FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Control Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced they were venturing into the realm of multiplayer with *Control*, skepticism was natural. I, like many others who voted *Control* as IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, was cautiously optimistic about their new project, *FBC: Firebreak*. This three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years after the events of *Control*, quickly dispelled any doubts during a hands-off demo. *Firebreak* stands out as a refreshingly original and delightfully weird addition to the oversaturated world of online shooters, without demanding the extensive time commitments typical of its genre. 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 sentiment resonates strongly, offering a clear departure from the norm.

In *FBC: Firebreak*, players can dive into the action for just 20 minutes or indulge for a few hours. The game features Perk unlocks and new character combinations to keep each session engaging. Set within The Oldest House, players assume the roles of volunteer first responders, equipped with an array of bizarre weaponry. These characters, drawn from everyday occupations like secretaries and rangers, are essentially expendable agents of the Federal Bureau of Control, ready to tackle crises head-on.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into *FBC: Firebreak*, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which determines the number of zones to navigate. Zones are separated by containment doors, leading to subsequent stages of the Job. One mission, *Paper Chase*, takes place in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building, where players combat the spreading Hiss with their teammates. Players can opt to escape quickly, but lingering to collect currencies for gear upgrades adds an exciting risk-reward dynamic.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its array of uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that extinguishes fires to a cobbled-together zapper capable of summoning lightning storms, the game embraces a homebrew aesthetic. Traditional firearms like machine guns and shotguns remain, especially useful against the game's quirky enemies, such as the sticky-note monsters that players must eliminate in missions like *Paper Chase*. These missions escalate in intensity, culminating in battles against formidable foes like the giant sticky-note monster, reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman but composed of Post-It notes.

Beyond the unconventional weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* introduces engaging in-universe mechanics. Players can utilize office supplies to replenish ammo, construct makeshift turrets, use stereo speakers to repel the Hiss, and visit rinse stations to clear aggressive sticky notes from their faces. Unlockable Perks add depth to gameplay, such as bullets returning to the clip after missing a shot or extinguishing oneself by jumping. These Perks can be enhanced and shared with teammates, fostering cooperative play.

The game supports solo and duo play alongside the standard three-player mode, ensuring flexibility for all players. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec while supporting advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. *FBC: Firebreak* will also be Steam Deck verified and launch into 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 extent of microtransactions.

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Although I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, the initial impressions are highly promising. It's clear that this is not just another multiplayer shooter; it's a thoughtfully crafted experience that harks back to a time when games didn't demand constant engagement, yet still delivered immense enjoyment.