Well, we have good news for all the interested fans of NetEase Games’ brand new hero shooter – FragPunk out of Tokyo Game Show 2024. During the event, we found out when the next closed beta will happen as well as new characters making their debuts and more details on how the game is changing how battles are fought in a card-based manner, to get us ready for its release.
Competition in the hero shooter sphere is already pretty stiff, but FragPunk should be helped along by that unique Shard Card system which seems to teeter between the strategic and the chaotic. These announcements came with the introduction of two new playable characters, Spider and Sonar that bring some fresh gameplay styles to the roster.
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Closed Beta Details for FragPunk (Press Release)
NetEase Games and Bad Guitar, the developer of FragPunk who previously worked on ZilogZ (Remember we wrote about it not too long ago when it initially soft launched), have announced that their next closed beta will run from October 10 to October 21, 2024, during the Tokyo Game Show. This beta is available to players on both PC (via Steam) and Xbox Series X|S, with sign-ups already opened through the Steam or Xbox Insider Hub app.
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Unlike the previous beta tests, this one will be accessible to even wider audience since it includes more regions and languages so that the larger player base can get a first taste of the unique gameplay direction FragPunk is going for. With a wealth of new content for those wanting to jump in the Beta offers additional Shard Cards and two new characters.
What Is So Special About FragPunk
It is smartly playing off of the crowded hero shooter space that currently sees Blizzard Entertainment working on Overwatch 2 and Riot Games continuing to build on the success of Valorant. The Shard Card system is unique to the game, adding a lot of random and fun strategy.
Every character, or “Lancer,” has their own abilities to bring to the table, but it’s the Shard Cards that really mix things up. These archetypes can influence gameplay, where players have access to many different powers mid-match.
Shard Card mechanics extend beyond mere powerups. For example,”Incendiary Ammunition” ability cards enhance offensive capabilities and some abilities such as “Blade Master” are used to give defensive advantages by intercepting enemy attacks. Cards may change the local environment, such as flipping mutliple map sectors to expose new tactical manuevers while divest your foes of their home field advantage.
The New Additions: Sonar and Spider
A highlight also appeared in the trailer, and two new Lancers were displayed: Sonar and Spider, offering different play styles for players to select.
Sonar is the one ocean animal inspired design, focusing around stealth and detection. She can also sniff out enemies and retreat her team to hide their footsteps. The power of her skills will benefit any team who tries to catch their opponents off-guard or play sneaky.
Spider (definitely not creepy at all): Spider mixes things up with his teleporting capabilities, warping around the arena to lay lethal traps. He is a dangerous ambusher and positional playerthanks to his ability to distort space.
The headline attraction is the new gunmage character class, which looks to shake up FragPunk’s diversity quotient and give players new tactics to test drive during beta.
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Will FragPunk Stand Out in a Crowded Market?
FragPunk has a number of really cool things in its favour, but it is just one good idea amongst many. The hero shooter market is full with big games like Valorant, Marvel Rivals, and the enduring Overwatch 2. But maybe that strategic card-based element, combined with some unique character designs, might be the thing that helps FragPunk differentiate itself.
It’s still up in the air if FragPunk can find a home in this super busy genre, but signing up for the beta is one classic way to give it a shot. Now competitive boys (and girls?) Everywhere are waiting to see if this hero shooter has what it takes to provide the depth and excitement needed in a crowded arena.
October 10, 2024 remembers, and prepare yourself for the new look of FragPunk in October so you can see exactly what kind of tech this game is coming with as a beta build.
[…] Read also: Tokyo Game Show 2024 Brings the Date for FragPunk Beta & Two New Characters […]