If there’s one item in PUBG Mobile that can change your match from a quiet looting stroll into pure adrenaline, it’s the flare gun. I still remember my first time calling in a BRDM-2 outside the play zone—my squad went absolutely nuts. By 2026, we’ve had a ton of updates, new maps, and even new ways to get flare guns, but good old Erangel still hides these golden toys in some very predictable (and some sneaky) corners. You might be thinking: After all these years, are those old flare gun locations still reliable? Let me tell you, absolutely yes. I’ve been playing since the early days, and while the meta may shift, the loot spawn logic hasn’t changed that much on our favorite 8x8 island. Today I’m sharing my personal top 10 flare gun hunting grounds, sprinkled with a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.
First, let’s quickly recap what makes a flare gun so special. Fire it inside the safe zone and you’ll summon a super crate with level 3 armor, a Ghillie suit, and often a Groza or an AUG. Shoot it outside the zone, and a tough BRDM-2 armored vehicle drops right next to you. Both can turn the tide, making everyone on the map jealous. The problem? Finding one. Over hundreds of drops I’ve noticed that certain compounds just seem to attract that red cylindrical miracle more than others.
1. Lipovka – The Underrated Leftside Treasure
Don’t underestimate this quiet collection of buildings on the western coast. I’ve pulled more flare guns from Lipovka’s warehouses and glasshouses than I care to count. The double-storey apartments are particularly generous. Why do so many players ignore it? Probably because it’s not a hot drop, but that’s exactly why I love it—less fighting early on means more time to thoroughly check every corner.
2. Zharki – The Picnic Spot That Surprises
Yep, the far northwestern corner of Erangel that everyone calls the “picnic spot”. You’d be shocked how many times I’ve found a flare gun sitting in a tiny wooden shack here. The small houses and warehouses are worth a quick scan, especially when the flight path is far. It’s a gamble, but if the circle favors you, Zharki can set you up for a relaxing win.
3. Primorsk – Seaside Loot Haven
Down in the southeast by the water, Primorsk is another spot that rarely disappoints. The three massive warehouses are your best bet. I’ve even found two flare guns in a single match there—once in the glasshouse and another in a nearby two-story building. Plus, you get a beautiful ocean view! Who said battle royale can’t be scenic?
4. Mylta Power – Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Loot
This nuclear power station in the southeast is not just for adrenaline junkies. The main reactor building and the factory nearby regularly gift me flare guns. The place is big, so it can take some time to sweep, but the risk is often worth it. By 2026, many players still sleep on Mylta Power, treating it as a secondary drop, which makes it even more attractive.
5. Stalber – The Mountain of Surprises
Right up there with Georgopol hills, Stalber stands tall. The double-storied laboratory is a flare gun magnet. I’ve walked in and found two lying next to each other! The surrounding huts and ruins also yield good loot. But beware—vehicle spawns are scarce, so you’d better move fast if the zone decides to go south.
6. Spawn Island – Off-the-Beaten-Path Goldmine
Spawn Island isn’t just for pre-match warmups! Yes, you can swim or boat your way back there and loot the big double-storey building that looks like a mini military base. The laboratory and bunker can hold flare guns too. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’ve stocked up on healing items and fuel cans, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the loot can be insane.
7. Shelter – The Passive Player’s Paradise
Want a quiet game? The underground Shelter is your friend. Fewer players jump here, and the tight corridors can yield a flare gun surprisingly often. I’ve had many solo matches where I walked out fully kitted without firing a single bullet. Definitely a top pick for those who enjoy methodical looting.
8. Novorepnoye – Container Madness
A classic hot drop that never gets old. The shipping containers are loaded with loot, and flare guns love to hide at the top or inside them. The buildings nearby also contribute. Yes, you’ll often have to fight your way through, but a flare gun here can quickly turn you into a mid-game powerhouse.
9. Georgopol – The Crowd’s Favorite
Another dock area, and probably the most contested drop after Pochinki. The containers here produce flare guns with sweet regularity. Check the three big warehouses too. Pro tip: if you survive the initial chaos, you’re almost guaranteed one. And in 2026, I still see squads ignore the back containers, so start digging!
10. Military Base – The King of Flare Guns
Finally, the Sosnovka Island military base. If there’s a “flare gun spawn paradise”, this is it. The caves, observatories, factories, and that massive seven-storey tower can all hold them. I’ve left the base carrying four flare guns one fine afternoon—true story. The loot density is so high that you can often kit out a whole squad. Just be ready for some intense firefights.
A couple of extra tricks for 2026 players: Did you know you can still buy a flare gun for 100 shop tokens from item shops in Pochinki, Gatka, Primorsk, or Mylta City? In themed event modes, special crates sometimes just hand them out. Always keep an eye out for those small wooden boxes that glow.
Of course, none of these spots guarantee a flare gun with 100% certainty—spawns have always had an element of randomness. But after years of dropping, recording my finds, and chatting with the community, these ten locations have given me the highest success rate. Next time you’re on the plane, ask yourself: Do I feel lucky? Then pick one of these spots, and may the red cylinder be with you! Have you found any new reliable places in Erangel by 2026? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.
For more PUBG Mobile guides, tips, and the latest 2026 meta analysis, stick around. Happy hunting!