shared passions," Mundhra said.

Through these efforts, Garena hopes to contribute to a lively and inclusive esports community.

Redington Cybersport reported on October 27 that a banner for the game had appeared in-game ahead of the official launch.

The original Free Fire game was banned in India in February 2022 alongside other apps, reportedly due to concerns over their links to China.

Its enhanced-graphics version, Free Fire MAX, continued to be released in India with the same gameplay.

Garena announced the India-specific edition and appointed former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador in August 2023.

Free Fire India brings back the fast-paced mobile battle royale experience that made the franchise popular.

Players can connect with friends, compete against other players, and enjoy action-focused matches.

Players can follow the game's official channels for the latest updates on in-game events, content and esports announcements.