Shrapnel, the highly anticipated AAA first-person extraction shooter, is set to release the next iteration of its pre-alpha gameplay, titled STX3 (Shrapnel Training Exercise 3), on the Epic Games Store from May 23 to May 26.
The upcoming release introduces several innovative features that aim to enhance the player experience and reward their investment in the Shrapnel ecosystem.
TLDR
- Shrapnel’s STX3 pre-alpha gameplay launches on May 23-26, featuring craftable weapon skins, rewards for completed missions, and a new points system called METAL.
- Players can craft weapon skins by obtaining and combining fragments, which can be acquired during gameplay, traded, or purchased from other players.
- The STX3 SHRAP Prize Pool will be distributed based on completing missions rather than leaderboard rankings.
- Enlistment, a new mechanism, allows players to lock their SHRAP tokens for a fixed period to earn METAL points, which will have future in-game utility.
- Shrapnel’s universe is set in a post-apocalyptic world and spans multiple verticals, including a comic book series and a critically acclaimed live-action short film.
One of the most notable additions in STX3 is the introduction of craftable weapon skins. Players will now have the ability to create unique skins by obtaining specific sets of fragments and combining them.
These weapon skin fragments can be acquired through various means, such as gameplay sessions, trading with other players, or purchasing them directly from the marketplace.
To craft a weapon skin, players will need to collect three unique fragments of the same rarity. Additionally, players can use a Wildcard Skin Fragment, which can be purchased from the marketplace, to substitute for any one of the required fragments.
Another change in STX3 is the shift in how the SHRAP Prize Pool will be distributed. Unlike previous Shrapnel Training Exercises, STX3 will run continuously for the entire 72-hour event, and the prize pool will be awarded based on the completion of missions rather than leaderboard rankings.
This change encourages players to focus on achieving specific goals within the game, such as scoring a certain number of kills, extracting weapon fragments, or crafting particular skins. By completing these missions, players will be rewarded with SHRAP and weapon skins.
Coinciding with the launch of STX3 is the introduction of Enlistment, an innovative mechanism that rewards players for locking their SHRAP tokens to the Shrapnel subnet. Despite having their SHRAP locked for a fixed period, players will still be able to utilize their tokens in-game for various activities, such as buying and crafting skins or trading items through the in-game marketplace.
In return for locking their SHRAP, players will earn METAL, an off-chain points system currency. While the specific utility of METAL points has not been fully revealed, the developers have stated that it will play a significant role in future gameplay iterations and provide rewards to those who accumulate it.
Mark Long, CEO of Shrapnel, expressed his enthusiasm for the updates, stating,
“The ability to craft unique skins and the introduction of Enlistment, our innovative SHRAP staking system, offer exciting new ways for players to personalize their experience and be rewarded for their investment in the Shrapnel ecosystem. We are committed to creating a truly immersive and engaging Web3 world for our players, and STX3 is another step forward in achieving that vision.”
The Shrapnel universe is set in a post-apocalyptic world where nations and factions battle to control a ravaged area called the Sacrifice Zone and accumulate the most Sigma, the powerful material it contains.
The universe extends beyond the boundaries of a traditional AAA first-person shooter, crossing over into multiple verticals.
This includes a series of comic books that delve into Shrapnel’s lore and a live-action short film that has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
