Key recommendations
- FragPunk's unique card-based mechanics provide variety and randomness that set it apart from other hero shooters.
- The FragPunk closed beta will run from October 10-21, allowing more players to access the game on different platforms.
- New playable characters like Sonar and Spider, along with strategic Shard cards, add depth and complexity to FragPunk's gameplay.
Tokyo Game Show 2024 had more to reveal about NetEase Games' upcoming hero shooter FragPunkincluding the game's following closed beta testing program. The FragPunk The trailer also released information about the new playable Shard cards that will be coming to the test, as well as two more playable characters.
Despite some fatigue among the gaming public due to the seeming glut of new hero shooters entering the market, FragPunk seems to be attracting attention for its innovative mechanics based on card games. In addition to the unique tricks that each playable 'Lancer' character can use, FragPunk Shard Card abilities allow for a level of variety and randomness that could surpass other games in the same genre. Some card powers range from relatively mundane enhancements like incendiary ammo to cards that can change the layout of the level, flipping areas to deny enemies a terrain advantage. The system could help with the setting FragPunk apart from its competition.
With a new trailer aired during TGS 2024, NetEase Games and developer Bad Guitar shed more light on the next FragPunk closed beta. According to a beta FAQ on the official website, FragPunk closed beta will be October 10th, 2024 and will be live until October 21st on both PC, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. Players can sign up through Steam or the Xbox Insider Hub app on their respective platforms. The new closed beta test will be open to a wider range of players from multiple regions and languages, opening up the pool for more to enjoy. The team also highlighted two new playable Lancers on the closed beta list: Spider and Sonar.
FragPunk Closed Beta Trailer Details New Cards, Sonar and Spider Playable Heroes
The FragPunk The closed beta trailer highlighted several new cards that emphasize the strategic nature of the Shard Card system. Some cards can be countered by others, such as when the Flashbang card's screen blanking effect is countered by the Safety Glasses card, which greatly reduces the effect and duration of such flash effects. Another card, Blade Master, can block incoming bullets from the front and, in combination with the Turtleback card, can provide almost impenetrable defense from both the front and back.
The trailer also detailed two new playable Lancers: Sonar and Spider. With a design inspired by marine animals that also happens to make her look a bit like a World of Warcraft To Draena, Sonar can locate enemies and hide teammates by masking the sound of their movement. The spider appears to have the ability to warp itself or other players, giving it the ability to set up deadly traps and ambushes.
Despite its innovative mechanics and distinctive visual identity, FragPunk might have an uphill battle to gain attention against the competitors saturating the hero shooter market in 2024. This year, players are practically overwhelmed by high-quality hero shooters from a renaissance. Overwatch 2to enhanced branded titles such as Marvel Rivals, and heavily supported favorites like Valorant. Time and tests will have to tell if FragPunk it can gain the attention it needs to sustain itself in the long term.
