FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Gem

When Remedy Entertainment announced they were venturing into multiplayer territory with FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the acclaimed Control, even ardent fans like myself felt a twinge of doubt. However, after witnessing a hands-off demo, it's clear that my skepticism was misplaced. FBC: Firebreak brings a refreshing originality to a crowded genre, infusing it with a delightful eccentricity that sets it apart from the typical military and sci-fi shooters flooding the market. Moreover, it's designed not to demand a hefty time commitment, a common pitfall of many modern 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." A sentiment that resonates loudly with gamers tired of endless grinds.

FBC: Firebreak is crafted as a three-player cooperative FPS that promises a no-nonsense approach to gaming. Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours, the game accommodates your schedule, with Perk unlocks and fresh character combinations ensuring each session remains engaging. In this sequel, you find yourself back in The Oldest House, wielding an array of bizarre weaponry. As a volunteer first responder amidst chaos, your character could be anything from a secretary to a ranger—ordinary folks thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, but let's be real—you're on the front lines.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you dive into FBC: Firebreak, you'll select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and choose your Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll tackle. Zones are segmented by containment doors, leading you to the next phase of your Job. The demo showcased the "Paper Chase" mission, set in the mundane office sections of the FBC building, where you and your teammates fend off the encroaching Hiss. Your objective is clear: escape with the currency needed for upgrades and new gear, but remember, the longer you linger to collect, the harder it becomes to return to HQ unscathed.

What truly distinguishes FBC: Firebreak from other multiplayer shooters is its arsenal of uniquely charming and homebrew-inspired weapons. Imagine wielding a hand-cranked snowball launcher to extinguish fires or douse sticky-note monsters, or a zapper that can summon lightning storms when equipped with the right nozzle. Even a wrench, when fitted with a squeaky piggy bank, can unleash a swirl of coins against foes. Yet, traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns remain staples, particularly useful against the aforementioned sticky-note creatures.

The primary mission in the demo involved eradicating sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of remaining notes, displayed in the upper left corner, increases as you progress, culminating in a confrontation with a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but crafted from Post-It notes.

Beyond its quirky weapons, FBC: Firebreak incorporates engaging in-universe gameplay mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish your ammo to makeshift turrets built from boxes, and stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, the game is brimming with inventive elements. The rinse stations are particularly handy for removing sticky notes from your character. Unlockable Perks add layers of strategy and variety, such as a chance for missed bullets to return to your clip or the ability to extinguish yourself by jumping. Duplicating Perks enhances their effects, and tripling them allows you to share the benefits with teammates.

Flexibility is key in FBC: Firebreak; you can enjoy the game solo, in duos, or the full three-player mode. Remedy aims to make the game accessible with lower minimum PC specs while also supporting high-end features like DLSS4, multi-frame generation, NVIDIA Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's also Steam Deck verified and will launch on day one into Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While Remedy has plans for post-launch content and will offer paid cosmetics, the game's microtransactions are limited to these cosmetic items.

FBC FirebreakTBA 2025 Wishlist

Although I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the game certainly impresses on first glance. It stands out as anything but a typical multiplayer shooter, and its design as an accessible, get-in-and-get-out experience harkens back to a time when games didn't demand constant attention. This approach is a breath of fresh air in today's gaming landscape.