Key points
- FragPunk's unique card-based mechanics offer variety and randomness that sets it apart from other hero shooters.
- FragPunk's closed beta will run from October 10th to October 21st, allowing more players to access the game across various platforms.
- New playable characters like Sonar and Spider, along with strategic Shard Cards, add depth and complexity to FragPunk's gameplay.
The ongoing 2024 Tokyo Game Show had more to reveal about NetEase Games' upcoming hero shooter Frag Punkincluding the game's upcoming closed beta testing program. THE Frag Punk The trailer also provided information on new playable Shard cards arriving for testing, as well as two other playable characters.
Despite some fatigue among the gaming public at the apparent glut of new hero shooters entering the market, Frag Punk seems to be attracting some attention for its innovative card game mechanics. In addition to the unique gimmicks each playable “Lancer” character can wield, Frag Punk Shard card abilities allow for a level of variety and randomness that might trump other games in the same genre. Some card powers range from relatively prosaic enhancements like incendiary ammunition to cards that can change the layout of the level, flipping areas to deny enemies a terrain advantage. The system could help settle down Frag Punk apart from its competition.
With a new trailer broadcast during TGS 2024, NetEase Games and developer Bad Guitar shed more light on the upcoming Frag Punk closed beta. According to a beta FAQ on the official website, the Frag Punk The closed beta will take place on October 10, 2024 and run until 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 wider range of players in more regions and languages, opening up the possibility for more players to enjoy it. The team also outlined two new playable Lancers that will be added to the closed beta roster: Spider and Sonar.
FragPunk Closed Beta Trailer Details: New Playable Spider Cards, Sonar, and Heroes
THE Frag Punk The closed beta trailer outlined some new cards that highlight 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-darkening effect is countered by the Glasses card safety, which significantly reduces the effect and duration of such flash effects. Another card, Blade Master, can block projectiles coming from the front and, combined with the Turtleback card, can offer a nearly impenetrable defense from both frontal and rear attacks.
The trailer also detailed two new playable Lancers: Sonar and Spider. With a design inspired by marine animals that also makes it look a little… World of Warcraft Draenei, Sonar can locate enemies and hide his teammates by masking the noise of their movements. The spider appears to have the ability to warp itself or other players, giving it the ability to set deadly traps and ambushes.
Despite its innovative mechanics and distinctive visual identity, Frag Punk may have an uphill battle for attention against competitors saturating the 2024 hero shooter market. This year, gamers are virtually inundated with high-quality hero shooters ranging from a resurgent industry Surveillance 2to brand-enhanced titles like rivals of wonder, and strongly supported favorites such as Valorant. Time and testing will have to show whether Frag Punk can get the attention it needs to sustain itself in the long term.
