FragPunk - Free-to-Play 5v5 Hero Shooter with Shard Card System logo

    FragPunk

    Revolutionize Your Gaming with Fragpunk Steam Edition

    FragPunk is a newly released free-to-play 5v5 hero shooter developed and published by Bad Guitar Studio, a division of NetEase's Thunder Fire Studio. It launched on March 6, 2025, and has quickly gained popularity on Steam, peaking at nearly 114,000 concurrent players within days of release. Below is a summary of the game's features and reception:

    Gameplay Features

    • Shard Cards System: Players unlock over 150 "Shard Cards" that provide unique bonuses or effects during matches. Teams vote on which cards to use at the start of each round, adding strategic depth and randomness to gameplay. Effects range from increasing bullet damage to quirky mechanics like making enemy heads larger or covering the arena in ice.
    • Fast-Paced Matches: Matches are shorter compared to similar games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, requiring only four round wins to secure victory. This makes it more accessible for casual players.
    • Hero Shooter Mechanics: Players can choose any weapon at the start of a match but face restrictions if they die twice with the same weapon before switching sides.
    • Unique Duel Mode: If both teams reach match point (3 rounds each), the game enters a one-on-one duel mode where players battle individually in sequence until one team emerges victorious.

    Technical Details

    • Developed using Unreal Engine.
    • Compatible with Windows and works well on Linux and Steam Deck via Proton. However, some initial setup is required on Steam Deck to accept the Privacy Policy in Desktop Mode before switching back to Gaming Mode.
    • Performance on Steam Deck is solid at 60 FPS with low settings, though some visual compromises are noticeable.

    Reception

    • The game initially received mixed reviews due to aggressive monetization practices (e.g., multiple premium currencies and battle passes). However, its rating improved to "Mostly Positive" (71% approval) after three days as players adjusted to its mechanics and monetization model.
    • Ranked as the 6th Top Seller on Steam shortly after launch, indicating strong revenue performance despite being free-to-play.

    Monetization

    FragPunk employs aggressive monetization strategies, including multiple memberships, premium battle passes, and nine types of in-game currencies. While this drew criticism at launch, it appears to be financially successful.

    Conclusion

    FragPunk offers an innovative twist on the hero shooter genre with its Shard Cards system and fast-paced gameplay. While its monetization model remains controversial, its accessibility and unique mechanics have made it a hit among players. The game is available for free on Steam and has plans for future updates, including console releases.