FBC: Firebreak - Remedy Entertainment's Bold New Direction

Remedy Entertainment has long been known for its gripping single-player adventures, from the mind-bending world of Control to the noir-infused action of Max Payne and Alan Wake. However, the upcoming FBC: Firebreak represents a radical departure from their usual formula. This cooperative, first-person sci-fi horror shooter embraces online multiplayer and fast-paced action while still keeping the signature eerie atmosphere of the Remedy Connected Universe. But will it resonate with fans? Let’s dive deep into what makes FBC: Firebreak an exciting, yet risky, move for Remedy.

What is FBC: Firebreak?

A Game Set in the Control Universe

FBC: Firebreak is set six years after the events of Control, in the same bizarre and supernatural world. The mysterious Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) is still locked in a desperate battle against the interdimensional entity known as the Hiss, which continues to infest the Oldest House. Supplies are dwindling, and a new initiative—the Firebreak response team—has been formed to fight back. Players take on the role of elite volunteers tasked with reclaiming the headquarters from the Hiss once and for all.

Remedy’s First Co-Op Shooter

Unlike previous Remedy titles, FBC: Firebreak is a cooperative multiplayer experience. Inspired by games like Left 4 Dead 2 and Back 4 Blood, it emphasizes teamwork, replayability, and intense action-packed encounters rather than a linear narrative.

Core Gameplay Features

No Cutscenes, Just Action

One of the most surprising aspects of FBC: Firebreak is the complete removal of traditional cutscenes. Remedy’s goal is to ensure players can quickly jump into the action, making the game pick-up-and-play friendly. This design choice reflects their commitment to an accessible experience, allowing players to enjoy the game in short bursts without being bogged down by lengthy cinematics.

Mission Structure: "Jobs"

Each session in FBC: Firebreak revolves around missions called "Jobs." These are dynamic, replayable operations with adjustable difficulty settings that impact rewards and challenges. Players can customize their experience, making each session fresh and engaging.

Team-Based Combat

Players work together in groups of three to tackle Jobs, facing waves of Hiss-infected enemies and navigating eerie environments filled with supernatural threats. Combat relies on precise shooting, strategic positioning, and synergy between teammates.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics

Quirky, Supernatural Weapons and Tools

Remedy’s creativity shines through in FBC: Firebreak's arsenal. Players use unconventional yet deadly weapons and gadgets, such as:

• Turrets mounted on office chairs – Turning everyday objects into combat tools.
• Boom boxes – Devices that lure enemies into traps.
• Reality-bending technology – Tools that manipulate the environment in unexpected ways.

Hiss-Infected Challenges

The missions aren’t just about shooting enemies. Environmental challenges, like avoiding swarms of sticky notes that obscure vision, add a layer of unpredictability to the gameplay. These bizarre elements maintain the weird and eerie tone of the Control universe.

Emergency Checkpoints

To balance intensity, players will encounter emergency checkpoints throughout missions where they can resupply and regroup. The number of these checkpoints depends on the difficulty settings, adding a strategic layer to mission planning.

A More Accessible Co-Op Experience

Three-Player Squads Instead of Four

Unlike many co-op shooters that favor four-player teams, FBC: Firebreak is designed around three-player squads. Remedy found that this setup made the game more manageable and engaging, reducing chaos while maintaining cooperative depth.

No Bots, Just Friends

Players can tackle missions solo or with friends, but there won’t be AI-controlled teammates. This means you’ll need real partners to experience FBC: Firebreak as intended.

Easy to Jump In and Out

One of Remedy’s main goals is to make FBC: Firebreak accessible for players with busy schedules. There are no time-sensitive events or mechanics that force players to log in daily. Whether you take a break for months or play casually, you won’t feel left behind.

How Does Firebreak Fit Into the Control Universe?

A Standalone Experience

Remedy has clarified that FBC: Firebreak is not required to understand Control 2. While it expands the universe, it doesn’t force Control fans to engage with a genre they might not enjoy. However, it remains canon and may feature familiar faces from Control.

Post-Launch Plans and Monetization

No FOMO, No Pressure

Remedy is avoiding exploitative live-service tactics. There will be no time-limited content, meaning players can enjoy updates at their own pace.

Free Content Updates

All post-launch content updates will be free, ensuring all players have access to the same experiences without paywalls.

Paid Cosmetics

While cosmetics will be available for purchase, they won’t affect gameplay. Remedy is taking a balanced approach to monetization, ensuring that FBC: Firebreak remains fair for all players.

Will Firebreak Succeed?

Competing in a Crowded Genre

The co-op shooter space is highly competitive, with games like Destiny 2, Warhammer 40K: Darktide, and Back 4 Blood dominating the market. However, Remedy is positioning FBC: Firebreak as a low-commitment alternative that players can return to without feeling overwhelmed.

Console and PC Availability

The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with Steam Deck optimization in mind. There’s no word yet on a Nintendo Switch 2 release, but Remedy has not ruled it out for the future.

Game Pass and PS Plus Day-One Launch

To maximize its audience, FBC: Firebreak will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus on launch day. This strategy ensures a strong initial player base and reduces the barrier to entry.

Conclusion

FBC: Firebreak represents a daring new direction for Remedy Entertainment, blending their signature supernatural storytelling with the intensity of co-op shooter gameplay. While some fans may miss the cinematic narratives of past titles, the game’s accessibility, quirky mechanics, and replayability could make it a standout experience. Only time will tell if it carves out its own niche in the crowded co-op shooter market, but one thing’s for sure—Remedy is taking a bold leap into uncharted territory.

FAQs

1. Will FBC: Firebreak have a single-player campaign?

No, FBC: Firebreak is designed as a cooperative multiplayer experience with no traditional story campaign.

2. Does FBC: Firebreak connect to Control 2?

While Firebreak is canon to the Control universe, it won’t impact Control 2’s story.

3. Is FBC: Firebreak a live-service game?

Not in the traditional sense—there will be post-launch updates and paid cosmetics, but no time-limited content.

4. Can I play FBC: Firebreak solo?

Yes, but there are no AI teammates, so you’ll need to tackle missions alone or find friends to play with.

5. What platforms will FBC: Firebreak be available on?

The game will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with potential future support for other platforms.