FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Control Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy, renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced they were venturing into multiplayer with *Control*, skepticism was understandable. I, like many others, was initially doubtful, especially given that *Control* was IGN's Game of the Year in 2019. However, the unveiling of *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-*Control*, quickly dispelled those doubts. In the hands-off demo I witnessed, it was evident that *Firebreak* stands out in the crowded genre of online shooters. It's refreshingly original, delightfully quirky, and crucially, doesn't demand a huge time investment. 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." A sentiment worth repeating for those in the back.

*FBC: Firebreak* is a three-player co-op FPS designed for flexibility. You can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or extend it to a few hours, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations ensuring each run feels fresh. But what exactly is your role in this sequel? You step into the shoes of volunteer first responders at The Oldest House, tasked with handling situations when they go haywire. Your characters are everyday workers like secretaries and rangers, essentially considered expendable by the Federal Bureau of Control.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging in, 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 divided by containment doors, leading you through different stages of the Job. The demo showcased the "Paper Chase" mission, set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building. Here, you and your team must combat the spreading Hiss.

Escape is always an option, but if you aim to collect currencies for gear upgrades, you'll need to exit safely with them. The longer you explore for currency, the more challenging your return to HQ becomes.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its weaponry. The arsenal includes delightfully odd, homemade-style guns like a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires or douse sticky-note monsters, a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, and a wrench that, when paired with a squeaky piggy bank, unleashes a coin barrage. Standard fare like machine guns and shotguns also feature, the latter being essential for dealing with those pesky sticky-note monsters after they've been soaked or zapped.

The mission's core objective is to eliminate sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of notes to destroy increases as you progress, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.

Beyond the unique weapons, *Firebreak* introduces engaging gameplay mechanics rooted in the *Control* universe. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets, stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, and rinse stations to remove sticky notes, the game is filled with inventive touches. Unlockable Perks add further variety; examples include bullets returning to your clip on misses and extinguishing yourself by jumping. Stacking Perks enhances their effects, and with three of the same Perk, you can share the benefits with teammates.

Notably, *FBC: Firebreak* supports solo play and duos as well, broadening its appeal. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec, while also supporting advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It will be Steam Deck verified and launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on day one. While a post-launch content plan remains under wraps, paid cosmetics will be available, marking the extent of microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

While I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the demo certainly meets the eye test. It promises to be far from a typical multiplayer shooter, in the best possible way. Its design as a quick in-and-out online game, not requiring a significant ongoing commitment, harks back to a time when such games were the norm.