FBC: Firebreak - The Unexpected Multiplayer FPS Hit

When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their captivating single-player narratives, announced they were venturing into multiplayer with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was understandable. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo, it's clear that this three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years post-Control, is a delightful departure from the norm. FBC: Firebreak stands out in the crowded multiplayer shooter genre with its originality and eccentricity, eschewing the typical military or sci-fi themes for something truly unique. Game director Mike Kayatta emphasized their focus on fun over obligation, stating, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job." This approach is music to the ears of gamers tired of endless commitments.

FBC: Firebreak promises a no-nonsense co-op FPS experience, allowing players to dive in for short bursts or extended sessions, with Perk unlocks and character combinations ensuring each playthrough feels fresh. You find yourself back in The Oldest House as volunteer first responders, navigating chaos with an array of bizarre weaponry. These "expendable" characters range from secretaries to rangers, adding a unique twist to the narrative.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and choose a Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones to traverse. Zones are divided by containment doors, leading to the next stage of the Job. The demo showcased "Paper Chase," set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where players combat the spreading Hiss. The objective is to escape with valuable currencies for upgrades, though lingering too long to collect them increases the challenge of returning safely to HQ.

What truly distinguishes FBC: Firebreak from other shooters is its arsenal of quirky, homemade-feeling weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters to a cobbled-together zapper capable of summoning lightning storms, the creativity is palpable. Even traditional weapons like shotguns play a crucial role in dealing with the unique adversaries, such as the gigantic sticky-note monster—a nod to iconic villains like Sandman from Spider-Man 3, but reimagined with sticky notes.

Beyond the weaponry, FBC: Firebreak integrates fun in-universe mechanics like office supply shelves for ammo refills, makeshift turrets, and stereo speakers to repel the Hiss. Unlockable Perks add layers of strategy and variety, such as bullets returning to the clip upon missing or the ability to extinguish oneself by jumping. These Perks can be enhanced or shared with teammates, fostering cooperative play.

Flexibility is key, as FBC: Firebreak supports solo and duo play, not just trios. Remedy aims for broad accessibility with lower minimum PC specs, while also supporting advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, full ray-tracing, and Steam Deck verification. The game is set to launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, with plans for post-launch content and paid cosmetics as the only microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

While I haven't yet had the chance to play FBC: Firebreak, the demo's promise is compelling. It's not just another multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing return to games that don't demand endless time commitments, echoing a bygone era of gaming where fun and flexibility reigned supreme.