Important takeaways
- FragPunk's unique card-based mechanics offer variety and randomness that sets it apart from other hero shooters.
- The FragPunk closed beta will run from October 10-21, giving more players access to 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.
The ongoing Tokyo Game Show 2024 had more to reveal about NetEase Games' upcoming hero shooter FragPunkincluding the game's next closed beta test schedule. The FragPunk the trailer also released information about new playable Shard Cards coming to trial, as well as two additional playable characters.
Despite some fatigue among the gaming public at the seeming glut of new hero shooters entering the market, FragPunk seems to be getting some attention for its innovative card game based mechanics. In addition to the unique tricks each playable 'Lancer' character can use, FragPunk Shard Card abilities allow for a level of variety and randomness that can trump other games in the same genre. Some card powers range from relatively prosaic enhancements like incendiary ammo to cards that can change the layout of the level, flipping areas to deny enemies a terrain advantage. The system can help set up FragPunk apart from its competitors.
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 arrives October 10, 2024 and runs through October 21 on both PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S. Players can register via Steam or the Xbox Insider Hub app on their respective platforms. The new closed beta test will be open to a larger number of players across more regions and languages, opening up the pool for more to enjoy. The team also outlined two new playable Lancers being added to the closed beta roster: Spider and Sonar.
FragPunk Closed Beta Trailer Details New maps, sonar and playable spider heroes
The FragPunk The closed beta trailer outlined some new cards that emphasize the strategic nature of the Shard Card system. Some cards can be countered by others, such as when the flashbang-like flashlight card's screen-blurring effect is countered by the safety glasses card, greatly reducing the power and duration of such flash effects. Another card, Blade Master, can block bullets coming from the front, and when combined with the Turtleback card can offer near-impenetrable defense from both front and back attacks.
The trailer also details two new playable Lancers: Sonar and Spider. With a marine animal inspired design that also happens to make her look a bit like one World of Warcraft Draenei, Sonar can locate enemies and hide their teammates by masking their movement sounds. Spider appears to have the ability to warp himself or other players, giving him the ability to set up deadly traps and ambushes.
Despite its innovative mechanics and distinct visual identity, FragPunk may have an uphill battle for attention against competitors saturating the hero shooter market in 2024. This year, players are practically inundated with high-quality hero shooters, ranging from a resurgence Overwatch 2to branded titles such as Marvel Rivals, and heavily backed favorites like Valorant. Time and testing will have to tell FragPunk can get the attention needed to sustain itself in the longer term.
