FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their compelling single-player third-person narratives, announced a multiplayer game set in the universe of Control, skepticism was rife. However, after experiencing the hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control, it's clear that Remedy has crafted something truly unique. This game stands out in the crowded market of online shooters, bringing a fresh, delightfully weird twist to the genre without demanding a heavy 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."

FBC: Firebreak offers a flexible co-op FPS experience where players can dive in for as short as 20 minutes or extend their session for hours. With Perk unlocks and character combinations, the gameplay remains engaging and varied. In FBC: Firebreak, you step into the shoes of volunteer first responders within The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weaponry. These characters, from secretaries to rangers, are called upon when chaos erupts, serving as expendable yet crucial agents of the Federal Bureau of Control.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which determines the number of zones to navigate. Zones are separated by containment doors, leading to different stages of the Job. In the demo, I observed the "Paper Chase" Job, set in an ordinary office section of the FBC building. Here, players combat the spreading Hiss, collaborating with teammates to push them back. Escaping with collected currencies is key to upgrading and acquiring new gear, though lingering to gather more increases the challenge of safely returning to HQ.

What truly distinguishes FBC: Firebreak is its arsenal of unconventional, homebrew-feeling weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires or soak sticky-note monsters, to a cobbled-together zapper capable of unleashing lightning storms, and a wrench that, when fitted with a piggy bank, pelts opponents with coins, the weaponry is both charming and effective. Alongside these, traditional arms like machine guns and shotguns remain essential, particularly for dealing with the sticky-note monsters after they've been soaked or zapped.

The primary objective of the "Paper Chase" Job is to eliminate the sticky-note threat before it overwhelms the brutalist building. Players track their progress by the number of sticky notes left to destroy, which increases throughout the mission, 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 unique weaponry, FBC: Firebreak introduces engaging in-universe mechanics such as ammo-refilling office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, Hiss-repelling stereo speakers, and rinse stations for removing sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add depth and variety to the gameplay, with examples including bullets returning to the clip upon missing and the ability to extinguish oneself by jumping. Stacking Perks enhances their effects, and sharing them with teammates becomes possible with three of the same Perk.

FBC: Firebreak accommodates solo and duo play in addition to trios. Remedy aims for accessibility with a lower minimum PC spec while supporting advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, full ray-tracing, and Steam Deck verification. The game will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium. While a post-launch content plan remains undisclosed, paid cosmetics will be the extent of microtransactions.

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Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak myself, the demo showcases a game that defies the conventions of typical multiplayer shooters in the best way possible. Its design as a get-in and get-out online experience harkens back to an era where gaming didn't necessitate a massive time commitment, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.