FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Hit

Control was hailed as IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, and I was among the many editors who championed its innovative storytelling and gameplay. So, when Remedy Entertainment, renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced their venture into multiplayer with *FBC: Firebreak*, I had my doubts. This new project, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-*Control*, quickly dispelled my skepticism during a hands-off demo. *Firebreak* stands out as a refreshingly original title in the crowded multiplayer shooter genre, bringing a delightful twist with its weirdness amidst the sea of conventional military and sci-fi shooters. Perhaps its most appealing aspect is its flexibility, requiring no long-term 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."

*FBC: Firebreak* is designed as a three-player co-op FPS that promises a hassle-free experience. Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours, the game accommodates your schedule, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations adding variety to repeated playthroughs. But what's the premise? You're back in The Oldest House, wielding an array of bizarre weapons as a volunteer first responder. Your characters, ordinary folks like secretaries and rangers, step up when things go awry. The Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, but...you get the idea.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you log in to play *FBC: Firebreak*, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. Each zone is separated by containment doors, leading you to the next stage of your Job. The mission I witnessed, dubbed Paper Chase, unfolds in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building where you and your team combat the spreading Hiss. You can exit at any time, but to acquire currencies for upgrades and new gear, you must escape safely with them, balancing exploration with the risk of making it back to HQ in one piece.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its eclectic arsenal. Many weapons boast a charmingly unconventional and homebrew feel, such as the hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires (or teammates aflame) and douse sticky-note monsters. There's also a cobbled-together zapper that, with the right nozzle, can unleash lightning storms on enemies, and a wrench that, when fitted with a squeaky piggy bank, pelts opponents with coins. Traditional options like machine guns and shotguns are available, the latter being key against sticky-note monsters post-soaking or zapping.

Speaking of those sticky-note monsters, the goal of the Paper Chase Job is to eradicate them before they overrun the brutalist building. Keep an eye on the upper left corner to monitor the remaining sticky notes; the number increases as the mission progresses, culminating in a showdown with a gigantic sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.

Beyond the quirky weapons, *FBC: Firebreak* introduces engaging in-universe gameplay mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets assembled from a box, and stereo speakers that keep the Hiss at bay, the game is rich with creative elements. Rinse stations can wash off aggressive sticky notes, and unlockable Perks add further depth and variety. For instance, missed bullets might return to your clip, or you can extinguish yourself by jumping. Stacking the same Perk twice enhances its effect, while three can share the benefit with nearby teammates.

You don't need a full trio to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*; solo and duo play are also options. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec, yet supports advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game is Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, on day one. While a post-launch content plan remains under wraps, expect paid cosmetics as the sole microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

Though I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, it certainly passes the eye test. This is not your typical multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing return to games that don't demand a significant ongoing commitment. *Firebreak* promises a unique and engaging experience that harkens back to the days when gaming was more about the fun and less about the grind.