FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Control Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind the narrative-driven third-person adventure *Control*, announced they were venturing into multiplayer territory, I was initially skeptical. After all, *Control* was IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, and many of us at IGN, including myself, had voted for it. But the project they unveiled, *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-*Control*, quickly dispelled my doubts. From the hands-off demo, it's evident that *Firebreak* brings a refreshingly original approach to an oversaturated genre, standing out with its delightfully weird atmosphere amidst a sea of conventional military and sci-fi shooters. What's more, it doesn't demand a massive time commitment, a point emphasized by game director Mike Kayatta: "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."

*FBC: Firebreak* offers a streamlined three-player co-op FPS experience that promises no unnecessary fluff. Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours to spare, you can dive in and enjoy the game, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations keeping gameplay fresh. But what exactly are you doing in *The Oldest House*? You're stepping into the shoes of volunteer first responders tackling bizarre situations with equally bizarre weaponry. Your characters might be secretaries, rangers, or other ordinary professions, but in *The Oldest House*, you're on the front lines – expendable, as the Federal Bureau of Control might not officially admit.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into *FBC: Firebreak*, you select a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and choose the Clearance Level, which decides how many zones you'll navigate. These zones are connected by containment doors leading to the next phase of the Job. In the demo, I saw the Job called *Paper Chase*, set in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates must combat the spreading Hiss. While you can escape at any time, staying longer to gather currency for upgrades and new gear increases the challenge of returning to HQ safely.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and soak sticky-note monsters, to a jury-rigged zapper capable of summoning lightning storms, or a wrench that, when modified with a squeaky piggy bank, unleashes a coin storm on foes, the arsenal is delightfully unconventional. Standard weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, especially useful against those pesky sticky-note monsters.

Speaking of which, the main objective of the *Paper Chase* Job is to eradicate these sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of notes to destroy is displayed in the upper left corner, increasing as you progress until you confront a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.

Beyond the quirky weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* introduces engaging in-universe mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish your ammo, to makeshift turrets assembled from boxes, stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, and rinse stations to remove aggressive sticky notes, the gameplay is filled with inventive elements. Unlockable Perks add further variety, such as bullets returning to your clip after missing or extinguishing yourself by jumping. Collecting duplicates of a Perk enhances its effect, and three of the same Perk allow you to share its benefits with teammates.

You don't need a trio to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*; solo and duo play are also options. Remedy is aiming for a lower minimum PC spec than usual, yet the game will support advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's also Steam Deck verified and will launch on day one 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 the microtransactions.

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While I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, the demo certainly passes the eye test. This is not your typical multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing throwback to games that you can enjoy without dedicating endless hours to. *FBC: Firebreak* is shaping up to be a unique and engaging addition to the genre.