FBC: Firebreak – Everything we know about Remedy’s multiplayer FPS

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the upcoming multiplayer game FBC: Firebreak from Remedy Entertainment has piqued my interest. Having dabbled in Control and other games set within their Connected Universe, I am eager to dive deeper into this mysterious world they’ve crafted.

Preparations are underway for Remedy to debut its inaugural multiplayer venture with FBC: Firebreak, a thrilling first-person shooter (FPS) game set within the world of Control. This article provides an extensive overview, covering aspects such as gameplay mechanics, compatible platforms, and the narrative’s connection to the expanding Remedyverse universe.

Over time, Remedy has steadily constructed a unique digital realm, weaving narratives that span over two decades and creating a complex web of stories. If you’ve experienced Alan Wake 2, you’re aware of the intricate maze these tales can form.

The renowned studio has shifted gears and is currently developing their inaugural game focused solely on multiplayer – aptly named Firebreak. While this title is linked to previous projects, there’s no prior knowledge required to jump right into the fray of its fast-paced action.

Although the game was unveiled for the first time during the 2024 Xbox Partner Preview event on October 17, we already have a substantial amount of information about its upcoming release. This includes details about how it’s played and the platforms it will be launched on. Here’s a summary of all you need to know.

Is there a release date?

As an ardent enthusiast, I’m eagerly waiting for the official launch of FBC: Firebreak, though I don’t have an exact date yet, what I know is that the game is aiming for a 2025 debut.

Since the new game has recently been announced, a specific launch date hasn’t been set yet, but don’t worry, it won’t be much longer before you can play it. Assuming there are no unexpected hold-ups, FBC: Firebreak is expected to come out within this year.

FBC: Firebreak – Everything we know about Remedy’s multiplayer FPS

Platforms

The action-packed game, Firebreak, is all set for its debut on Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation 5, and personal computers. It’s worth mentioning that this game can be played immediately upon release, thanks to Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus (Extra & Premium levels) subscriptions.

Fans who have an active subscription on either platform will be able to join immediately, without additional fees, when the game launches – this is a new strategy for Remedy, aiming to draw in as many players as possible from the outset.

At this moment, it’s uncertain what the price would be for buying the game individually, separate from any subscription services. More information about the cost, likely to be disclosed soon, should help clear up any questions in the upcoming months.

Is it on Steam Deck?

With Firebreak set to release on PC via Steam’s platform, it’s promising that you can play it on the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, since Remedy Entertainment has not specified their intentions to optimize it for Valve’s handheld device, there’s no assurance about how smoothly the multiplayer game will perform on the Steam Deck.

Is it cross-platform?

While not explicitly confirmed by Remedy, the FBC: Firebreak Steam page includes a label to indicate support of cross-platform multiplayer. This means the game should let you team up with friends across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation all at once.

At this point, it’s undetermined whether cross-progression is available. This means we can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to carry over your progress from one platform to another when playing the game.

Trailers

Up until now, just a single trailer for FBC: Firebreak has been unveiled. This was initially showcased during the Xbox Partner Preview event on October 17, 2024.

This short video preview provided the initial glimpse into actual gameplay, displaying thrilling three-player cooperative combat scenes.

Announcement Trailer

FBC: Firebreak gameplay details

Fundamentally, Firebreak: FBC is a thrilling three-player cooperative first-person shooting game, devoid of any player versus player (PvP) interactions. Instead, it focuses on players joining forces to combat computer-controlled adversaries in a sequence of linear campaigns.

In the enigmatic Oldest House, stronghold of the Federal Bureau of Control, the multiplayer game unfolds. This happens years after the original events, with the building now devastated by an outbreak. The task falls upon Firebreak team, the Bureau’s most adaptable unit, to attempt halting this crisis or at least lessen its impact.

In every mission, players have the freedom to personalize their gear prior to starting, which we refer to as Firebreaker’s Crisis Kit. This encompasses the standard items such as weapons, grenades, and equipment, but also offers distinctive options like Paranatural Augments.

Paranatural Augments, much like how they appeared in Control, are described here as “more or less our take on ‘ultimates,’ Communications Director Thomas Puha said in an Xbox Wire blog post. “[They] are not to be taken lightly.”

In its digital-only format, Remedy has endeavored to make its project FBC: Firebreak clearer. Puha stated it’s not primarily a live-service game. Instead, he described it as having an intuitive and straightforward design. “It shouldn’t feel like another job or require an hour to prepare your loadouts before you dive into a session. This isn’t the kind of game we’re aiming for.

Despite having no shortage of depth, there’s always more to uncover in this game. It features progression systems with hidden rewards to discover, and it’s scheduled for ongoing updates with fresh content releases. This means that missions, maps, and weapons may undergo changes, and the storyline is planned to unfold gradually over time as well.

How does FBC: Firebreak connect to Control? Remedy’s Connected Universe explained

As a devoted fan, I find myself delving into the thrilling narrative of Firebreak, which unfolds subsequent to the momentous events in Control. While I can’t reveal specific plot points, it’s clear that The Oldest House has seen a change in leadership, but not everything has proceeded smoothly as expected. The building itself has been compromised by another catastrophic outbreak, causing an uproar of otherworldly and paranormal entities to run rampant once more.

In an effort to attract novice gamers who haven’t played the initial game or any part of Remedy’s shared universe, developers have carefully crafted the narrative as a primary emphasis in this new release.

According to Game Director Mike Kayatta, you can expect to delve deeper into the realm of Control. This means encountering more of the Federal Bureau of Control, meeting additional staff members, traversing further parts of the Oldest House, and stumbling upon even more peculiar occurrences. Most significantly, you’ll get a fresh viewpoint on both the established and newly uncovered aspects of this world.

Previously, our interactions with the FBC were always from a distance, whether as Jesse Faden or Alan Wake. But now, for the first time, we take on the role of FBC operatives ourselves, immersing in the experiences of their elite task force.

For now, it’s unclear where the missions will take us or how the narrative will shape the broader universe. However, it is certain that Remedy has grand ambitions for expanding “the tales of that world – narratives that will continue even beyond the release date.

At present, here’s a summary of what we currently know about Firebreak, Remedy’s debut multiplayer game: stay tuned for more updates as they become available and we approach the release date. We’ll make sure to keep you informed with the latest news right here.

2024-10-18 07:48