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

Control, IGN's 2019 Game of the Year, surprised many when developer Remedy announced a multiplayer spin-off. My initial skepticism about a multiplayer Control game quickly vanished after witnessing a hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak. This three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years after Control, is refreshingly original in a crowded market. Its delightfully weird atmosphere and commitment-free gameplay are standout features. As game director Mike Kayatta stated, "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 welcome sentiment in today's gaming landscape.

FBC: Firebreak offers a flexible co-op experience. Play for 20 minutes or several hours; Perk unlocks and character combinations ensure replayability. The premise? You're volunteer first responders in The Oldest House, facing escalating chaos. Your characters—secretaries, rangers, and other "ordinary" individuals—are, let's say, expendable.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

Gameplay begins by selecting a Job (mission), Crisis Kit (loadout), Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level (number of zones). The demo showcased "Paper Chase," set in a mundane FBC office. The Hiss infestation requires teamwork to contain. Escape with currency to upgrade gear; prolonged exploration increases the challenge.

FBC: Firebreak's unique weaponry sets it apart. Expect unusual, homebrew firearms like a hand-cranked snowball launcher (for fires and sticky-note monsters!), a customizable zapper, and a wrench-based coin-pelting device. Standard weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also present.

The core objective of "Paper Chase" is eliminating sticky notes before they overwhelm the building, culminating in a battle against a giant sticky-note monster. Think Sandman, but stickier.

Beyond the weaponry, clever gameplay mechanics are integrated. These include ammo-replenishing office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, Hiss-deterring stereo speakers, and a sticky-note-removing rinse station. Unlockable Perks add variety, such as a chance for missed bullets to return to the clip or self-extinguishing jumps. Duplicate Perks enhance their effects, and three identical Perks allow sharing with teammates.

Solo and duo play are supported. Remedy aims for lower minimum PC specs while supporting DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation, Nvidia Reflex, full ray-tracing, and Steam Deck verification. Day-one inclusion in Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium is confirmed. Post-launch content and paid cosmetics (no other microtransactions) are planned.

While I haven't played FBC: Firebreak, initial impressions are highly positive. It's a unique multiplayer shooter, offering a refreshing, commitment-light online experience.