"Improved Progression Plans: Developer FBC Firebreak acknowledges a need for changes as only 5% of players possess a Level 3 perk"
Firebreak, the popular horror-survival game, has recently achieved a significant milestone by amassing over 1 million players. However, a closer look at the game reveals that a key aspect of its design - the high-tier perks - is not being widely used by players.
Currently, Firebreak offers 50 perks in total, with Resonant perks, the highest tier, requiring three perk assignment slots. This limitation makes it challenging for players to equip multiple high-tier perks, forcing them to make tough choices on loadout builds.
The complexity and lack of clarity surrounding the game's perk progression and Resonance system, which involves perks radiating effects to allies, are also contributing factors. Developers have admitted that less than 5% of players have even obtained level III perks, and many are unaware of the potential and mechanics of Resonance perks.
Moreover, the slow and unrewarding progression to unlock and upgrade perks has been a deterrent, discouraging players from investing in reaching higher perk levels. The developers are actively working to address these issues, with plans to revamp the perk economy and progression pacing to make it smoother, more rewarding, and better paced.
Strategic trade-offs also play a role in the underutilization of high-tier perks. Due to status effect synergies and the requirement for multiple perk slots, players often prioritize more perks at lower levels for flexibility rather than fewer but stronger Resonant perks.
Elie Gould, a news writer with a love for horror games and an unhealthy fear of being chased, has been following Firebreak's progress closely. Elie has previously worked at TechRadar Gaming and studied at JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries. In her spare time, Elie enjoys testing her mettle in metroidvanias and has a collection of Pokemon TCG cards.
The latest patch and v1.2 were aimed at improving the game's early hours. Despite progression issues and a low Steam 24-hour peak of less than 200 players, Firebreak has managed to reach 1 million players, demonstrating its appeal to horror-survival enthusiasts. With the developers addressing the issues surrounding high-tier perks, it will be interesting to see how the game's player base adopts these powerful additions in the future.
- Elie Gould, who has a keen interest in horror games and a fear of being chased, closely follows Firebreak's developments. She has previously worked at TechRadar Gaming and studied International Journalism and Documentaries at JOMEC.
- The slow progression to unlock and upgrade perks in Firebreak is a deterrent, discouraging players from investing in reaching higher levels and utilizing high-tier perks such as Resonant perks more frequently.
- The developers of Firebreak aim to revamp the perk economy and progression pacing to make it smoother, more rewarding, and better paced, which may significantly impact the game's player base and the utilization of high-tier perks in the future.
- With over 1 million players, Firebreak, the popular horror-survival game, has demonstrated its appeal to enthusiasts in the genre, despite issues with perk progression and a low 24-hour peak on Steam. As the developers work to address these concerns, players may see an increase in the use of powerful high-tier perks like Resonant perks in the game's international season.
