Control Resonant officially made its spectacular debut at The Game Awards 2025, marking one of the night’s biggest gaming announcements. Developer Remedy Entertainment unveiled this bold sequel, which trades the claustrophobic corridors of the Oldest House for a twisted Manhattan setting, introducing an entirely new protagonist and gameplay direction that promises to shake up the franchise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Control Resonant launches in 2026 across PC and console platforms
- Players control Dylan Faden, the younger brother of the original protagonist Jesse Faden
- Set seven years after the first game in a warped, open-world Manhattan on the brink of paranatural annihilation
- Features the Aberrant, a shapeshifting melee weapon that replaces the iconic Service Weapon
Meet Dylan Faden: The Game’s Mind-Bending Protagonist
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The most shocking reveal from The Game Awards was that Jesse Faden wouldn’t return as the main character. Instead, players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, Jesse’s younger brother, who awakens in a Manhattan gripped by a paranormal crisis. Dylan arrives without his sister by his side, forcing him to navigate the supernatural chaos alone while uncovering what happened to Jesse.
This protagonist swap marks a radical departure from the original Control formula. Dylan brings a different energy and fighting style to the experience, featuring a more aggressive, brawler-focused combat approach that emphasizes melee-based action over the ranged gunplay familiar to original fans.
Welcome to a Twisted New York City
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Unlike the first game’s confined supernatural headquarters, Control Resonant opens up the franchise to an expansive Manhattan setting. The city exists in a state of warped reality, with twisted architecture and paranormal phenomena warping the streets themselves. This shift to an open-world environment represents the biggest expansion of Remedy’s Control universe to date.
The Manhattan locale was specifically chosen to contrast with the introspective confined spaces of the Oldest House. Remedy confirmed that the new setting offers significantly more environmental storytelling and exploration opportunities. A city trapped by paranatural forces and unable to be entered or exited creates a pressure-cooker scenario where Dylan must survive and discover answers about the supernatural outbreak.
Combat Overhaul: The Aberrant Weapon System
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Weapon | Aberrant – a shapeshifting melee weapon |
| Combat Style | Aggressive brawler-focused approach |
| Abilities | Elemental powers and superhuman combat moves |
| Movement | Faster, more spritely than original protagonist |
The Aberrant weapon serves as Control Resonant‘s signature innovation. This shape-shifting melee weapon can transform into different forms that players discover throughout their journey. Described as raw and crude, prioritizing function over form, the weapon emphasizes results matter philosophy.
Dylan wields this weapon alongside powerful elemental abilities that unlock throughout gameplay. His more spry movement speed and aggressive playstyle distinguish him from Jesse’s slower, more deliberate approach. Industry observers compare the combat feel to “Devil May Control” – blending the stylish action-combat depth of character-action games with Control’s paranormal supernatural flair.
Remedy’s Biggest Game Ever Arrives in 2026
Remedy Entertainment confirmed during The Game Awards 2025 that Control Resonant represents the studio’s most ambitious project. The 2026 release window allows Remedy additional development time to polish this open-world expansion. The game will launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, though a specific launch month hasn’t been announced yet.
This announcement solidifies Remedy’s commitment to their interconnected universe, the Remedyverse. Control Resonant isn’t just a sequel—it’s a major evolution that respects the original while taking creative risks that long-time fans didn’t see coming.
What Does This Mean for Control’s Future and the Remedyverse?
Control Resonant signals that Remedy isn’t playing it safe with this sequel. The decision to substitute protagonists, embrace melee combat, open the world, and shift the setting demonstrates developer confidence in evolving the franchise. But will Dylan Faden resonate with fans the same way Jesse did?
The success of Control Resonant depends on whether players embrace Dylan as their new paranormal investigator and whether the new combat-focused gameplay delivers the same moment-to-moment satisfaction. Remedy’s track record with experimental storytelling and character-driven narratives suggests the studio has a plan to justify these dramatic changes.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.