FBC: Firebreak patch aims to improve the game’s early hours, which ‘do not provide a good experience,’ Remedy admits

In a recent update, Remedy has acknowledged the shortcomings of FBC: Firebreak, expressing that the game did not meet the expectations set by both the developers and players. However, they remain optimistic, noting that many of the identified issues are indeed fixable. As highlighted in a previous review, a comprehensive balance revision could significantly enhance the overall gaming experience. Today’s patch marks the beginning of this improvement journey.

Following the customary expressions of gratitude for player feedback, the update delves into specific areas of focus. The Firebreak team has openly admitted that the initial hours of gameplay fail to deliver a satisfactory experience. To address this, the latest patch introduces several balance changes aimed at refining the game mechanics. Notably, it will make Lost Assets easier to locate and adjust the Clearance system, allowing new players to commence their journey at Clearance Level 3 for the introductory job, Hot Fix.

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“Today’s patch is just the beginning,” the development team stated, emphasizing their commitment to ongoing dialogue with the community. They are actively exploring broader enhancements based on player insights and experiences.

Overview

The core systems have undergone significant overhauls to expedite progression and enhance rewards. Changes to the economy now allow for improved earning and spending of currencies; the Requisition store has been restructured to differentiate between gear and cosmetics, and Job progression has been redesigned to enable players to complete full Jobs (all three zones) more swiftly.

Additionally, this patch includes numerous visible and underlying improvements to the game.

For a detailed overview of the patch and future enhancements, refer to our comprehensive blog post.

Economy Changes

  • Upgrade currencies (Lost Assets and Research Samples) are now visually highlighted within Jobs for easier identification.
  • All unlockable costs have been recalibrated to align more closely with actual player currency earnings.
  • Players will experience a healthier pace in earning and spending Lost Assets, facilitating smoother progression and gear unlocks.

Job Progression & Clearance Levels

  • New players will now begin at Clearance Level 3 (CL3) for the first Job, Hot Fix.
  • Players retain the option to start at CL1 or CL2, though it is no longer mandatory.
  • To unlock subsequent Jobs, players must complete a full three-zone run at CL3.
  • Completing a Job at CL3 will also unlock the Corruption modifier for that Job.
  • These adjustments aim to provide quicker access to complete Job experiences while enhancing matchmaking and onboarding processes.

Requisitions

  • The Operational Requisition has been divided into two distinct categories:
  • Essentials: Weapons, gear, Improvised Devices, Altered Augments.
  • Expressions: Cosmetic unlocks, including sprays and armor sets.
  • Players are no longer required to unlock unrelated items (e.g., gloves) to access essential gear like weapons or augments.
  • Overall, gear progression is now significantly more streamlined and focused.

Balancing

  • Reduced the time required to construct the BOOMbox and Swivel Cannon.
  • Increased health and stagger thresholds for Hiss Troopers.
  • The Fix Kit’s Wrench now inflicts damage at every Tier.
  • Enhanced health pools for Powerful Enemies (those with names).
  • The Stapler Corrupted Item is now more accessible and easier to track.

Audio

  • Corrected missing third-person perspective sound effects for Shock enemies.
  • Resolved music transition issues when shifting from the Main Menu to gameplay.
  • Shield recharge sound effects are now audible, with new implementations for out-of-range scenarios.
  • Fixed a bug that hindered the proper hearing of harmful condition sounds from other players.
  • Introduced sound effects for exiting weapon or grenade selection in the Loadout menu, along with transition sounds for lobby Quick Kit selection.

User Interface

  • Corrected Crisis Kit XP level indicators in the Results screen.
  • Fixed overlapping player reputation and XP progress in the post-match results screen.
  • Addressed a crash issue when inspecting weapons in the Loadout menu.
  • Clarified error messages when the host leaves or disbands a party.
  • Players can now ping ziplines.
  • Temporary change: The active Perks list has been removed from the top right of the in-game HUD due to performance issues; a fix is forthcoming.

Gameplay & Performance

  • Resolved an issue with the Humidifier where water level changes were only visible to the player who placed it.
  • Enhanced DualSense haptic feedback across various menus.
  • The Jump Kit Impactor Tool can now be charged while sprinting.

Visuals and Rendering

  • Implemented performance improvements.
  • Entering or exiting a teammate’s Resonance Shield range no longer triggers blue screen flashes.
  • Added a glowing highlight to Lost Assets and Research Samples for better visibility.
  • Improved blood visual effects.
  • Implemented distance fade for distortion effects within fans.
  • In Freezer Duty, a ramp has been added to one of the buildings in Zone 2 for Hiss access.
  • In Ground Control, a wall in Zone 2 has been fixed to prevent visibility through it.
  • Updated various props and environmental elements for enhanced immersion.
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FBC: Firebreak patch aims to improve the game's early hours, which 'do not provide a good experience,' Remedy admits