FragPunk, the electrifying 5v5 tactical hero shooter that has taken the PC gaming world by storm, is finally making its way to consoles. NetEase Games and developer Bad Guitar Studio have confirmed that FragPunk will launch on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on April 29, 2025, bringing its chaotic, rule-breaking gameplay to a broader audience. The announcement, which came alongside a high-octane console gameplay trailer, has sparked excitement among fans eager to experience the game’s innovative Shard Card system and vibrant combat on their preferred platforms. With full crossplay, aim assist, and exclusive launch rewards, FragPunk is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive shooter landscape this year.
Since its PC debut on March 6, 2025, FragPunk has garnered attention for its fresh take on the hero shooter genre. The game peaked at over 113,000 concurrent players on Steam during its launch week, a testament to its appeal among gamers craving something new. The Shard Card system, which allows players to break the rules of combat by introducing random buffs, debuffs, and game-changing effects each round, ensures that no two matches are ever the same. Whether you’re shooting allies to boost their speed or facing off in a tense 1v1 Duel mode after a tie, FragPunk delivers unpredictable, high-stakes action that keeps players on their toes. Now, console players will get to experience this chaos firsthand, with the game optimized for controllers and enhanced for next-gen hardware.
The console launch comes with several key features designed to ensure a seamless and competitive experience. Full crossplay and cross-progression support mean that players on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC can squad up or compete against each other without barriers. Whether you’re a console gamer teaming up with friends on PC or a PC player looking to carry your progress to a console, FragPunk’s cross-platform functionality has you covered. This feature is expected to revitalize the game’s player base, which has dipped to around 12,000 concurrent players on Steam as of early April, by bringing in a fresh wave of console gamers eager to join the fray.
To ensure console players can compete on equal footing, FragPunk includes a tailored aim assist system and optimized controls. Bad Guitar Studio has emphasized that the game feels “fluid and fun” on controllers, with aim assist designed to maintain parity with mouse-and-keyboard users while offering precision for competitive play. The console version also boasts enhanced visuals, taking advantage of the Xbox Series X/S and PS5’s hardware to deliver the game’s stylized, colorful art direction in stunning detail. From the neon-lit arenas to the dynamic character designs, FragPunk’s aesthetic is set to shine on next-gen consoles, making every match a visual spectacle.
As a thank-you to console players for their patience—following a delay from an earlier planned release—FragPunk is offering generous launch rewards. Players on Xbox and PlayStation will gain access to exclusive time-limited event rewards available from the start of Season 1 through April 29, 2025. Those who purchased the Pioneer Bundle on console will also receive additional gifts, with more details on rewards and distribution to be revealed closer to launch. These incentives are a nod to the game’s strong PC debut and a way to welcome console players into the FragPunk community with open arms, ensuring they don’t miss out on the Season 1 action that PC players have already enjoyed.
Despite its success, FragPunk’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The game faced criticism at launch for its heavy reliance on microtransactions, with nine in-game currencies and two subscription systems drawing scrutiny from some players. While such monetization is standard in free-to-play models, many felt FragPunk leaned too heavily on premium offerings, a sentiment that may carry over to the console release. However, the game’s core gameplay—described by some fans as “beautiful chaos”—has kept players engaged, and the influx of console players could help sustain its momentum as a long-lasting hero shooter.
With its console release just around the corner, FragPunk is shaping up to be a must-play tactical shooter for 2025. The combination of crossplay, high-energy gameplay, and a reward-rich launch window makes it an enticing prospect for both new players and those who’ve already dabbled on PC. Console gamers can wishlist FragPunk now on the Xbox Store and PlayStation Store, ensuring they’re ready to jump into the action on April 29. As the hero shooter genre continues to evolve, FragPunk’s unique mechanics and vibrant community could make it a standout title in an already crowded field. What are your thoughts on this update? Are you excited to frag out with friends across platforms?
