When Remedy, renowned for crafting immersive single-player narratives in third-person games, announced their venture into multiplayer with *FBC: Firebreak*, skepticism was understandable. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo, it's clear that Remedy has not only addressed these concerns but has crafted something truly unique. *FBC: Firebreak* is a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of *Control*, and it stands out brilliantly in the crowded genre of online shooters. Game director Mike Kayatta emphasized a commitment to a less time-consuming experience, stating, "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 approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry often dominated by games that demand constant attention.

In *FBC: Firebreak*, players can dive into the action for as little as 20 minutes or extend their sessions for a few hours, with new Perk unlocks and character combinations ensuring varied gameplay. You find yourself back in The Oldest House, this time as volunteer first responders tackling crises with an array of bizarre weapons. The game portrays you as ordinary folks—secretaries, rangers, and more—who become heroes in extraordinary circumstances. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, the game's narrative suggests otherwise, adding a thrilling edge to the gameplay.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

8 Images

When you start playing, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and the Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. The zones are divided by containment doors leading to the next stage of the Job. In the demo, the Job "Paper Chase" unfolded in an unassuming office section of the FBC building, where players must combat the spreading Hiss alongside teammates. The choice to escape quickly or linger for currency adds strategic depth, as staying longer increases the challenge of returning to HQ safely.

What sets *FBC: Firebreak* apart are its delightfully unconventional weapons, each with a distinct, often homemade charm. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and douse sticky-note monsters, to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, and a wrench augmented with a piggy bank toy that showers coins on foes, the arsenal is as varied as it is entertaining. Traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, especially useful against the formidable sticky-note monsters.

Speaking of which, one Job's primary objective is to clear out the sticky notes before they overrun the FBC building. 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 quirky weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* integrates fun, in-universe mechanics. Players can refill ammo at office supply shelves, construct makeshift turrets from boxes, use stereo speakers to repel the Hiss, and utilize rinse stations to remove aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks further enhance gameplay diversity, such as a chance for missed bullets to return to your clip or the ability to extinguish yourself by jumping. Stacking the same Perk amplifies its effect, and sharing it with teammates adds a cooperative twist.

Importantly, *FBC: Firebreak* is flexible in group sizes, supporting solo, duo, or trio play. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec but also supports advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium on day one. While a post-launch content plan remains under wraps, the game will feature paid cosmetics as the only microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

While I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, the initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. This is not your average multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing return to games that don't demand a massive time commitment, echoing the simplicity and fun of earlier gaming days.