Control is a groundbreaking action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment that combines an engaging narrative with stunning visuals and extraordinary gameplay mechanics. Set in the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, players take on the role of Jesse Faden as she navigates the shifting environment of the headquarters, known as the Oldest House, to uncover secrets about her past and confront supernatural entities. With its unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and fast-paced combat, Control offers a captivating experience. This guide will provide essential tips and strategies to help you master the game and fully enjoy everything it has to offer.

Understanding the Game's Setting

Before diving into gameplay mechanics, it is crucial to grasp the game’s setting and the significance of the Federal Bureau of Control.

The Oldest House

The Oldest House is an ever-shifting skyscraper in New York City that serves as the game’s primary setting. It is filled with secrets, puzzles, and hidden areas that invite exploration.

  • Mystery and Intrigue: The building is full of strange occurrences, from talking objects to dangerous entities, making exploration both thrilling and treacherous.
  • Accessible Environment: As players progress, the layout of the Oldest House changes. Understanding how to navigate these shifts is key to successfully completing missions.

The Bureau’s Purpose

The Federal Bureau of Control investigates and contains paranormal phenomena. This agency is shrouded in secrecy and is critical to the narrative:

  • Object of Power: These objects possess supernatural abilities and are crucial for both the gameplay and story. Jesse's connection to these artifacts is central to her journey.
  • Altered World Events: These are significant incidents involving supernatural influences requiring investigation and containment.

Getting Started with Basic Gameplay Mechanics

Mastering the basic gameplay mechanics is essential for progressing through Control. Familiarize yourself with the controls and abilities that define the game.

Controls Overview

Before embarking on your journey, understanding the game’s control layout is essential:

  • Movement: Move Jesse around using the directional controls. Use the sprint function to evade enemies quickly.
  • Combat: Familiarize yourself with how to aim, shoot, and utilize your psychic abilities.

Key Abilities

As Jesse acquires new abilities throughout the game, understanding how to utilize them is crucial:

  • Telekinesis: You can lift and throw objects or enemies. This is particularly useful for both combat and solving environmental puzzles.
  • Levitation: This ability allows you to navigate vertical spaces and avoid enemy attacks.

Combat Strategies

Combat in Control is dynamic and requires a mix of shooting skills and strategic use of abilities. Mastering these aspects will significantly enhance your chances of survival.

Weapon Customization

Jesse uses a shape-shifting weapon called the Service Weapon. Customizing this unique weapon according to your playstyle is essential:

  • Weapon Forms: The Service Weapon has different forms, such as the Grip (standard firing) and the Shatter (shotgun form). Experiment with each form to find what works best for you.
  • Upgrades: Collect materials to upgrade your weapons, improving their damage and effectiveness.

Using Psychic Abilities in Combat

Employing abilities during battles can turn the tide in your favor:

  • Telekinesis in Combat: Use nearby objects as weapons by propelling them towards enemies. This not only deals damage but can also create environmental advantages.
  • Defensive Abilities: Utilize the Shield ability to absorb enemy fire while planning your next move.

Navigating the Oldest House

Exploring the Oldest House is as important as completing missions. Many secrets and collectibles are hidden throughout the building.

Environmental Puzzles

Navigating this shifting landscape often involves solving puzzles:

  • Hidden Paths: Pay attention to environmental cues that could indicate hidden passageways or destructible walls.
  • Use of Abilities: Certain abilities are required to solve specific puzzles, like using levitation to reach high platforms or move obstacles.

Collectibles and Side Missions

Engage in side missions to uncover the lore and backstory of the Bureau:

  • Documents and Case Files: Collecting these items sheds light on the Bureau’s history and adds depth to the storyline.
  • Side Missions: Completing side quests not only rewards you with upgrades but also expands your understanding of the game world.

Mastering the Map and Fast Travel

Understanding the game’s map and how fast travel works is essential for efficiency as you navigate through the Oldest House.

Understanding the Map

The map is not only for navigation but offers additional information:

  • Mission Markers: Identify your main and side missions to track your progress.
  • Collectible Locations: The map marks areas where collectibles can be found, helping you gather items throughout your journey.

Utilizing Fast Travel

Fast travel significantly reduces backtracking, allowing for quick movement between locations:

  • Control Points: Activate control points throughout the Oldest House to unlock fast travel options. These can also serve as respawn points.
  • Plan Your Routes: Utilizing fast travel effectively can save time and allow you to focus on completing missions rather than traversing the map repeatedly.

Building Jesse's Skills

As you progress through Control, building Jesse's skills is vital for facing tougher enemies and challenges.

Skill Tree Overview

The skill tree allows players to enhance Jesse’s abilities and improve her efficiency:

  • Combat Skills: This includes increasing weapon damage, improving reload speed, and unlocking new ability enhancements.
  • Survival Skills: Focus on upgrading health and energy to withstand tougher encounters.

Upgrading Abilities

Prioritize your upgrades according to your playstyle and the challenges you face:

  • Manage Resources: Allocate points wisely and choose upgrades that complement your strengths.
  • Experiment with Abilities: Trying different abilities will help you discover effective combinations during combat.

Engaging with Enemies

Understanding enemy types and how to engage with them is key to success in Control.

Enemy Types

Each enemy type presents unique challenges and requires distinct strategies to defeat:

  • Hiss Soldiers: These are the standard enemies. Use your weaponry to deal with them from a distance while utilizing cover.
  • Hiss Guards: Heavily armored enemies that require specific tactics to overcome, such as using telekinesis against them or utilizing explosive barrels.
  • Boss Encounters: Boss enemies are often more challenging. Focus on dodging their attacks and recognizing their patterns to find opportunities to counter.

Utilizing the Environment Against Enemies

The Oldest House itself can be an ally in battle:

  • Destructible Cover: Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind cover and utilizing destructible elements.
  • Environmental Hazards: Propel enemies into dangerous areas using telekinesis. Using the environment against your foes not only deals damage but also provides tactical advantages.

Side Missions and Additional Content

Control is packed with side missions and additional content that enhance the gameplay experience and enrich the story.

Benefits of Side Missions

Engaging in side missions provides valuable rewards and insights into the world:

  • Experience and Upgrades: Completing side missions yields resources and experience, crucial for leveling up Jesse quickly.
  • Character Development: Side quests often delve into the lore of the Bureau and provide a deeper understanding of characters and events.

Special Challenges

Make sure to participate in unique challenges that may arise:

  • Timed Missions: Some side missions come with time limits, adding urgency and excitement to the gameplay.
  • Collectible Hunts: Hunting for collectibles not only provides lore but can also reward you with special abilities or upgrades.

Engaging with the Community

The Control community is vast and offers a wealth of information, strategies, and shared experiences.

Online Forums and Resources

Engaging with online forums can provide valuable insights and answers to your questions:

  • Strategy Guides: Look for community-generated guides that can give tips on specific missions, collectibles, or enemy strategies.
  • Fan Theories: Join discussions regarding the game’s lore and theories about the Bureau. Engaging with others can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game.

Streaming and Video Content

Watching streams or gameplay videos can help improve your skills and gather new strategies:

  • Tutorials and Walkthroughs: These can offer visual guidance for challenging missions and elaborate puzzles.
  • Community Challenges: Participating in community events, like speed runs, can provide additional interaction and engagement with the game.

Conclusion

Control is a masterfully crafted game that combines cutting-edge gameplay mechanics with a rich, layered story. By understanding the game’s setting, mastering movement and stealth, engaging with enemies, and exploring the Oldest House, players can optimize their gameplay experience. Focus on upgrading abilities, utilizing the environment, and participating actively in community discussions to enhance your time in this enigmatic world. As you unravel the mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control, embrace the power of Jesse Faden and enjoy the thrilling journey awaiting you.