FragPunk has arrived on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, bringing players a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter featuring a roster of unique characters known as Lancers, high-stakes action, and plenty of epic moments. Those diving into the game may still be learning the ropes, especially when it comes to one unique feature.
FragPunk carries over many elements from previous shooters, such as the ability to equip any weapon of the player’s choice at the start of each round, along with the option to choose different characters with unique skills. However, the Shard Card system may catch some players off guard. Here’s a guide to understanding what Shard Cards are and how they work in FragPunk.
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What Are Shard Cards (& How Do They Work) In FragPunk?
Rule-Making Phase Explained
Shard Cards are one of the more unique features in FragPunk. Shard Cards act as an element that allows players to change the rules of each round, with each Shard Card offering its very own unique effects. Before each round begins, teams will be given a random set of Shard Cards pulled from each player’s available Shard Card collection.
Here, team members can inject their available Shard Points to activate their desired Shard Card, with the number of Shard Points needed to activate each one displayed at the top of the card. Alternatively, if players do not like the selection of Shard Cards presented to them, they can use their Shard Points to draw another Shard Card by clicking the refresh button beneath each one.
The number of Shard Points will be displayed under the player’s banner, either at the top of the screen during the rule-making phase or just underneath their health bar once the round has started, allowing players to always track how many Shard Points they have available. Shard Points can also be earned during each game by gaining eliminations, streaks, assists, or simply finding and looting them off the ground.
While Shard Points can be earned and spent at the start of each round, all unspent Shard Points will carry over to the next round, meaning that players can save up their Shard Points if they wish. The more Shard Points each player has, the more Shard Cards they can activate in a round.
How To Activate Shard Cards
Most Shard Cards are activated at the start of each round, applying their effects immediately after use. However, some Shard Cards, known as Special Shard Cards, can be activated manually. To activate a Special Shard Card, players will need to press the Special Shard Card button, which can be altered within the Keyboard or Controller tab in FragPunk’s settings. All active Shard Cards will be displayed just to the right of the Lancers Skills at the bottom of the screen.
How To Unlock Shard Cards In FragPunk
While players will be given access to a roster of Shard Cards right from the start, additional Shard Cards can also be unlocked by completing matches. Players can view all their unlocked Shard Cards via the main menu by heading to the Shard Card tab and selecting the Handbook. Here, players can browse through their unlocked Shard Cards and learn each of their effects, along with how many Shard Points they cost, to become better acquainted with how they work.
Once a Shard Card is unlocked, it will have a chance to appear during the rule-making phase of each round in a real game.
- Released
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March 6, 2025
- PC Release Date
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March 26, 2025