When Remedy, renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced they were venturing into multiplayer territory with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was natural—even among fans like myself who voted Control as IGN’s Game of the Year in 2019. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control, my doubts vanished. Firebreak stands out as a refreshingly original and delightfully quirky addition to a genre often dominated by repetitive military or sci-fi shooters. Perhaps most appealingly, it eschews the trend of demanding constant player engagement. As game director Mike Kayatta emphasized, "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 casual yet engaging three-player co-op FPS experience, where you can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or extend your playtime without the pressure of a massive commitment. With Perk unlocks and new character combinations, every session promises fresh excitement. In this game, you play as volunteer first responders within The Oldest House, tackling chaotic situations with an array of bizarre weaponry. Your characters come from everyday professions like secretaries and rangers, yet are thrust into the fray as the Federal Bureau of Control's frontline defense.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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When you start FBC: Firebreak, you select a Job (mission), your Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level, which dictates how many zones you'll traverse. These zones, separated by containment doors, lead you to different stages of the Job. For instance, in the Job called "Paper Chase," set in an ordinary office section of the FBC, you and your teammates must fend off the spreading Hiss. You can choose to escape early, but to upgrade and acquire new gear, you'll need to safely collect currencies, which becomes riskier the longer you stay.
The game's weaponry is where FBC: Firebreak truly distinguishes itself. From a hand-cranked snowball-launching gun to a cobbled-together zapper that can unleash lightning storms, the arsenal is charmingly unusual and has a homebrew aesthetic. There are also more conventional weapons like machine guns and shotguns, particularly useful against the unique adversaries like the sticky-note monsters you must eliminate before they overrun the building.
Beyond the quirky weapons, FBC: Firebreak integrates fun, in-universe gameplay mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets and stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, the game is brimming with inventive features. Unlockable Perks add further depth, with intriguing effects like bullets returning to your clip upon missing, or the ability to extinguish yourself by jumping. These Perks can be stacked for enhanced effects, and shared with nearby teammates if you collect three of the same type.
Flexibility is key with FBC: Firebreak; you can play solo or in duos, not just as a trio. Remedy aims for broad accessibility with a lower minimum PC spec, while also supporting advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, right from launch. While a post-launch content plan remains under wraps, expect paid cosmetics as the only microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the initial impressions are highly positive. This game is poised to break the mold of typical multiplayer shooters, offering a refreshing, less time-intensive online experience reminiscent of gaming's golden days. Keep an eye on this innovative title set to launch in 2025.
