FBC: Firebreak Is the Control Multiplayer FPS I Didn’t Know I Wanted

When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their captivating single-player narratives in third-person games, announced a multiplayer project for *Control*, I, like many others, was initially skeptical. However, my doubts were swiftly dispelled after witnessing a hands-off demo of *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-*Control*. This game stands out in the crowded genre with its originality, embracing the weirdness that sets it apart from typical military or sci-fi shooters. What's more, *Firebreak* doesn't demand a huge time investment, a refreshing departure from many of its peers. 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 truly resonates with players looking for a more relaxed gaming experience.

*FBC: Firebreak* is a cooperative FPS designed for short bursts of play, with the flexibility to enjoy sessions lasting from 20 minutes to a few hours. The game keeps things exciting with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. In this game, you step into the shoes of volunteer first responders within The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weaponry. Your characters are everyday folks—secretaries, rangers—who step up when things go awry. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, the reality is a bit more...disposable.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into *Firebreak*, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are divided by containment doors leading to the next stage of your Job. In the demo, the Job was "Paper Chase," set in a seemingly ordinary office within the FBC building, where you and your team combat the spreading Hiss. You can escape quickly, but to upgrade and purchase new gear, you need to collect currencies and return safely to HQ, which becomes increasingly challenging the longer you explore.

One of the standout features of *FBC: Firebreak* is its unique arsenal. The weapons have a homebrew charm, like a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and tackle sticky-note monsters, or a cobbled-together zapper capable of unleashing lightning storms. There's also a wrench that, when combined with a squeaky piggy bank, pelts opponents with coins. While these quirky options abound, traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, particularly useful against the sticky-note monsters that are central to the "Paper Chase" Job. Your goal is to eliminate these notes before they overrun the building, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman.

Beyond the weaponry, *Firebreak* introduces engaging gameplay mechanics tied to the *Control* universe. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets and stereo speakers that keep the Hiss at bay, these elements enrich the experience. Unlockable Perks add further variety, such as one that gives you a chance to retrieve missed bullets or another that lets you extinguish yourself by jumping. If you acquire multiple instances of the same Perk, its effects amplify, and with three, you can share it with nearby teammates.

*FBC: Firebreak* is versatile, allowing solo play or duos alongside the standard three-player mode. Remedy is targeting a lower minimum PC spec but will also support cutting-edge features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's set to be Steam Deck verified and will launch on day one on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While a post-launch content plan is in the works, details are forthcoming, and the game will feature paid cosmetics as the only form of microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

Though I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, the demo's visual appeal and innovative design are promising. This game is clearly not your average multiplayer shooter, and its design as a quick in-and-out online experience harkens back to a time when gaming didn't require endless commitment. It's a welcome change in today's gaming landscape.