The ongoing 2024 Tokyo Game Show has unveiled additional details regarding NetEase Games’ forthcoming hero shooter, FragPunk, including the schedule for its next closed beta test. The latest trailer for FragPunk introduced new playable Shard Cards that will be featured in the upcoming test, along with two additional characters.
Despite a sense of saturation among gamers due to the influx of new hero shooters, FragPunk is attracting interest with its unique card game mechanics. Each “Lancer” character possesses distinctive abilities, while the Shard Card system introduces a level of diversity and unpredictability that may surpass other titles in the genre. Card powers vary from standard enhancements, such as incendiary ammunition, to more transformative effects that can alter the battlefield, potentially denying opponents advantageous positions. This innovative approach could distinguish FragPunk from its rivals.
During TGS 2024, NetEase Games and developer Bad Guitar provided further insights into the upcoming closed beta for FragPunk. As detailed in a beta FAQ on the official website, the closed beta is set to commence on October 10, 2024, and will run until October 21, available on PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S. Players can register through Steam or the Xbox Insider Hub app on their respective platforms. This new closed beta will be accessible to a broader audience across various regions and languages, allowing more players to participate. Additionally, the team announced the inclusion of two new Lancers, Spider and Sonar, to the closed beta lineup.
FragPunk Closed Beta Trailer Reveals New Cards, Sonar, and Playable Heroes Including Spider.
The closed beta trailer for FragPunk introduced several new cards that highlight the strategic elements of the Shard Card system. Certain cards can effectively counter others; for instance, the Flashlight card, which creates a screen-blanking effect similar to a flashbang, can be mitigated by the Safety Glasses card, significantly diminishing both the impact and duration of such effects. Additionally, the Blade Master card is capable of blocking frontal attacks, and when paired with the Turtleback card, it provides formidable protection against assaults from both the front and rear.
The trailer also showcased two new playable Lancers: Sonar and Spider. Sonar, designed with inspiration from marine life and reminiscent of a World of Warcraft Draenei, possesses the ability to detect enemies while simultaneously masking her teammates’ movement sounds. On the other hand, Spider appears to have the capability to warp himself or other players, enabling him to create lethal traps and ambush scenarios.
Despite its unique mechanics and striking visual style, FragPunk faces a challenging landscape in the competitive hero shooter market of 2024. This year, players are inundated with a plethora of high-quality hero shooters, including the revitalized Overwatch 2, brand-driven titles like Marvel Rivals, and well-supported favorites such as Valorant. Only time and further testing will reveal if FragPunk can capture the attention necessary for long-term viability.
