Remedy Entertainment’s FBC Firebreak Delivers Intense Co-op Action with Paranormal Thrills

Remedy Entertainment’s latest title, FBC: Firebreak, marks a notable shift from their traditional narrative-driven games to a fast-paced, cooperative first-person shooter experience. Set in the same universe as Remedy’s acclaimed game Control, Firebreak invites players to join forces in teams of three to combat the extradimensional threat known as The Hiss. This new direction blends Remedy’s signature atmospheric storytelling with intense, repeatable gameplay loops.

The game’s narrative backdrop is rich and immersive. Six years after the events of Control, the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) remains locked down within the Oldest House, a shifting extradimensional building under siege by The Hiss. Players assume the role of Firebreak operatives tasked with managing crises and battling waves of reality-warping anomalies to contain the threat and restore order.

Gameplay in Firebreak emphasizes cooperative strategy and moment-to-moment action. Players select from a variety of weapons, including submachine guns, shotguns, and revolvers, to face off against hordes of The Hiss. Combat is satisfying yet challenging, requiring frequent resource management such as ammo replenishment and health recovery through environmental interactions like showers that remove harmful radioactivity.

The game features a variety of mission types, called Jobs, each offering unique objectives and environments. Examples include repairing a paranatural furnace in the maintenance sector, battling rogue sticky notes that have overwhelmed the FBC, and securing critical resources in a mining quarry threatened by Astral Leeches. These missions are designed for replayability and cooperative teamwork.

Customization and progression are integral to Firebreak’s appeal. Players earn in-game currency, Lost Assets, to unlock standard Requisitions containing weapons, equipment, and cosmetic items. Additionally, premium Classified Requisitions offer exclusive cosmetic gear purchasable with real money, ensuring no gameplay advantage but enhancing player personalization.

FBC: Firebreak launches on June 17 for PC (Steam and Epic Store), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, priced at $40 for the base game and $50 for the Deluxe Edition. Remedy promises ongoing free post-launch content, including new missions and gear, supporting a vibrant player community without the pressure of a persistent live service.

Overall, Firebreak offers a compelling blend of Remedy’s atmospheric storytelling with accessible, intense co-op gameplay. Its focus on short, engaging sessions makes it an attractive choice for players seeking quality multiplayer action without a heavy grind. The game’s design and monetization strategies provide valuable insights into balancing player engagement and content longevity in modern game development.