CONTROL Resonant Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips

Control Resonant introduces players to a new protagonist, a new combat system, and a transformed Manhattan filled with paranormal threats.

While returning players may recognize the world and some of its ideas from the original Control, Dylan Faden plays very differently from Jesse. The game focuses heavily on melee combat, supernatural abilities, exploration, and character progression.

Whether you're completely new to the series or returning after the original game, these beginner tips will help you get comfortable with Dylan's abilities and make your first hours in Control Resonant much easier.

Learn How Dylan's Combat Works

The first thing to understand is that Control Resonant is built around close-range combat. Dylan's primary weapon is the Aberrant, a shapeshifting weapon that can take different forms and gives you several ways to approach enemies.

Instead of relying on firearms as Jesse did in the original Control, you'll spend much more time attacking enemies directly, building up your combat resources, and combining melee attacks with supernatural abilities.

Don't stay in one place during fights. Move around enemies, dodge incoming attacks, and look for opportunities to punish enemies after creating openings.

Use Abilities Alongside the Aberrant

Dylan's supernatural abilities are just as important as his melee attacks. Combat abilities can be used to disrupt enemies and create opportunities for stronger attacks and executions.

Your melee attacks help generate the resource needed to use these abilities, creating a combat loop where aggression feeds into your supernatural powers.

Try to avoid saving your abilities indefinitely. Using them to control dangerous enemies or create an opening can be much more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment.

Master Dodging Early

There is no traditional block or parry system to fall back on, so learning how to dodge is essential. Control Resonant expects you to read enemy attacks and react before they connect.

Pay attention to enemy animations and attack indicators rather than simply attacking continuously. Well-timed dodges can keep you out of danger while giving you an opportunity to continue your offense.

Practice against weaker enemies early in the game. Getting comfortable with movement will make later encounters significantly easier.

Finish Off Staggered Enemies

Creating openings is only part of the combat system. Once an enemy is vulnerable, look for opportunities to perform an execution and turn that opening into additional damage.

Executions also fit into the game's larger combat loop by rewarding aggressive play. Instead of treating every enemy as a target that simply needs to be hit until its health reaches zero, focus on building pressure, creating a vulnerable state, and finishing the enemy when the opportunity appears.

Explore Manhattan Between Missions

Don't rush from one main objective to another. Control Resonant divides its version of Manhattan into large areas containing story missions, side activities, optional encounters, hidden paths, and other points of interest.

Exploration is particularly important because some areas cannot be fully accessed until Dylan obtains new traversal abilities. If you encounter a path that appears impossible to reach, remember its location and return later rather than spending too much time trying to force your way through.

Fast-travel points and other exploration systems can also make moving between areas much easier, so activate them whenever you find them.

Spend Your Upgrade Resources

Control Resonant features several progression systems, including Aberrant forms, abilities, Talents, and other upgrades. Don't leave your resources unused for long periods.

Focus your early upgrades around the way you actually play. If you prefer aggressive melee combat, invest in upgrades that improve your ability to stay in close range. If you frequently struggle against groups, prioritize options that give you better crowd control.

You don't need to create a perfect build during your first few hours. Experiment with different upgrades and gradually build around the abilities and weapon forms you enjoy using.

Read Documents and Explore Optional Content

The paranormal world of Control Resonant is filled with information hidden throughout Manhattan. Documents, files, and other discoveries provide additional context about the Federal Bureau of Control and the events surrounding Dylan and Jesse.

You don't need to collect everything to finish the story, but taking the time to investigate unusual locations can reveal useful information and additional content.

If you enjoy the lore of the Control universe, exploration is particularly worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

The biggest adjustment for returning Control players is learning to fight at close range. Control Resonant rewards players who combine the Aberrant with Dylan's supernatural abilities instead of relying on a single attack.

Keep moving, learn to dodge, use your abilities regularly, finish vulnerable enemies, and explore areas thoroughly. As Dylan gains new abilities and traversal options, the game's combat and exploration systems become much more flexible.

FAQ

Q. Do I need to play Control before Control Resonant?

A. No. Control Resonant is designed to introduce players to Dylan and its story without requiring them to have completed the original game. However, playing Control can provide additional context about Jesse, the FBC, and the game's paranormal world.

Q. Is Control Resonant an open world?

A. Control Resonant features large interconnected areas of Manhattan rather than a traditional seamless open world. Different zones contain missions, exploration opportunities, optional content, and areas that may require later abilities to access.

Q. Does Control Resonant have guns?

A. No. Unlike the original Control, Control Resonant focuses on melee combat through Dylan's shapeshifting Aberrant and his supernatural abilities.

Q. What should beginners focus on first?

A. Focus on learning the combat basics, especially dodging, melee attacks, abilities, and executions. Once you're comfortable with combat, start exploring optional areas and investing in upgrades that complement your preferred playstyle.