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 vanished after witnessing a hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak. This three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years after Control, is refreshingly unique in a crowded market. Its delightfully strange 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 sentiment echoed by many players weary of demanding online games.

FBC: Firebreak offers a flexible co-op experience. Play for 20 minutes or several hours; Perk unlocks and character combinations keep gameplay fresh. The setting? The Oldest House, where you play as volunteer first responders—secretaries, rangers, and other ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. The Federal Bureau of Control might not explicitly call you expendable, but…well, let's just say you're not exactly top priority.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Gameplay begins by selecting a Job (mission), Crisis Kit (loadout), Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level (number of zones). Zones are separated by containment doors. The demo showcased "Paper Chase," set in a typical FBC office. The Hiss are spreading, and your team must repel them. Escape with currency to upgrade and buy new gear; the longer you explore, the riskier the escape becomes.

FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its unique weaponry. Many guns have a homemade feel, like the hand-cranked snowball launcher (extinguishes fires and enemies), a cobbled-together zapper (lightning storms), and a wrench that, when combined with a piggy bank, pelts opponents with coins. Standard weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available—particularly useful against sticky-note monsters.

The objective of "Paper Chase" is to eliminate sticky notes before they overwhelm the building. The number of sticky notes increases as the mission progresses, culminating in a battle against a giant sticky-note monster (think Sandman, but stickier).

Beyond the weapons, fun in-universe mechanics enhance gameplay. These include ammo-replenishing office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, Hiss-deterrent stereo speakers, and a rinse station for sticky-note removal. Unlockable Perks add variety; examples include a Perk that returns missed bullets and one that allows self-extinguishment via jumping. Duplicate Perks enhance their effects, and three identical Perks share the effect with teammates.

The game supports solo, duo, and three-player modes. Remedy aims for lower-than-usual minimum PC specs while supporting DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation, Nvidia Reflex, and full ray tracing. Steam Deck verification is confirmed, and the game launches on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium on day one. Post-launch content is planned, with microtransactions limited to paid cosmetics.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

While I haven't played FBC: Firebreak, initial impressions are highly positive. It's a unique multiplayer shooter, refreshingly low-commitment, harkening back to a time when online games didn't demand constant playtime.