Firebreak: Unexpectedly Engaging Control Multiplayer FPS

When Remedy, the studio behind the critically acclaimed single-player game *Control*, announced they were venturing into multiplayer territory with *FBC: Firebreak*, I was initially skeptical. But after witnessing a hands-off demo, it's clear that my reservations were misplaced. *FBC: Firebreak* is a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years after the events of *Control*. It's refreshingly original, delightfully weird, and doesn't demand the heavy time commitment often required by modern multiplayer games. As game director Mike Kayatta emphasized, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job." This approach is a breath of fresh air in the gaming world.

In *FBC: Firebreak*, you can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or spend a few hours exploring. The game keeps things fresh with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. Set in The Oldest House, you play as volunteer first responders—ordinary folks like secretaries and rangers—dealing with chaos. The Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, but let's be honest, you kind of are.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

8 Images

When you start playing, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which determines the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors, leading you to the next stage of the Job. The demo showcased a Job called "Paper Chase," set in a mundane office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates must combat the spreading Hiss.

You can escape quickly if you wish, but to upgrade and buy new gear, you need to safely retrieve currencies, which becomes riskier the longer you explore. *FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its unique weaponry. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and douse sticky-note monsters to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, the arsenal is both charming and unconventional. There are also traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns, essential for dealing with the sticky-note monsters after they've been soaked or zapped.

The primary objective of the "Paper Chase" Job is to eliminate all the sticky notes before they overrun the building. As you progress, the number of sticky notes increases, culminating in a battle against a gigantic sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.

Beyond the quirky weapons, *FBC: Firebreak* offers engaging in-universe gameplay mechanics. You can refill ammo from office supply shelves, build makeshift turrets, use stereo speakers to keep the Hiss at bay, and utilize rinse stations to remove aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add variety, such as one that returns missed bullets to your clip or another that lets you extinguish yourself by jumping up and down. Collecting multiple copies of the same Perk enhances its effect, and three copies allow you to share it with teammates.

You don't need a full team to play; solo and duo modes are available. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec but also supports advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. *FBC: Firebreak* will be Steam Deck verified and launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While Remedy has plans for post-launch content and paid cosmetics, these will be the only microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

Although I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, it certainly looks promising. It's not just another multiplayer shooter; it's a unique and engaging experience that harkens back to the days when games didn't require constant dedication to enjoy.