When Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind the critically acclaimed single-player game Control, announced a multiplayer spin-off, skepticism was natural. However, FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of Control, quickly dispelled those doubts. In a hands-off demo, it became evident that Firebreak offers a refreshingly original experience in a crowded genre, standing out with its unique and weird charm amidst the typical military and sci-fi shooters. A key aspect that sets it apart is its design philosophy, as explained 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." This approach ensures that players can enjoy the game without the burden of extensive commitments.
FBC: Firebreak is a cooperative FPS that you can play for as little as 20 minutes or a few hours, with Perk unlocks and character combinations keeping the gameplay fresh. Set in The Oldest House, players take on the role of volunteer first responders with everyday jobs like secretaries and rangers, facing bizarre situations with an arsenal of unusual weapons. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, the nature of the job suggests otherwise.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
8 Images
Upon logging in, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat and Clearance Levels, determining the difficulty and number of zones to navigate. These zones are segmented by containment doors, leading to different stages of the Job. The demo featured a Job called "Paper Chase," set in an office section of the FBC building, where players must combat the spreading Hiss. To maximize rewards, players can explore for currencies but face increased risks in returning to HQ safely.
FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself further with its eclectic arsenal. Weapons like a hand-cranked snowball launcher, a cobbled-together zapper that can summon lightning storms, and a wrench that pelts opponents with coins showcase a homebrew charm. Alongside these, traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns remain essential, particularly against unique enemies like the sticky-note monsters. The objective of the "Paper Chase" Job is to eliminate these creatures before they overrun the building, culminating in a battle against a giant sticky-note monster.
Beyond the weapons, Firebreak integrates fun, in-universe gameplay mechanics. Players can refill ammo from office supply shelves, construct makeshift turrets, use stereo speakers to ward off the Hiss, and utilize rinse stations to remove sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add variety, such as one that returns missed bullets to your clip or another that extinguishes flames by jumping. Additionally, collecting multiple Perks enhances their effects or allows sharing with teammates.
The game supports solo and duo play, in addition to the three-player mode. Remedy aims for broad accessibility with a lower minimum PC spec, while also supporting advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. FBC: Firebreak 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 is in the works, the only microtransactions planned are for paid cosmetics.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak yet, the game certainly passes the eye test. It promises to be anything but a typical multiplayer shooter, and its design as a get-in-and-get-out experience without the need for extensive time commitments is a refreshing throwback to earlier gaming norms.
