Summary
- FragPunk's console release was delayed at the last minute due to unexpected technical challenges during compliance testing.
- NetEase offers compensation to pre-ordering players, and promises to deliver bonuses upon console launch.
- FragPunk aims to stand out in the hero shooter market with unique gameplay aspects and continual player feedback integration.
Unfortunately for fans, FragPunk's console release has been pushed back at the last minute, with publisher NetEase announcing pre-order cancelation and compensation plans. The 5v5 hero shooter is trying to break into a crowded market dominated by giants like Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, though FragPunk is offering its own unique take on the genre thanks to its unique style.
Revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2024, FragPunk turned plenty of heads thanks to its visual style and gameplay aspects, which include over 70 cards. These cards can be played to change the flow of the match by introducing gameplay-altering effects like giving big heads to the enemy team, adding elemental effects to bullets, and many more. While fans were anticipating finally getting their hands on the shooter this week, NetEase revealed an unfortunate announcement.
FragPunk Creative Director Talks Competing in the Hero Shooter Genre as a New IP
In an interview with The Best War Games, Bad Guitar's creative director Xin Chang speaks on Fragpunk's plans to take on the hero shooter scene.
Following all the positivity from FragPunk's closed beta tests and just a couple of days before launch, NetEase surprisingly announced that the PlayStation and Xbox versions were receiving a delay. PC players are unaffected, with that version still launching on March 6. NetEase admitted that the team encountered “unexpected technical challenges in optimization and adaptation” during the console compliance testing process. Instead of releasing a compromised version, the publisher made the tough decision to delay the console version.
FragPunk Announces Player Compensation Plans
After apologizing for the delay, NetEase confirmed that pre-orders on Xbox and PlayStation will be automatically initiated and that the bonuses will be made available in a limited-time way once the console versions launch. In addition, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players will be getting all rewards earned through player engagement from the start of FragPunk Season 1 until the console version is released, including cosmetics, in-game currency, and XP. Players who pre-ordered on console will also get in-game currency worth $10 once the console edition launches.
As players wait for news on a new launch date, FragPunk appears to be set up for success, even within a crowded hero shooter market. NetEase has already proven success in this market with Marvel Rivals, and developer Bad Guitar Studio has continued to make plenty of changes thanks to player feedback following the FragPunk beta tests. If FragPunk is able to quickly address issues while continually adding new content to keep players engaged, FragPunk may have a good shot at sticking around.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 74 /100 Critics Rec: 56%
- Released
- March 6, 2025
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Bad Guitar Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Bad Guitar Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
FragPunk is a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter with powerup cards that change the rules of each round! Choose your hero, your weapons, and pick from a selection of cards that dramatically change the rules of engagement!
Bend the rules with Shard Cards!
No two rounds of FragPunk are ever the same. Discover over 70 Shard Cards with an activatable selection that changes every round creating new and unique combinations that create infinite possibilities! Cards can amplify your jump height, reverse the roles of attackers and defenders, engulf your bullets in flame or turn them into chain lightning, and even may resurrect you and your team!
Frantic 5v5 Hero Shooter!
Each round lasts about 2.5 minutes, so get a move on! The short TTK means you have to aim well and react fast to win the fight. Pick between 10 heroes with diverse abilities, customize your weapon combination, choose your cards and get ready for a fight!
Variety that fuels replayability
Pick your favorite hero from a selection of 10, each with their own unique abilities. Find your favorite guns among the 15 available, some which have special abilities, like shooting faster over time, bursts and more! Discover new hero, weapon and card combinations and develop your personal combat style!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
- 1-10
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- March 26, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- April 29, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- April 29, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Action, FPS, Multiplayer
- Platform(s)
- PC
- File Size Xbox Series
- 50 GB
