If you’ve been playing hero shooters like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, or even Valorant, you might’ve stumbled upon a FragPunk ad on your social media apps. I have to commend Bad Guitar Studios' marketing campaign on this one; I was clearly their target audience. I saw the gameplay trailer, noticed its unique card gimmick, and decided to install it.
Little did I know I was in for a fun time, something that brought back the same excitement I felt when playing Valorant for the first time.
FragPunk is a breath of fresh air in the hero shooter genre, not because it deviates entirely from the usual formula, but because it adds a twist that makes every match dynamic. That twist is the game's unique Shard system.
The Shard System
The biggest hook for me is easily the game-changing Shard system. It's not just a set of passive perks like in Overwatch 2, it's a whole new mechanic that alters the way a match plays out.
Each player gets points (called Glumites) to spend on acquiring a Shard. At the start of each match, you're given a random selection of Shards to choose from. They can cost 3, 4, or 5 Glumites, and the more expensive they are, the stronger the advantages they provide.
Shards are true game changers, so choosing the one that best supports your team is key. For example, one Shard turns players planting the Bomb (or Converter) invisible. Another enlarges enemy heads; perfect for players who rely on precise headshots but need a little help with aim.
Other Shards go even further, altering the game world itself. You might summon a Blizzard that slows enemies or Rain that floods the map, causing players to slip and slide.
My personal favorite? A Shard that swaps your objective from Attacker to Defender, perfect for teams struggling to push a site but solid on defense.
No match ever feels the same thanks to these permutations. One game you’re throwing disco balls to force enemies to dance, and the next you’re pulling off double jumps or activating headshot bonuses.
The Heroes
The heroes (or Lancers) aren’t exactly groundbreaking, though they’re well-designed. They’re clearly inspired by existing hero shooters. For instance, Nitro feels a lot like Killjoy from Valorant, while Hollowpoint wields a sniper reminiscent of Chamber’s overpowered ultimate. It’s a trope that’s seen everywhere, and while I don’t see anything wrong with it, it could’ve used something far more unique.
What sets FragPunk apart is that you don’t have to charge up ultimates. Players can use their strongest abilities right from the start, leading to a faster TTK (Time to Kill) and making engagements feel more intense. There are no resources required to buy guns and abilities, you start with a set amount of skills, as well as a limited number of Guns to choose from. This ensures that players need to conserve their abilities and Gun selection on key moments, but if you’re playing casually, you can always go ham with anything.
While this can be frustrating in higher ranks, it offers a faster-paced alternative to Valorant’s more methodical approach.
READ: How To Uninstall Valorant
It’s Not a Valorant Killer
FragPunk is fun and delivers on intense engagements, but it’s not out to dethrone Valorant just yet. Its relatively modest player base (around 9,000 to 10,000 daily players) is a concern for some, as noted on its subreddit.
Still, for those seeking a new kind of hero shooter, that number isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With strong word-of-mouth and a genuinely unique Shard system, FragPunk has the potential to grow.
Thankfully, early feedback is promising, with over 36,000 players rating it “Mostly Positive” on Steam.
If Valorant has worn you down for any reason, FragPunk is a refreshing alternative. Its vibrant art style, satisfying gunplay, and unpredictable matches (thanks to its vast Shard variety) make it worth checking out. Some might even call it a roguelike hero shooter, but that’s a conversation for another time.