FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Hit

Control was crowned IGN’s Game of the Year in 2019, and as one of the editors who voted for it, I was initially skeptical when Remedy, a studio renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced they were venturing into multiplayer with FBC: Firebreak. This turned out to be a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of Control. However, after a hands-off demo, it became clear that my doubts were unfounded. Firebreak stands out as refreshingly original in a crowded market, delightfully unique amidst the typical military and sci-fi shooters, and best of all, it doesn't demand a huge time commitment. 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." A sentiment worth repeating for everyone to hear.

FBC: Firebreak is a cooperative three-player FPS that promises a straightforward experience. You can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or spend a few hours, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations keeping the gameplay fresh. But what exactly are you doing back in The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weaponry? You're stepping into the shoes of volunteer first responders when things take a drastic turn. Your characters might be secretaries, rangers, or other "normal" professions, but you're answering the call to serve. The Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, but in reality, you are.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you log in to play, you select a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors leading to the next stage of the Job. The mission I witnessed, called Paper Chase, takes place in an ordinary office section of the FBC building. The Hiss are spreading, and it's your team's task to push them back.

You have the option to escape as soon as possible, but if you want to collect currencies for gear upgrades, you'll need to exit safely with them. The longer you spend searching for currency, the more challenging it becomes to return to HQ unscathed.

What sets FBC: Firebreak apart are its unique weapons. Many guns have a charmingly DIY feel, such as a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires (or your fiery friends) and tackle sticky-note monsters. Another example is a cobbled-together zapper that can unleash lightning storms when fitted with the right nozzle. Even a large wrench, when paired with a squeaky piggy bank, can unleash a swirl of coins on opponents. Don't worry, traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, the latter being essential for dealing with sticky-note monsters after soaking or zapping them.

Speaking of those sticky-note monsters, the main objective of the Paper Chase Job is to eradicate them before they overrun the building. Keep an eye on the number of sticky notes left to destroy, shown in the upper left corner. As the mission progresses, this number will increase, culminating in a showdown with a gigantic sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.

Beyond the quirky weapons, the game introduces fun in-universe mechanics like an office supply shelf that replenishes ammo, a makeshift turret you assemble from a box, a stereo speaker to ward off the Hiss, and a rinse station to remove aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add variety to the gameplay. Examples include a Perk where missed bullets might return to your clip, and another allowing you to extinguish yourself by jumping up and down. Collecting duplicates of a Perk enhances its effect, and three of the same Perk lets you share its benefits with nearby teammates.

You don't need a full three-player team to enjoy FBC: Firebreak; solo and duo play are also supported. Remedy is targeting a lower minimum PC spec than usual, but the game will also support advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It'll be Steam Deck verified and available on Xbox and PC Game Pass from day one, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While Remedy has plans for post-launch content and paid cosmetics, these will be the only microtransactions.

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Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak yet, it certainly looks promising. It's clearly not your average multiplayer shooter, and in the best possible way. The game's design, which allows players to enjoy it without a massive ongoing time commitment, feels like a welcome return to the simpler days of gaming.