Control Resonant Deep Dive: Combat, Setting, and RPG Progression Revealed

Remedy Entertainment has offered an extensive look at the upcoming sequel, Control Resonant, moving beyond the initial teaser to detail its new setting, combat philosophy, and progression systems. The studio confirms the game is evolving into a full-fledged action-RPG, moving the action out of the claustrophobic Oldest House and into the streets of Manhattan.

A Shift in Setting and Narrative

Unlike the original game's focus on isolation within a static labyrinth, the sequel places players in a Manhattan under siege by paranatural forces. The city is fragmenting, with familiar streets warping into combat arenas. The narrative focuses on Dylan Faden, who is no longer isolated but guided by a new FBC field agent, Zoe De Vera. Their relationship serves as the emotional core of the story, supported by a seamless dialogue system that keeps players immersed during exploration.

The developers have opted for a handcrafted world design over a massive open world. Manhattan is divided into distinct zones, each curated with specific vibes, lore, and secrets. The goal is to prioritize interesting content over map clutter, featuring two main quest types: Dylan’s Journey (the main campaign) and self-contained World Quests.

Momentum-Based Combat Systems

Gameplay in Control Resonant emphasizes aggression and flow. At the center of the combat loop is the Aberrant, a transforming melee weapon that shifts between Primary and Secondary forms. The system rewards close-quarters engagement through a specific loop:

• Melee hits restore the Combat Ability resource.


• Abilities stun enemies, setting them up for executions.


• Executions grant a temporary boost to melee damage.

This cycle encourages players to maintain constant pressure. However, the system supports various playstyles, ranging from heavy melee builds to tactical setups utilizing summonable assets like Mold Turrets.

Progression and Customization

Character progression is handled through The Gap, a dreamlike psychic space accessible via the controller's d-pad. Here, players shape their build using three pillars: Supernatural Combat Abilities, Weapon Forms, and Talents. Unique abilities are harvested from "Resonants"—major boss encounters integrated into the story. Some bosses offer branching choices, allowing players to specialize their character in ways that cannot be fully unlocked in a single playthrough.