FragPunk
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Action, FPP, science fiction, free-to-play, FPS, online, shooters, multiplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
An online hero shooter with a punk aesthetic, offered in a free-to-play model with microtransactions. In FragPunk there are two 5-person teams fighting each other (attackers and defenders). We can modify the way we play using special cards, allowing us to change our style, revive other players or reverse the roles on the battlefield.
FragPunk is a multiplayer science-fiction FPS, belonging to the so-called hero shooter genre and distributed in a free-to-play model with microtransactions. The project is backed by the Bad Guitar Studio team, which belongs to the Chinese company NetEase.
Gameplay
In FragPunk the action is viewed from the first-person perspective (FPP). The gameplay involves conducting short (lasting 2.5 minutes), but dynamic team battles. During them, one group assumes the role of attackers, while the players from the second group are tasked with the role of defenders.
Players and arsenal
The game provides us with a range of characters, which have been diversified in terms of preferred weaponry, combat skills, and fighting style. As for the weapons that fall into our hands - the arsenal includes machine guns, shotguns or sniper rifles. Additionally, some guns are equipped with special abilities that can provide us with an additional advantage on the battlefield.
Cards
The fun is enhanced by so-called Shard Cards, which change from round to round, modify our abilities on the battlefield, and also affect the rules of the game. Among them, we can find cards that allow us to jump to greater heights and resurrect fallen players, or ignite our bullets or swap the positions of attackers and defenders.
Game modes
FragPunk allows for multiplayer fun over the Internet for a maximum of 10 players (two five-person teams).
Graphics
The graphic design of FragPunk is maintained in a loud, "punk" style. This applies especially to the designs of characters and weapons.
Videos and Screens
[1:06] FragPunk - Plasma Weapon Skin Showcase Trailer
[0:57] FragPunk - Hollowpoint Gameplay Reveal Trailer
IGN: 7 / 10 by Justin Koreis
FragPunk takes the tactical squad FPS in some strange and fun new directions, anchored by its fascinating and frequently chaos-inducing Shard Cards, but it's hurt by an overly complex web of in-game currencies and unremarkable cosmetics.
GamingBolt: 7 / 10 by Ravi Sinha
If you want a break from Valorant, Bad Guitar Studio's FragPunk is an entertaining distraction. Just don't count on the same level of tactical depth.
PC Gamer: 83 / 100 by Echo Apsey
Fragpunk's bold decision to break almost every rule in the book leads to a captivating shooter.
The main pros of the game
- Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The Shard Card system adds variety and unpredictability to each match, ensuring that no two rounds feel the same.
- Engaging Gunplay: Players consistently praise the gun mechanics, noting that shooting feels smooth and satisfying.
- Visual Aesthetic: The art style is described as vibrant and appealing, with a mix of punk and cyberpunk influences that set it apart from other shooters.
- Optimized Performance: Many users report that the game runs smoothly, even on lower-end hardware, which enhances the overall experience.
- Diverse Character Roster: The game features a variety of characters (Lancers) with unique abilities, allowing for different play styles and strategies.
- Solid Community Engagement: The developers appear to listen to player feedback and are committed to improving the game over time.
The main cons of the game
- Complex Monetization System: Many players express frustration over the numerous currencies and monetization strategies, including microtransactions and gacha mechanics, which can feel overwhelming and exploitative.
- Confusing Menus: The user interface and navigation through menus are often described as cluttered and confusing, making it difficult for players to find what they need.
- Slower Movement: Some users feel that the movement speed has been negatively impacted compared to the beta, making the gameplay feel less dynamic.
- Character Unlocking Process: The grind to unlock new characters is seen as excessive, with some players stating that it takes a significant amount of time to earn enough in-game currency.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Simplified Currency System: Players desire a more straightforward currency system to reduce confusion and streamline the purchasing process.
- Improved Menu Navigation: A more organized and less cluttered menu system is requested to enhance user experience.
- Increased Accessibility for Character Unlocking: Many players hope for a reduction in the time required to unlock characters or more opportunities for free character access.
- Balancing Adjustments: Some users note that certain cards or abilities may need rebalancing to prevent frustration during matches.
Summary
- Overall, while FragPunk has received praise for its innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics, concerns regarding monetization, user interface complexity, and character progression remain prominent among players.
Summary generated on:
FragPunk Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows March 7, 2025
PlayStation 5 March 2025
Xbox Series X/S March 2025
Developer: Bad Guitar Studio
Publisher: Bad Guitar Studio
Age restrictions: 16+
FragPunk System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i7 / AMD Zen 2, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / Intel Arc A380, 35 GB SSD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7 / AMD Zen 3, 32 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce RTX 2060 / 8 GB Intel Arc A580, 35 GB SSD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
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