When Remedy, a studio renowned for its compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced they were venturing into multiplayer territory with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was understandable. Yet, having witnessed a hands-off demo of this three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years post-Control, it's clear that my initial doubts were misplaced. FBC: Firebreak stands out in a crowded market with its original and delightfully quirky take on the genre. It eschews the typical grind-heavy mechanics of many modern shooters, 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 you can dive in for a quick 20 minutes or indulge in longer sessions. The game keeps things fresh with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. Set in The Oldest House, players assume the roles of volunteer first responders, including secretaries and rangers, who step up when things go awry. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not call them expendable, the implication is clear.
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 and Clearance Levels, which dictate the difficulty and the number of zones to navigate. The zones are segmented by containment doors, guiding players through different stages of the Job. In the demo, the Job "Paper Chase" unfolds in an office section of the FBC building, where players must combat the spreading Hiss with their teammates.
Players can choose to escape quickly or linger to gather currencies for gear upgrades, though the longer they stay, the riskier the return to HQ becomes.
What truly distinguishes FBC: Firebreak is its arsenal of bizarre, yet charmingly homebrewed weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, the weapons add a playful twist to combat. Even traditional options like machine guns and shotguns are crucial, especially when dealing with the sticky-note monsters that are central to the "Paper Chase" Job. As the mission progresses, players face a towering sticky-note beast reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.
Beyond the weapons, FBC: Firebreak integrates fun in-universe mechanics like ammo-replenishing office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, Hiss-repelling stereo speakers, and rinse stations for removing aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add further depth, such as bullets returning to the clip after missing or extinguishing oneself by jumping. Stacking Perks can enhance their effects or share them with teammates.
Players aren't limited to trios; solo and duo modes are available as well. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec, with support for DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, full ray-tracing, and Steam Deck verification. The game 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, paid cosmetics will be the only microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
While I haven't played FBC: Firebreak myself, the game certainly looks promising. It's not just another multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing departure from the norm, offering a game you can enjoy without a significant time commitment. This approach harks back to a time when gaming was less about the grind and more about the experience.
