Remedy Entertainment-best known for twisting realities in Alan Wake and Control-is stepping into uncharted territory with FBC Firebreak, its first-ever multiplayer FPS. But don’t expect another battle pass-powered treadmill: Firebreak rejects live-service conventions, focusing instead on approachable, replayable co-op that draws from a surprisingly eclectic mix of inspirations-yes, even Powerwash Simulator. Launching June 17, Firebreak aims to deliver a focused, emergent experience at a time when more is so often mistaken for better.
Key Takeaways
Game Info
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Remedy Entertainment |
| Release Date | June 17, 2025 |
| Genres | Co-op FPS, Action, Multiplayer |
| Platforms | PC |
In a multiplayer gaming landscape crowded by season passes, relentless cosmetics, and cross-promotional chaos, Firebreak feels almost rebellious in its restraint. Remedy’s previous FPS efforts were limited to CrossfireX’s campaign, but Firebreak marks a true leap: a wholly original, co-op-driven shooter that sidesteps the live-service grind.
Game director Mike Kayatta explains Firebreak’s genesis in the unlikeliest of places: “I was playing [Powerwash Simulator] and I was like: ‘Why is it so fun to be doing this?’ Then I thought, what if zombies rushed me every now and then?” That oddball question led to the creation of Firebreak’s Splash Kit—a water-based class that took months to nail down. The result? A game that’s as much about offbeat team chemistry as it is about blasting the supernatural.
The game launches with five “Jobs”—think multi-stage missions more than static levels—and three distinct Kits. While the arsenal and map pool are modest by AAA shooter standards, each piece is engineered for maximum sandbox unpredictability. The magic comes from interactions: a zipline’s breeze can snuff out flames, or a healing fountain might suddenly morph into a flamethrower turret. Even boss fights get the Remedy twist, like fending off a giant sticky-note monster or tracking down a cursed stapler that darts around like a housefly.
Unlike competitors that chase engagement through quantity, Firebreak bets on replayability through emergent moments and player-driven problem-solving. Remedy admits it’s a risk: “Everyone wants to solve replayability by just having a gazillion levels and 10,000 guns… That’s way out of our capacity right now. So instead, we made sure the content is a machine that can produce its own emergent fun,” Kayatta says.
Firebreak’s anti-live-service stance doesn’t mean post-launch support is out. Remedy promises two more Jobs and late-game systems within the year, but the team’s refreshingly candid: what comes next depends on players, not a rigid content calendar. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off for players burnt out on predatory monetization.
FBC Firebreak launches June 17 on PC. Whether Remedy’s unique approach can sustain a player base—or inspire a new wave of creative, focused multiplayer shooters—remains to be seen. But in a market awash with sameness, Firebreak’s blend of co-op chaos, elemental shenanigans and signature Remedy weirdness is a welcome disruption.
TL;DR: FBC Firebreak is Remedy’s bold co-op FPS departure, ditching live-service bloat for quirky, emergent team play and a focus on replayable “Jobs.” If you crave something different in the co-op shooter scene, mark June 17 on your calendar.
Source: Remedy Entertainment via GamesPress