How FragPunk’s Shard Cards Are Revolutionizing First-Person Shooters

We’re excited to let you know that FragPunk is gearing up for its launch on April 29, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox app for Windows PC. This free-to-play title brings something unique to the table with its Shard Cards—innovative gameplay modifiers that shake up the traditional FPS experience. Both newcomers and seasoned gamers will find new levels of suspense and strategy in every match.

### Creating Unexpected Dynamics

The inspiration to blend a card system into an FPS came from Chang Xin, FragPunk’s producer, who is a sports enthusiast. Drawing parallels from sports, where rule changes are made to heighten excitement, Xin realized that similar dynamics could invigorate FPS games. For example, Europe’s King’s League spices up soccer with item-based elements, adding layers of unpredictability. Even in a fairness-heavy sport like soccer, a dash of randomness contributes to a thrilling experience, a concept that Xin saw as ripe for FPS adoption.

Traditionally, FPS games aim for balance and strategy, often making matches predictable. Shard Cards in FragPunk are here to stir things up, offering players new tactics and strategic depth, no matter their skill level.

### Building Cards

Developing Shard Cards came with its own hurdles for the team at Bad Guitar Studio. Initially, they faced the challenge of maintaining balance while introducing new card designs. The early versions were tightly bound to core mechanics, limiting creativity. However, the team soon realized that truly disrupting gameplay meant freeing themselves from existing constraints.

Take “Dimensional Travel” as an example. Initially, it let players shift between two worlds, but this proved cumbersome. The design evolved, making players invisible to enemies without actually changing the map, cleverly giving the illusion of parallel worlds.

### Balancing Fun and Competition

Concerns about cards affecting the game’s competitive nature were addressed head-on. The core idea is to ramp up suspense and tactical diversity while keeping essential shooting skills intact. New players found this card system particularly refreshing, enjoying more varied and unpredictable match outcomes compared to traditional FPS games.

Each card is crafted with a tactical framework in mind. Players can combine Shard Cards for unique strategies, like the “Blade Master + Turtleback” combo to block bullets from all sides. In ranked modes, strategic cards are carefully selected and balanced using a ban-pick system to maintain fairness and encourage smart play.

### Breaking the Rules

FragPunk offers various game modes, but the heart of the experience is its Shard Clash bomb defusal mode. The goal here is innovation—cards like “Mission Bound” provide invincibility when planting, while “Throw to Plant” allows you to plant by tossing an item, radically altering the tactical landscape of bomb defusal games.

The Shard Card system makes sure no two matches are alike, breaking FPS conventions and providing a truly unique gameplay experience.

FragPunk launches April 29, 2025. Be sure to add it to your wish list and prepare to dive into a world where rules are made to be broken. For more details, visit the FragPunk product page, and keep up with us on Discord, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram.

### Special Bundles and More

Before its release, grab the FragPunk Pioneer Bundle for exclusive skins, stickers, and a premium battle pass. Don’t miss out, as this pre-order offer is limited.

With FragPunk, bending the rules is only the beginning. Get ready to explore endless possibilities with over 100 Shard Cards, dynamic hero choices, and vibrant map designs for a gaming experience you won’t forget.