FragPunk is an exciting 5v5 tactical hero shooter that showcases 13 distinct characters, known as Lancers. Each Lancer has at least three unique abilities, allowing players to do everything from speed around the map with a revamped electric guitar shotgun to teleporting the team for strategic site rotations or treating teammates after intense battles. There’s a Lancer to suit every playstyle.
The Lancer lineup in FragPunk is pretty balanced, making it possible for all characters to excel when used wisely. However, not all Lancers are equally effective. Some are outstanding on offense or defense, or when paired with specific team setups or Shard Cards, whereas others offer steady value in nearly any situation.
The importance of choosing the right Lancers becomes clear as many must be unlocked using in-game currencies like Gold, FragPunk Coins, or Lancer Trophies. Before investing resources in an underwhelming character, check out our updated FragPunk tier list. We evaluate each Lancer, ranking them from S to B tiers based on ease of use, adaptability, and their consistent impact in the game:
S-Tier Characters: Nitro, Hollowpoint, Pathojen, Spider, Kismet
A-Tier Characters: Serket, Broker, Zephyr, Sonar, Corona
B-Tier Characters: Jaguar, Axon, Chum
S-Tier: Nitro
Nitro excites both in imagination and combat capabilities. Her "Chug Chug" deploys a controllable combat drone delivering 20 damage per hit while securing vital intel. "The Wall" skill creates new sightlines, blocks attacks, and forces enemy positions to be revealed, providing strategic advantages. Her "Mr. Pewpew" sentry turrets are effective at guarding key areas and can be tactically placed to lure enemies, opening opportunities for a swift takedown. Though she’s not ideal for attack, her versatility makes her invaluable on any defense.
S-Tier: Hollowpoint
Specializing in sniping, Hollowpoint wields a formidable railgun capable of one-shot kills in medium-range duels or long-distance headshots. As a recon tool, the railgun identifies enemies, even those attempting stealth. With these attributes, the Meteora railgun acts as a secondary main weapon that defies death restrictions. "Smoke Screen" provides excellent vision control, projecting through structures and alerting opponents caught within. Lastly, her "Paparazzi" trap tracks and exposes enemies until they remove it. Mastery of Hollowpoint demands precision, but her offensive and defensive abilities make her a force to be reckoned with.
S-Tier: Pathojen
Pathojen is highlighted by her AOE healing field, a standout feature as the only healing mechanic in FragPunk. While many Shard Cards offer health recovery, Pathojen ensures reliable healing regardless of luck. Her "Shroom Wall" creates defensive barriers and obstructions, and the "Killer Queen" sets traps to hinder and damage foes. Her arsenal is so significant that she’s often crucial to match enemy Pathojens and maintain team durability.
S-Tier: Spider
Spider’s abilities thrust him into S-Tier despite contentious opinions. His "Teleporter" ability, although reliant on teamwork, encourages inventive gameplay, secure withdrawals, and strategic team shifts. "Spirited Away" disorients enemies, delivering potential instant kills. His tactical traps obscure enemies’ vision and slow them, deterring action around teleporters. Though best suited for team play, Spider’s strategy and flexibility position him as a vital offensive component.
S-Tier: Kismet
Kismet excels in aggressive play with "Walk on the Wild Side," granting invisibility and invulnerability for short periods. It’s perfect for stealth movements across exposed areas or escaping tricky situations. Her "Hello, Goodbye" skill gains further effectiveness with accumulated map awareness, detecting enemies within walls. "Misery Angel" bypasses obstacles to deliver significant damage, proving its worth as a devastating threat. Kismet’s skillset ensures her presence in any serious offensive tactic, making her a cornerstone in racking up eliminations.
A-Tier: Serket
Serket offers balanced offense, intel collection, teleportation, and crowd control. "Station to Station" allows teleportation, revealing enemies within sight though its health limits scope at higher levels. "Gold Dust Woman" releases a tactical slowing tornado that can obscure sightlines when halted. Her "Dilemma" projectile manipulates foes from cover, though it requires strategic deployment to maximize impact. With slight adjustments in health or speed, she could join the top tier.
A-Tier: Broker
Nearly an S-Tier contender, Broker shines in area denial with his "Goddard’s Vengeance" rocket launcher. Direct shots might be tricky, yet they deal massive damage or dismantle enemy defenses. "Smokestack Lightning" creates versatile smokes, yet be wary of recon tools revealing plans too soon. "Cherry Bomb" denies enemy space and yields crucial counterintelligence when enemies trigger it. Fine-tuning these abilities is key to unlocking Broker’s full potential.
A-Tier: Zephyr
Zephyr’s stealthy toolkit nears S-Tier, held back by prevalent traps and recon. "Midnight Rambler" provides temporary invisibility, with "Fade Away" granting extended invisibility within a range. Her unpredictable movement can catch opponents off guard, but traps and loud footsteps pose challenges. Strategic use of "Get Back" teleports allows swift retreats, promoting her covert playstyle.
A-Tier: Sonar
Primarily an information-gatherer, Sonar uses "Echolocation" to scan for enemy movement, though careful timing can evade detection. "Sonic Surge" penetrates barriers to reveal enemy formations. "Sound of Silence" briefly quiets footsteps, valuable during coordinated strikes. Sonar performs best with teamwork, providing informative utility for strategic setups.
A-Tier: Corona
Corona’s harmonious skills excel when used together. "Fast Lane" facilitates fast movement, often accompanying "Hothead" for blinding dashes. While effective, these moves require backup to avoid exposure. "Ashes to Ashes" creates an empowering zone for damage resistance and increased speed. Although not at the tier’s pinnacle, Corona thrives in one-on-one encounters, proving invaluable in clutch situations.
B-Tier: Jaguar
Still viable despite recent buffs, Jaguar lags as others surpass his capabilities. "Live Wire" deals considerable damage but lacks kill potential without "I Can See for Miles" for enemy detection. "Electric Avenue" encapsulates enemies, but limited control could backfire if opponents exploit it strategically.
B-Tier: Axon
Aggressive yet dependent on enemy distraction, Axon’s guitar excels up close. "Sticky Fingers" serve as pinpoint grenades for precise targeting. "Super Freak" negates flashes, useful for swift counterattacks. While entertaining, maps with extensive sightlines disadvantage Axon, demanding tactical deployment.
B-Tier: Chum
Ranked lower but useful in specific scenarios, Chum relies heavily on the deployable Chomper, susceptible to quick destruction. Chomper can patrol, detonate in "Explosive Mode," or release smoke streams. Tactical awareness and protection by teammates boost effectiveness, compensating for Chum’s mobility shortfall.
For everything FragPunk, delve into our detailed guides and picks, enhancing strategy and mastery within the game world!
