About a year after the highly praised release of Alan Wake 2, Remedy Entertainment surprised fans by announcing a fresh project, FBC: Firebreak. Currently in the works for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this game marks a unique shift for the Finnish developers. It’s noteworthy for being Remedy’s first foray into the first-person shooter (FPS) genre—well, apart from the single-player campaign for CrossfireX. It also marks their debut in the multiplayer arena, not to mention their first self-publishing endeavor. Transitioning from single-player games to multiplayer ones can present challenges, but Remedy looks to be preserving its signature strengths within FBC: Firebreak.
FBC: Firebreak offers a cooperative player experience like no other—a three-player PvE co-op FPS, set in the Remedy Connected Universe, alongside famed titles like Alan Wake and Control. Players are tasked with exploring the Oldest House, battling peculiar and supernatural foes, such as a cunning hive mind of sticky notes, all corrupted by the Hiss—the malevolent supernatural force leading the chaos in Control. Although there’s no specific launch date just yet, summer 2025 seems to be the target, an especially fitting window for this title given the competitive landscape.
Interestingly, 2025 is gearing up to be a packed year in terms of game releases, serving as the backdrop for heavyweights like Grand Theft Auto 6, Ghost of Yotei, Borderlands 4, Crimson Desert, and Mafia: The Old Country. The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is also on the horizon, rumored to debut with a slew of fresh titles. One might wonder if FBC: Firebreak can make its mark amid such high-profile releases—but it just might. Remedy’s timing may be strategic, as the release schedule for summer 2025 currently shows only a few major AAA titles, like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remake, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Thankfully, none tread in the same multiplayer FPS space, giving FBC: Firebreak a good chance to stand out.
The Nintendo Switch 2 does pose a potential wildcard, with anticipation building ahead of its full reveal set for April 2. If it launches in the summer of 2025, games like Mario Kart 9 or the next big 3D Mario adventure could capture significant attention. Still, since FBC: Firebreak isn’t planned for the Switch 2 and doesn’t align with the typical Nintendo game lineup, its impact may be limited.
Importantly, FBC: Firebreak will be simultaneously available on PS Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass on launch day. This wider accessibility could significantly enhance the game’s visibility, drawing in a large and eager player base from the get-go. As long as the launch isn’t marred by any setbacks or postponements, Remedy should find themselves well-prepared to navigate the bustling AAA landscape, ensuring FBC: Firebreak shines brightly for its audience.
