Shatterline

Overview

Shatterline is a free-to-play first-person shooter developed by Frag Lab, blending intense PvP combat with a unique roguelike PvE mode. Built over five years by a team of 100+ developers, this FPS offers fast-paced gameplay with smooth gunplay, a roster of operatives with unique abilities, and multiple game modes to cater to both casual and competitive players. Recently launched on the Epic Games Store, Shatterline has gained attention for its innovative features and its integration with blockchain technology via the Avalanche platform, bringing in-game earning opportunities to players.

Gameplay

Shatterline combines the thrill of roguelike co-op PvE with fast-paced multiplayer action, offering a fresh experience for fans of games like Call of Duty and Left 4 Dead. At its core, Shatterline offers two distinct gameplay modes that cater to different player preferences.

In PvP, players can dive into classic multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch, Conquest, and Plant the Bomb, each delivering fast-paced, skill-driven action. Competitive gamers are further motivated by leaderboards and the opportunity to participate in tournaments that offer real monetary rewards, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matches. 

The mechanics of PvP in Shatterline feel reminiscent of Battle Royale games, particularly in the way hit registration is handled. It’s not as precise or instant as traditional FPS games like CSGO or Valorant, where you can easily one-tap opponents with well-placed shots. Instead, Shatterline leans into a slightly more forgiving system, which adds an element of unpredictability and emphasizes sustained firefights. This makes encounters feel more dynamic and reliant on player movement, positioning, and adaptability. While some might find it less technical compared to precision shooters, it offers a unique challenge that feels competitive and rewards skillful play in a different way.

The Expedition Mode provides a unique co-op PvE experience where teams are dropped into dynamic maps with randomized objectives. As players battle against enemies and complete tasks, the difficulty steadily ramps up, but so do the rewards. Those willing to take on the challenge and push their limits are rewarded with valuable resources that enhance their progression. 

If competitive play isn’t your style, Expedition Mode is a fantastic way to dive into Shatterline. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with friends, this mode immerses you in the excitement of battling aliens, monsters, and soldiers in a chaotic, post-apocalyptic world.

When you start Expedition Mode, you’ll be dropped into a team of three and sent into a near-destroyed world filled with unknown creatures and threats. Your main goal is to complete world missions, gather valuable loot, and, most importantly, survive long enough to extract safely with your haul. To navigate this dangerous terrain, you’ll need to collect Red Salts, a key in-game currency used for requesting supplies, acquiring dungeon intel, purchasing ammo, and participating in other critical world activities.

Before taking on tougher enemies, including the powerful Sector Boss, you’ll want to gear up by finding weapons, buffs, and abilities hidden in supply boxes scattered across the map. Clearing world activities not only progresses your mission but also rewards you with random prizes like supply boxes or resources. Once you’ve gathered enough loot, you can head to the extraction point to secure your rewards. Successfully extracted resources are essential for upgrading your Operatives, enhancing their abilities and making them stronger for future challenges. 

One of the standout features of this game is its character progression system, which allows players to choose from a diverse roster of Operatives, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. This flexibility enables strategic customization to suit different preferences and strategies. Progression plays a crucial role, as players can level up their Operatives in Expedition Mode, unlocking new skills and enhancements to improve their performance. Additionally, weapon customization adds another layer of depth, with attachments and upgrades significantly influencing gameplay and helping players adapt to various challenges. This combination of character and weapon progression keeps the experience engaging and rewarding.

Shatterline also rewards consistent player engagement with generous prizes. These include $20,000 in monthly PvP tournament rewards, $5,000 in weekly Expedition rewards, and daily giveaways for simply logging in and playing. These incentives not only encourage participation but also create a sense of progression and achievement for dedicated players.

Review

Shatterline deserves recognition for its ambitious approach to blending roguelike PvE and competitive PvP gameplay into a single package. This combination isn’t easy to pull off, yet Frag Lab has created an experience that feels fresh and engaging for players of all types. What truly sets Shatterline apart is its integration of blockchain technology, offering players tangible rewards through daily giveaways, weekly Expedition prizes, and significant PvP tournament payouts. It also fosters community engagement with features like Twitch Drops and exclusive giveaways for creators. 

That said, the game isn’t without its flaws. There are still occasional bugs and glitches can disrupt the experience. Solo players may also find the game less enjoyable, particularly due to high latency and ping disparities during cross-region matches. These connectivity issues can detract from the otherwise smooth gameplay, especially when playing with teammates from different countries. 

Despite these issues, Shatterline manages to deliver an experience that feels both immersive and rewarding. The visuals are stunning, with detailed graphics that bring the alien-infected world to life. The progression system is another highlight, allowing players to customize and upgrade Operatives and weapons in meaningful ways. Unlocking new skills, enhancements, and attachments adds depth and a sense of accomplishment that keeps players coming back for more.