Control was crowned IGN’s Game of the Year in 2019, and as one of the editors who voted for it, I initially approached Remedy's announcement of a multiplayer game with skepticism. Remedy, a studio renowned for crafting immersive single-player narratives in third-person games, ventured into the multiplayer realm with FBC: Firebreak. This three-player PvE first-person shooter is set six years post-Control, and after witnessing a hands-off demo, my doubts were swiftly dispelled. Firebreak stands out as a refreshingly original title in a crowded market, offering a unique twist on the genre with its delightfully eccentric approach. Unlike many modern games that demand extensive playtime, Firebreak, as game director Mike Kayatta emphasizes, doesn't aim to turn gaming into a second job. "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job," Kayatta states, a sentiment that resonates well with players seeking flexibility in their gaming schedules.
FBC: Firebreak is designed as a three-player co-op FPS that promises a hassle-free experience. You can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or linger for a few hours, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations ensuring each run feels fresh. The setting? You're back in The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weapons, playing as volunteer first responders tackling serious disturbances. Think secretaries, rangers, and other "normal" professions stepping up to the plate—expendable, yet essential.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging in, you select a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (loadout), setting the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level to determine the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors, each leading to the next stage of the Job. In the demo, I saw the "Paper Chase" mission set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where you and your team must combat the spreading Hiss. The objective? Escape with valuable currencies for gear upgrades, but the longer you explore, the trickier the return to HQ becomes.
FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its arsenal of uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and tackle sticky-note monsters, to a zapper capable of summoning lightning storms, and a wrench that, when paired with a piggy bank toy, unleashes a coin storm on foes—these weapons add a quirky charm to the gameplay. Of course, traditional options like machine guns and shotguns are also available, especially effective after dealing with those pesky sticky-note creatures.
Speaking of which, the central mission involves eradicating sticky notes before they take over the brutalist building. Keep an eye on the counter in the upper left corner, as it increases throughout the mission, culminating in a showdown with a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.
The game also introduces inventive in-universe mechanics, such as an office supply shelf for ammo replenishment, a makeshift turret you assemble from a box, a stereo speaker to keep the Hiss at bay, and a rinse station to remove sticky notes from your character. Unlockable Perks add further variety, like one that returns missed bullets to your clip, or another that allows you to extinguish yourself by jumping. If you collect multiple instances of the same Perk, its effect strengthens, and with three, you can share it with teammates.
Flexibility is key with FBC: Firebreak; you can play solo, in duos, or with a full team. Remedy is targeting a lower minimum PC spec, while also supporting high-end features like DLSS4, multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game is Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium on day one. While a post-launch content plan is in the works, and paid cosmetics will be available, these are the only microtransactions planned.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
While I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the initial impressions from the demo are promising. It's clear that this is no ordinary multiplayer shooter—it's a refreshing departure from the norm, designed for players who enjoy the flexibility of jumping in and out without a heavy time commitment. Firebreak looks set to bring a unique and enjoyable experience to the gaming community.
