Excitement buzzed through Ankit's squad as Free Fire unveiled its latest mode: Squad Battle. At first glance, Ankit was intrigued—two squads clashed in a designated zone, scrounging for fists, grenades, weapons and gear lying scattered on the map. Each match was brief; win or lose, a single attempt determined the outcome. Yet something felt off. Guns dropped randomly with full ammo, zone damage prevented roaming, and all too often, players were eliminated before the real battle could begin.
Ankit, never one to hold back his feedback, messaged Garena directly through their Facebook page: "Please, don't disappoint us. Make Squad Battle enjoyable—let players buy weapons and gear from an in-game store. Add multiple rounds—make it best of seven, where the first team to win four rounds claims victory. Don't just drop guns; this isn't battle royale. Players deserve a fair fight, not random chance." His candid advice mirrored the concerns of many in the community, helping shape the game's development without drawing unwanted attention to his unique perspective.
Back in the lobby, Ankit explored the new custom room cards. Custom matches had debuted in March, but were limited to battle royale at first—a feature he dismissed. Now, with Squad Battle available, Ankit saw fresh possibilities. He convinced his squad to create custom matches where friends could loot, strategize, and face off in the style of clash squad tournaments.
This innovation sharpened the team's gameplay and provided endless new content for their channels. Friendly matches with other creators added to the thrill, sparking rivalries and new collaborations that fueled the guild's growing reputation.
While testing out these updates, Ankit checked in with his guild and discovered a surprise: one member invited a player named "Raistars," a name instantly familiar from countless YouTube videos and legendary accounts. Ankit recognized the profile—Raistar of Indian Army fame—and sent a friend request, which was accepted without hesitation. Few could refuse an invite from a player known for teaching game-changing skills and boasting god-level gameplay. Still, Ankit's real joy stemmed from knowing who truly shaped Free Fire's competitive scene—the readers knew the secret.
He restrained his excitement—barely—realizing it was the sixth time he'd felt this rush, each occasion marked by inviting new YouTubers to his guild. Instead of opening his mic and celebrating, Ankit joined Raistar and the rest of his guild for their next match, savoring the quiet triumph of building a team that blended legends, friends, and future icons.
(Next chapter: Which other YouTubers join the guild—stay tuned.)