Sometimes innovation in video games doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. Just look at Valorant, Riot Games’ tac-shooter that borrows liberally from Counter-Strike and has taken the FPS and esports scene by storm. It’s proved that iterating on an established formula can be transformative, and now a new kid on the block is trying to do the same. Fragpunk is a fast-paced take on the familiar 5v5, bomb plant/defuse loop of those CS and Valorant, hoping to stand apart with a unique powerup card mechanic and cartoony graphics. But is it capable of muscling the genre’s heavy hitters off such a crowded scene, you ask? Maybe it doesn’t have to. My impression of Frapunk after a hands-on session at Summer Games Fest 2024 is that it’s likely to attract a more casual scene of players hungry for a competitive shooter of the same mold.
It’s fair to say FragPunk, at its core, shares more than a little DNA with iconic games like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. As someone who has spent countless hours in these tactical shooters, I’m always intrigued when there’s a newcomer on the horizon. Because as much as people would have you believe these sorts of games are plentiful, they aren’t. There are the two I’ve mentioned, Rainbow Six Siege, and that’s about it save for the likes of CrossFire — and who plays that? Sure, you could certainly say the hero shooter scene is crowded, but Frapunk isn’t really part of that in a traditional sense, either. Like Valorant it straddles the line between tac-shooter and hero-shooter and ends up somewhere in between.
But unlike Valorant, FragPunk introduces an innovative twist: Shard Cards, which dramatically alter each round’s dynamics. Players vote on these cards before each round, adding a layer of strategy that keeps every match fresh and unpredictable. During my session, I noticed how each card’s effect could significantly influence the gameplay of a given round. That makes sense given the team is dubbing Fragpunk a “rule-changing hero shooter.” Cards can amplify jump height, turn bullets into chain lightning, or even resurrect teammates, which keeps the experience fresh throughout a match.
But FragPunk’s gameplay still feels somewhat tactical, albeit more frantic than other similar games. Each round lasts 2.5 minutes, but the pace of play within those rounds defines its swiftness. The movement is notably faster than Valorant, providing a blend of chaos and tactical depth that I think will cater to folks who enjoy Call of Duty equally.
The gunplay felt pretty solid; much less punishing in recoil and precision than Valorant but still required a degree of skill and precision to hit shots. Unfortunately, it’s an ADS affair rather than hipfire, which Valorant and Counter-Strike players won’t appreciate. The weapons are still somewhat accurate from hipfire, but I would have preferred the higher skill ceiling of a point-and-click experience that, in my opinion, better suits close-range, round-based games like this. Thankfully, the time-to-kill is still low, and headshots are a one-tap.
FragPunk features 10 heroes, each with distinct abilities, alongside 15 customizable weapons. The diversity in hero abilities and weapon options allows players to develop unique playstyles. For instance, one hero might excel in close-quarters combat with a shotgun, while another might support the team with defensive abilities. The weapon customization options, ranging from faster shooting assault rifles to burst-fire pistols, add another layer of personalization to the combat experience.
The game’s aesthetic is heavily stylized, featuring map designs adorned with graffiti and vibrant colors. This art gives the Fragpunk a distinct ambiance that complements its high-octane gameplay. Now, if you’re getting sick of games with cartoony art styles, you’re not alone, but ultimately this does fit Fragpunk like a glove.
FragPunk’s gameplay session at Summer Games Fest was a pleasant surprise. The combination of fast-paced action and strategic card mechanics sets it apart from other shooters in the market –even if at its core the formula is well established. I do think the Shard Card system adds an interesting layer of depth that should prove novel enough to keep players engaged. Crucially, it could serve as an entry point for those players who consider Valorant and Counter-Strike too sweaty but want a tactical round-based experience.
Indeed, FragPunk has the potential to carve out its niche in the crowded hero shooter genre. Whether you’re a seasoned tactical shooter veteran or a newcomer to the genre, FragPunk –so far– seems to offer a platform for a wide range of players. Let’s just hope Valorant’s upcoming console launch doesn’t eat its lunch.
