Following the massive success of Marvel Rivals and with a growing lineup of live service games like Naraka: Bladepoint and Once Human, NetEase has set its sights on the hero shooter genre with FragPunk. Developed by Bad Guitar Studio, a newly established internal team filled with dedicated FPS enthusiasts, the game blends familiar mechanics with fresh innovations. After spending an hour testing a new character and an unrevealed map, it became clear that the developers have a strong attention to detail.

  FragPunk’s core mode, 5v5 Shard Clash, initially seems like a standard team-based hero shooter but introduces a range of mechanics that set it apart. The structure of each round closely resembles Counter-Strike’s bomb defusal system, with one team planting an explosive at a designated site while the other defends. The compact maps keep matches intense and fast-paced, demanding quick decision-making and teamwork.

 

  Players choose from a roster of unique characters known as Lancers, each equipped with their own set of abilities. During our session, we tested Chum, a stone-like robot accompanied by a mechanical anglerfish companion named Chomper. Chum can throw projectiles akin to sticky bombs and smoke grenades while Chomper assists by tracking and biting enemies, dealing minor but consistent damage like a mobile turret. Chomper can also be augmented using pet treats, making it explode on contact or leaving behind a smokescreen for strategic cover. With a sturdy frame and defensive capabilities, Chum is an ideal choice for newcomers looking for a balanced playstyle.

  Lancers offer a mix of offensive, defensive, and tactical abilities. Some characters deploy barriers for cover, set traps, or grant speed boosts, while others provide vision-enhancing skills that reveal enemy locations. In our playthrough, Nitro’s drone and turret combo allowed us to rack up assists, while Axon’s aggressive skill set—featuring projectile bombs and a unique guitar-shaped weapon—provided a different playstyle entirely.

 

  What truly differentiates FragPunk from other hero shooters is its Shard Card system. At the start of each round, teams receive three random cards that alter the rules of engagement. Some offer straightforward buffs like increased damage or defense, while others have more dramatic effects, such as enlarging enemy heads for easier headshots or automatically equipping helmets for protection. Some cards drastically change gameplay dynamics—one granted our team a proximity detector that alerted us to nearby foes, while another slowly regenerated our health over time. Certain cards even introduce active effects, allowing players to swap health bars with enemies, exchange gear mid-match, or teleport into a parallel dimension to reposition for a surprise attack.

  The variety is overwhelming at first, with over 150 Shard Cards to discover, but after a few rounds, the system becomes second nature. The ever-changing conditions ensure that no two matches play out the same way, pushing players to constantly adapt their tactics. According to creative director Shing Chang, inspiration for the system came from traditional sports, where rule modifications are introduced to keep games engaging.

  FragPunk also features a unique tiebreaker mechanic. When a match ends in a draw, it transitions into a one-on-one duel mode, reminiscent of Call of Duty’s Warzone Gulag. Players face off in rapid elimination rounds within compact, vertically designed arenas. The developers even turned this into a standalone mode called Duel Master, offering another way to experience fast-paced showdowns.

  Each map in FragPunk introduces interactive elements that add strategic depth. During our playtest, we explored Dong Tian, a newly revealed battleground inspired by East Asian architecture. One of its key mechanics allows players to rotate bomb sites using shifting walls, creating opportunities for both attackers and defenders. As level designer An Yuan explained, this encourages teams to control specific zones to gain a tactical advantage. Other maps feature mechanics such as transformable bridges and teleporters, rewarding players who take the time to learn their intricacies.

  Visually, FragPunk is stunning. Its punk-infused, sci-fi aesthetic pops with vibrant colors and eye-catching effects. The design philosophy ensures that maps remain readable while characters stand out clearly, making it easy to follow the action. Even the UI and menus boast a stylish, graffiti-accented presentation, reminiscent of the bold art direction seen in games like Persona or Street Fighter 6.

  In addition to Shard Clash and Duel modes, FragPunk will include a variety of other modes aimed at both competitive and casual players. The development team, composed largely of experienced FPS players, has also implemented features to make the game approachable for newcomers, as well as tools designed to enhance the experience for streamers and their audiences.

  FragPunk is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 6, and it’s shaping up to be a fresh and exciting addition to the hero shooter landscape.