Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is an action-adventure game that combines supernatural abilities with a gripping narrative. Set in the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), players take on the role of Jesse Faden as she explores a shifting, mysterious building known as the Oldest House. With a rich world filled with secrets, puzzles, and intense combat, Control offers players a unique experience. This guide provides essential tips and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of the game, from combat techniques to exploration and story engagement.

Understanding the Game Mechanics

Before diving into the action, it’s crucial to understand the core mechanics that define Control. Mastering these fundamentals will set the foundation for your success as you navigate the unpredictable world of the FBC.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Control features a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements. Players can expect to use a variety of abilities as they advance through the story.

Key Gameplay Elements

• Telekinesis: This ability allows players to lift and throw objects, making combat more dynamic.
• Weapon Forms: The Service Weapon can change its form, offering various combat styles, such as a pistol, shotgun, or machine gun.
• Health Management: Health can be regenerated by collecting energy from defeated enemies, promoting aggressive play.

Understanding these mechanics will help you adapt to the challenges presented throughout the game.

Exploring the Oldest House

The Oldest House is a sprawling, labyrinthine environment that players must explore to uncover the game’s secrets. Familiarizing yourself with its layout is essential.

Navigating the Environment

1. Fast Travel Points: Unlock fast travel points to move quickly between areas, saving time.
2. Hidden Areas: Take time to explore side rooms and hidden passages, as they often contain collectibles and hidden lore.
3. Environmental Interactions: Pay attention to the environment; use your telekinesis to interact with objects and navigate obstacles.

Exploring the Oldest House thoroughly will enhance your understanding of the story and provide valuable resources.

Mastering Combat Techniques

Combat in Control is fast-paced and fluid, requiring players to utilize their powers effectively. Developing strong combat techniques is key to overcoming challenges.

Engaging Enemies

Players will encounter various types of enemies throughout the game, each requiring different tactics to defeat.

Types of Enemies

1. Hiss: The primary enemy type, these corrupted beings have various forms, each with unique abilities.
2. Ritual Objects: Some enemies can summon objects that require specific strategies to defeat.
3. Bosses: Unique encounters that challenge players with complex mechanics.

Understanding enemy behaviors will help you formulate effective strategies during combat.

Utilizing Abilities

Your abilities are your greatest assets in combat. Learning to combine them effectively will enhance your combat effectiveness.

Key Abilities

1. Launch: Use telekinesis to throw objects at enemies, dealing damage and creating chaos.
2. Shield: Create a protective barrier to absorb incoming damage and provide cover.
3. Levitate: This ability allows you to float in mid-air, making you harder to hit while you attack.

Combining these abilities creatively can turn the tide in difficult encounters.

Managing Resources

Resource management is crucial in Control, as players must balance their health, energy, and ammunition for success.

Health and Energy

Maintaining your health and energy is essential for survival, especially during intense combat scenarios.

Health Management Tips

1. Collect Energy: Defeated enemies drop energy that can be used to recover health.
2. Upgrade Health: Invest in upgrades that increase your maximum health and health recovery rate.
3. Stay Mobile: Keep moving during combat to avoid enemy attacks and increase your chances of survival.

Effective health management will keep you in the fight longer.

Weapon Upgrades

Upgrading your Service Weapon is essential for maximizing its potential in combat. Players should actively seek out upgrades.

Upgrade Strategies

1. Collect Materials: Gather resources from defeated enemies and environmental objects to craft upgrades.
2. Focus on Versatility: Choose upgrades that enhance the weapon’s versatility for different combat situations.
3. Experiment with Mods: Use weapon mods to modify your weapon’s attributes to suit your playstyle.

Investing in weapon upgrades will enhance your firepower and adaptability in combat.

Engaging with the Story

Control features a rich narrative that weaves together elements of mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural. Engaging with the story will deepen your experience.

Key Story Elements

The narrative revolves around Jesse Faden’s search for her missing brother and her connection to the FBC. Understanding the characters and their motivations is essential.

Important Characters

1. Jesse Faden: The protagonist, seeking answers about her past and her brother.
2. Director Trench: The former director of the FBC, whose actions influence the narrative.
3. Ahti the Janitor: A mysterious character with insights into the Oldest House.

Engaging with these characters will provide context for your actions and enhance immersion.

Collectibles and Lore

Collectibles play a significant role in expanding the story and providing additional context.

Types of Collectibles

1. Documents: Provide background information on the FBC and its operations.
2. Audio Recordings: Offer insights into character motivations and events within the Oldest House.
3. Missions: Side missions often reveal more about the game’s lore and characters.

Collecting these items will enrich your understanding of the game’s narrative.

Solving Puzzles

Puzzles are an integral part of Control, often requiring players to think critically to progress through the story.

Types of Puzzles

Players will encounter various puzzles throughout the Oldest House, each requiring different approaches.

Common Puzzle Types

1. Environmental Puzzles: Use your abilities to manipulate objects and navigate obstacles.
2. Logic Puzzles: Solve riddles or challenges that often involve interacting with the environment.
3. Security Puzzles: Bypass security systems to gain access to restricted areas.

Mastering these puzzles will unlock new areas and enhance gameplay.

Puzzle-Solving Strategies

1. Observe Your Surroundings: Take time to analyze the environment for clues or hidden paths.
2. Experiment with Abilities: Use your powers creatively to manipulate objects and solve challenges.
3. Patience is Key: Some puzzles may require trial and error; don’t hesitate to experiment.

Using these strategies will help you navigate the game’s challenging puzzles.

Engaging with Side Missions

Side missions in Control offer additional content and rewards, allowing players to explore the game more thoroughly.

Importance of Side Missions

Completing side missions can enhance your understanding of the narrative and provide valuable resources.

Types of Side Missions

1. Anomalous Materials: Investigate unusual items or phenomena within the Oldest House.
2. Hiss Threats: Eliminate Hiss enemies in specific locations to reduce their presence.
3. Collectible Hunts: Find hidden collectibles scattered throughout the environment.

Engaging with side missions will enrich your gameplay experience and provide additional context.

Completing Side Missions

1. Stay Organized: Keep track of your active side missions and prioritize them based on your objectives.
2. Explore Thoroughly: Side missions often lead to hidden areas, so take the time to explore.
3. Leverage Abilities: Use your powers to simplify side missions and overcome obstacles.

Completing side missions will enhance your skills and provide new rewards.

Utilizing Fast Travel

Fast travel is a critical feature in Control, allowing players to move quickly between locations within the Oldest House.

Unlocking Fast Travel Points

Fast travel points are scattered throughout the game, and unlocking them can save time during exploration.

Tips for Fast Travel

1. Locate Fast Travel Points: Explore the Oldest House to find and activate fast travel points.
2. Return to Previous Areas: Fast travel allows you to revisit completed missions and gather missed collectibles.
3. Avoid Backtracking: Use fast travel to minimize time spent moving between objectives.

Utilizing fast travel efficiently will streamline your gameplay experience.

Engaging with the Community

The Control community is vibrant, with players sharing tips, strategies, and experiences. Engaging with the community can enhance your gameplay experience.

Online Resources

Participating in online forums and social media groups can provide valuable insights and tips.

Benefits of Community Engagement

1. Knowledge Sharing: Learn from experienced players’ insights and strategies.
2. Updates and News: Stay informed about game updates and community events.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Discuss challenges and solutions with fellow players.

Being part of the community can enhance your overall experience and provide new ideas for gameplay.

Content Creators

Many content creators offer tutorials and gameplay strategies on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

Following Content Creators

1. Gameplay Analysis: Gain insights from in-depth breakdowns of gameplay techniques.
2. Tips and Tricks: Learn new strategies and techniques from gameplay videos.

Engaging with content creators can provide fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to improve your game.

Conclusion

Control offers a captivating experience filled with supernatural powers, intricate puzzles, and a rich narrative. By mastering combat techniques, managing resources, and engaging with the story, players can navigate the challenges that await them in the Oldest House. Whether you prefer combat, exploration, or puzzle-solving, these tips and strategies will enhance your gameplay and help you uncover the mysteries of the FBC.

In summary, mastering Control requires understanding its mechanics, effective combat strategies, exploration, and engaging with its rich narrative and community.