NetEase Games and Bad Guitar Studio have announced a new Closed Beta Test for FragPunk, set to run from October 10 to 21 on Steam and Xbox Series X|S. As part of the next stage in the game’s development, this beta introduces fresh content alongside crossplay functionality, inviting players from North America, Europe, Latin America, Japan, and Korea to get a taste of what’s coming. Those who participated in the previous alpha test will automatically gain access through their Steam libraries, while Xbox players can register through the Xbox Insider Hub app, and PC players via Steam.
But it’s the new content that has me excited. Revealed at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 Xbox showcase, the beta includes two new Lancers, fresh maps, and a handful of exciting Shard Cards designed to shake up each round’s dynamics in unexpected ways (trailer below). After getting hands-on with the game at Summer Games Fest earlier this year, I’m looking forward to seeing how the new features dial up the action and strategy.
What’s New in FragPunk’s Beta?
The new map, Tzab, offers a fresh battleground for FragPunk’s explosive 5v5 matches, while the addition of two support-oriented Lancers — Sonar and Spider — should add further strategy to team compositions. Sonar’s buffs are especially enticing for those looking to play a more tactical role, and Spider brings similar benefits with different, team-boosting abilities. Both characters seem ideal for players who enjoy being the backbone of a squad, providing critical support to secure the win.
Elsewhere, there are new cards: the “Birdman” card grants the ability to glide across the battlefield, while “Flashlight” and “Safety Glasses” counter each other’s flashbang effects.
Back at Summer Games Fest 2024, the Shard Card system impressed as a mechanic to add an extra layer of depth to what might otherwise be a familiar formula. As someone who has clocked countless hours in Valorant and Counter-Strike, I was curious if FragPunk would feel like more of the same — another 5v5 bomb defuse game in an increasingly crowded genre.
During my play session, I found the Shard Cards often flipped the script in unexpected ways. For instance, one round saw a card that doubled jump height, completely changing how the map played and how teams approached their strategy.
In terms of gunplay, FragPunk feels much more frantic, closer to the speed of Call of Duty, but with enough tactical elements to keep it from descending into pure chaos. While the game lacks the precision-based gunplay of its competitors — the reliance on ADS (aim-down-sights) might be off-putting to some — it makes up for this with a lower time-to-kill and generous headshot damage, ensuring that firefights still reward skilled aim.
What makes FragPunk interesting is that it occupies a unique space between tactical shooters and hero shooters. While it leans into round-based, objective-driven gameplay, the Shard Cards and customizable weapons give it a flexibility that I think should appeal to different types of players. At its core, FragPunk feels like a game that understands it doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it iterates on a proven formula to create something that feels engaging.
As I’ve said before, FragPunk doesn’t need to unseat the titans of the tactical shooter genre. Its unique blend of card-based strategy, fast-paced combat, and vibrant visuals give it plenty of appeal, especially for players who find games like Valorant or Counter-Strike a little too sweaty. I should make it the perfect entry point for those who love the idea of a competitive shooter but want something a bit more approachable.
Xin Chang, creative director and producer of FragPunk said of the upcoming beta:
“The Closed Beta Test will give players a fresh new look at FragPunk and give them the opportunity to provide our team with the feedback we need to make the game as balanced and fun as it can be as it draws nearer to its launch. We’re very grateful for player feedback so far and are excited to bring the game to even more players with this new test.”
You can register for the FragPunk Closed Beta Test on Steam and Xbox Series X|S ahead of October 10.
