FragPunk Impresses at Summer Game Fest with Unique Gameplay Style
Recently introduced at the Summer Game Fest, FragPunk quickly captivated players with its distinctive gameplay style that combines elements from various popular games. The blend of tactical inspiration from Valorant with a random upgrade system reminiscent of Slay the Spire brings a refreshing breeze to the traditional FPS genre.
Released on March 6, FragPunk Quickly Gained Player Attention on Steam
Upon its release on March 6, FragPunk rapidly attracted a significant player base on Steam. However, the presence of nine in-game currencies and a complicated purchasing system has sparked frustration within the community. Despite the engaging and creative gameplay, the game’s monetization strategy has drawn critiques, especially as it maintains a player count of over 50,000 at peak times, while the game itself is rated 67% on Steam, indicating some dissatisfaction. This primarily stems from the complex transaction system, which many feel is overly intricate from the publisher’s side.
Specifically, FragPunk offers nine types of in-game currencies, two Battle Pass packages (Premium and Ultra), and two subscription options (monthly and yearly) that allow players to unlock characters and special skins. At launch, the game features only five characters (Lancers), while players must unlock additional characters through a challenging progression system. According to estimates, it takes about 35 hours of gameplay to unlock a new character, costing up to 18,888 in-game currency or 488 FragPunk Coins (the currency used for real money purchases).
The community’s response to FragPunk has been mixed. Many players appreciate the engaging gameplay, yet the intricate transaction system has left some feeling frustrated. Players report that after over 100 matches, unlocking a new character remains a challenge. Additionally, some users have encountered difficulties locating the start button in matches due to the overwhelming advertisement for in-game purchases everywhere. Furthermore, many players feel that the character movement in the game is clunkier compared to the beta version, which negatively impacts the overall experience.
