When Remedy, the acclaimed studio behind immersive single-player experiences like *Control*, announced their venture into multiplayer gaming with *FBC: Firebreak*, skepticism was natural. But after witnessing a hands-off demo of this three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years post-*Control*, my doubts evaporated. *FBC: Firebreak* stands out in the crowded multiplayer shooter genre with its originality, quirky charm, and a refreshing lack of the grind often associated with these games. 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." This philosophy is music to the ears of gamers tired of endless commitments.
In *FBC: Firebreak*, you can dive into the action for as little as 20 minutes or indulge for hours, thanks to engaging Perk unlocks and character combinations. Set within The Oldest House, players take on the role of volunteer first responders—ordinary folks like secretaries and rangers thrust into extraordinary circumstances. You're not exactly deemed expendable by the Federal Bureau of Control, but let's say you're on the front lines when things go awry.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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When you launch *FBC: Firebreak*, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), and set the Threat and Clearance Levels, which dictate the difficulty and number of zones to navigate. Zones are connected by containment doors, leading you deeper into the Job. In the demo, I saw the "Paper Chase" mission, set in a seemingly mundane office area of the FBC building. Here, players must team up to combat the spreading Hiss. You can choose to escape quickly or explore to gather currency for gear upgrades, though the longer you stay, the riskier it becomes to return safely to HQ.
What sets *FBC: Firebreak* apart are its delightfully unusual weapons, many with a homemade aesthetic. Imagine using a hand-cranked snowball launcher to douse fires or a cobbled-together zapper to summon lightning storms. There's even a wrench that, when combined with a squeaky piggy bank, unleashes a barrage of coins at enemies. Alongside these quirky weapons, you'll find familiar firearms like machine guns and shotguns, especially handy after dealing with the game's unique enemies, such as the sticky-note monsters.
Speaking of which, the core of the "Paper Chase" mission is to eliminate these sticky-note adversaries before they overwhelm the brutalist structure of The Oldest House. As you progress, the number of notes to destroy increases, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.
Beyond the weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* features inventive gameplay mechanics tied to the game's universe. Ammo can be replenished from office supply shelves, makeshift turrets can be built from boxes, and stereo speakers keep the Hiss at bay. Rinse stations help wash off aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add depth and variety, such as bullets that might return to your clip if missed, or the ability to extinguish yourself by jumping. Duplicating Perks enhances their effects, and tripling them allows sharing with teammates.
You don't need a full trio to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*—solo and duo play are also supported. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec, yet the game will also support advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It will be Steam Deck verified and available on day one via Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. Post-launch content plans and paid cosmetics are on the horizon, but microtransactions will be limited to these.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Though I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, it's clear from the demo that this isn't just another multiplayer shooter. Its unique design and flexible playtime options hark back to a time when games didn't demand endless hours of dedication, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
