FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy, the studio celebrated for crafting compelling single-player stories in third-person games, announced their venture into multiplayer with *Control*, skepticism was natural. I, like many others who voted *Control* as IGN’s Game of the Year in 2019, had my doubts. However, after seeing the hands-off demo of *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years after the events of *Control*, those doubts vanished. *Firebreak* stands out as a refreshingly original game in a crowded market, offering a delightfully unique experience amidst the sea of typical military and sci-fi shooters. Best of all, it doesn't demand a significant time investment, 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 a three-player cooperative FPS that promises a straightforward gaming experience. Whether you play for a quick 20 minutes or indulge for hours, the game keeps things engaging with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. Set within The Oldest House, players assume the role of volunteer first responders, including secretaries, rangers, and other "normal" occupations, stepping up when crises strike. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, the reality is... you kind of are.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you dive into *FBC: Firebreak*, you'll start by selecting a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (your loadout), then setting the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which decides how many zones you'll tackle in a run. These zones, separated by containment doors, lead you through different stages of the Job. The mission I saw, dubbed "Paper Chase," unfolds in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building, where the Hiss are spreading. It's up to you and your team to push them back.

While you can make a swift exit, lingering to gather currencies for gear upgrades and purchases adds a thrilling challenge to safely returning to HQ. The longer you explore, the harder it becomes to escape unscathed.

What sets *FBC: Firebreak* apart from other multiplayer shooters is its arsenal of delightfully quirky weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires (or friends on fire) and douse sticky-note monsters, to a makeshift zapper that can summon lightning storms when equipped with the right nozzle, and even a large wrench that pelts opponents with coins when fitted with a squeaky piggy bank toy. While these unconventional weapons steal the show, traditional options like machine guns and shotguns are also available, the latter being particularly effective against the sticky-note monsters after they've been soaked or zapped.

The core objective of "Paper Chase" is to eliminate all the sticky notes before they overrun the brutalist building. Keep an eye on the number of sticky notes left to destroy, displayed in the upper left corner, as it increases throughout the mission. The climax involves confronting a gigantic sticky-note monster, reminiscent of Sandman from *Spider-Man 3*, but composed of Post-It notes instead of sand.

Beyond the unconventional weapons, *FBC: Firebreak* introduces engaging in-universe mechanics. An office supply shelf replenishes your ammo, a makeshift turret can be constructed by simply dumping it out of a box, a stereo speaker keeps the Hiss at bay, and a rinse station cleans sticky notes off your face. Unlockable Perks add further variety to gameplay, such as one where missed bullets might return to your clip, or another allowing you to extinguish yourself by jumping up and down. Collecting duplicate Perks amplifies their effect, and three of the same Perk can be shared with nearby teammates.

You don't need a trio to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*; solo and duo play are also supported. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec than usual, while also supporting DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, full ray-tracing, and ensuring Steam Deck compatibility. The game will launch into Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one, alongside PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. A post-launch content plan remains under wraps, but expect paid cosmetics to be the only microtransactions.

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While I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* firsthand, the game certainly passes the visual test. It's clear that this is no ordinary multiplayer shooter, and its design as a quick, engaging online game without the need for extensive ongoing commitment feels like a nostalgic return to simpler gaming times.