If you’ve tried FBC: Firebreak, the new multiplayer spin-off from Control, you might have found it frustrating—especially in the early stages. Since its release, the game has received mixed reviews from critics and players, prompting developer Remedy to respond quickly with planned updates.
Announced back in October 2024, FBC: Firebreak is Remedy’s first online multiplayer game. It is a bridge between Control and the upcoming Control 2, but its rough launch has raised concerns among longtime fans. Now, Remedy has shared its first wave of fixes—and more are on the way.
Missions are now fully unlocked from the start
The most significant change in the new update is how missions are unlocked. Previously, you had to play a shorter, simpler version of a mission—like cleaning up multiplying post-it notes or dealing with pink goo—before gaining access to a more complex version. Now, those full missions are available right from the beginning. Once you complete one, you’ll unlock the next. This aims to speed up progression and reduce repetition.
This update also addresses a few other gameplay frustrations. The cost of in-game cosmetics has been rebalanced, and it’s now easier to spot and collect in-game items. Remedy has published the full patch notes on Steam so that you can check all the minor fixes and improvements there.
More updates are coming soon
While this first update focuses on gameplay flow and cosmetics, Remedy has acknowledged that more needs to be done. One of the biggest complaints from players and reviewers has been the lack of a clear explanation for how weapons and abilities work together. Remedy says it’s working on new onboarding systems to explain the game’s mechanics better, though these changes will take longer to develop.
In addition, new missions and cosmetics were already part of Firebreak‘s future roadmap, so further fixes will likely be added to upcoming content drops. The developers hope these updates will smooth the game’s learning curve and improve the experience.
Critics praise the tone but note issues with storytelling
While some players have enjoyed the quirky, offbeat vibe that Remedy is known for, others have had a tougher time sticking with the game. Eurogamer described Firebreak as charming in its oddness but also inconsistent in difficulty. GameSpot highlighted confusing mission design and a lack of guidance for new players.
However, the most serious criticism comes from TechRadar, which pointed out the lack of story in the game. Remedy games are usually strong in narrative, and Control sets a high standard. Sadly, Firebreak doesn’t appear to carry that torch. Remedy hasn’t yet addressed whether it plans to add more narrative content, possibly because the multiplayer focus has changed the studio’s priorities.
FBC: Firebreak is out now for US$40 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. If you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, you can jump in at no extra cost. With updates already rolling out and more fixes planned, it might be worth checking back if you were disappointed the first time.
