In a rather serendipitous, and ironic, timing, Remedy is releasing a new content update for FBC: Firebreak. Its last.
Called the Open House update, it’s serendipitous to have it named such just as parts of the world are celebrating in Eid (Aidilfitri, Hari Raya), where some cultures celebrate by organising open house events. Ironic, as this is technically Remedy closing up shop for Firebreak when it comes to content updates.
The Open House update adds five new arenas all based of the 2019 game Control: Cafeteria, Aircon Room, Ranger HQ, Turntable, and Ritual Lobby. These arenas are playable exclusively in the Endless Shift mode.
The update gives one more pass of gameplay and balance changes to make FBC: Firebreak’s “combat clearer, smoother, and more flexible.”
The FBC: Firebreak Open House update also permanently reducing its retail price. On top of that, it adds a Friend’s Pass. Anyone can now download the Free Trial, but can only join a lobby of a host who owns the game (via a direct invite or a party code—the game has cross-play). So if you’re looking to rope in two more friends to play as a full stack of three players, that’s an easier proposition now that it comes to no cost to the friends.
Full patch notes can be found here.
While the Open House update marks the end of FBC: Firebreak’s content updates, Remedy assures the game will remain online and fully playable “for years to come.”
FBC: Firebreak is an experimental title for Remedy. It’s the team’s first live-service PVE co-op multiplayer game. As part of the Firebreak team within the Federal Bureau of Control, you are tasked in completing various tasks that demands the team of three players to cooperate and make use of the environments and their class abilities in interesting ways.
The concept sounds neat, but in practice it doesn’t quite hit. Our early impressions at launch involves players wishing not to team up with others, to the point of them kicking or leaving to ensure they play solo. The interplay of different class kits feel contrived rather than im-sim brilliant. And the vibe of it all is not what you’d expect if you’re familiar with Control. FBC: Firebreak is more folk-rocky weird where the Firebreak team equip makeshift armour and gear where it feels like office workers going Mad Max, which isn’t as appealing as it sounds.
While we don’t necessarily think FBC: Firebreak is anything fantastic, it’s worth celebrating that the devs didn’t simply close the servers and move on. There are lessons to be learned here, and it’s now more accessible than ever if you’re curious to try out the game yourself rather than just read and hear what others think.
FBC: Firebreak is out now on PS5, PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S. Remedy is currently developing Control: Resonant, releasing later this year.