FragPunk: A Shooter That Breaks the Rules and Brings Chaos to the Genre
It’s not easy for a new player to stand out in the crowded hero shooter market, where games like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends rule the scene. FragPunk is a fast-paced, 5v5 first-person shooter that was released on March 6, 2025, for PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. Technical issues caused the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions to be delayed. FragPunk, which was created by Bad Guitar Studio, a division of NetEase’s Thunder Fire Studio, and released by NetEase, intends to upend the genre with its daring punk-inspired design, varied cast of characters, and novel twist: Shard Cards. Can FragPunk live up to its grandiose idea, even though these game-altering power-ups promise to make every battle unpredictable? Let’s get started.
Fundamentally, FragPunk is a tactical hero shooter in which two teams of five players compete against one another in a number of scenarios, with “Shard Clash” serving as the main focus. Fans of Counter-Strike or Valorant will recognise this mode: attackers try to place a bomb (in this case, a Converter) in a specific location, while defenders try to stop them or neutralise it. Because rounds are brief (approximately 2.5 minutes), the action is constant and the tempo is quick. However, FragPunk differs from its contemporaries in that it does not allow the rules to remain unchanging.
Players are shown a variety of Shard Cards—more than 150 at launch—before every round, which have the power to significantly alter the dynamics of the battlefield. From tactical enhancements like increasing jump height or converting bullets into chain lightning to blatantly ridiculous effects like making opponents’ heads larger for better headshots or requiring players to lay an egg they may eat to replenish their health, these cards have it all. By using Shard Points obtained via kills, assists, and objectives, each team votes on which cards to activate, introducing a layer of strategy that is both chaotic and engrossing. The outcome? An otherwise organised format is given a chaotic, arcade-like intensity by the fact that no two rounds are the same.
Lancers: Heroes with Attitude FragPunk has 13 playable characters called “Lancers,” each of them has unique skills and characteristics that strongly contribute to the punk rock atmosphere of the game. The group is a vibrant blend of stereotypes and oddballs, ranging from Broker, an explosive trap-setter with a money-obsessed swagger, to Axon, a punk rocker with a guitar and explosives. Though their shapes might not be as striking as those in Overwatch or Deadlock, their designs are incredibly stylish—imagine sci-fi flare combined with streets covered in graffiti. Players may adjust their playstyle to suit their mood thanks to the distinct abilities that each Lancer brings to the table, such as Hollowpoint’s ability to disclose enemies through sniping or Serket’s teleportation manoeuvres.
With more than 20 weapons—from shotguns and assault rifles to utility guns and daggers—the gunplay itself is strong. FragPunk adopts a run-and-gun attitude, in contrast to Valorant’s precision-focused gameplay; mobility seldom affects aim, promoting an aggressive, Call of Duty-esque style that fits perfectly with the game’s high-octane atmosphere. It’s unquestionably entertaining, especially when combined with the unpredictable effects of Shard Cards, even if it’s not as complex as some tactical shooters.
FragPunk is visually striking. A love letter to cyberpunk culture, its maps—more than ten at launch—burst with vivid colours, crisp lines, and a glitch-pop style. Player characters stand out against the backdrop of rich and readable locations, which range from neon-lit cityscapes to battlegrounds inspired by the universe. The game’s larger-than-life demeanour is reinforced by the stunning visuals of the kill animations. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the audio. In a game where fast reflexes are crucial, it can be frustrating to follow sneaky opponents since footsteps and ability indications might seem confused.
FragPunk provides a range of modes in addition to Shard Clash to keep things interesting. While Arcade mode alternates between more than 15 weekly challenges, ranging from melee-only fights to sniper duels, “Outbreak” sets people against zombies in a crazy survival twist. After a draw, a 1v1 “Duel” mode is activated, putting players’ raw skills to the test in a high-stakes match. Some of these side modes, such as the excessively lengthy Team Deathmatch, lack the pace of the card-driven main mode and feel more like filler than fully realised experiences, even though they increase replayability.
FragPunk is a free-to-play game that depends on microtransactions to stay afloat, and here is where it falters. Lancers, cosmetics, and battle pass tiers may be unlocked with the game’s incredible nine in-game currencies, which include Gold, Glunite, FragPunk Coins, and more. The monetisation feels predatory when you include premium memberships, paid loot boxes, and a complex user interface that constantly bombards gamers with advertisements. Shard Cards are free for everyone, however some players have complained that there aren’t enough interesting prizes to make the grind worthwhile due to the difficulty and expense of obtaining cosmetics or more characters. The usually player-friendly vibe of the game is in sharp contrast to this.
In a genre that tends to be safe, FragPunk is a welcome change. Its brilliant Shard Card system makes every match a wild experiment that promotes flexibility and cooperation. The Lancers have a lot of personality, the gunplay is enjoyable, and the graphics are impressive. It does have certain shortcomings, though. The aggressive monetisation runs the danger of alienating players before they can really embrace the lunacy, the side modes feel unbalanced, and the audio needs some work.
As of right now, FragPunk is a strong candidate—a punk rock outlaw taking on the well-dressed titans of the hero shooter genre. Bad Guitar Studio may establish a long-lasting niche if it can improve the economics, strike a balance, and fulfil its live-service promise with additional Lancers, maps, and cards. As of March 17, 2025, *FragPunk* is a crazy, flawed adventure that everyone looking for anything new should take. However, don’t anticipate that it will overthrow the giants just soon.
