Dive Deeper into the Mysteries of the Oldest House

For fans of Remedy Entertainment’s supernatural action-adventure, Control: The Foundation offers a substantial expansion to the mind-bending world of the Federal Bureau of Control. As a direct continuation of the base game's narrative, this DLC functions less like a simple add-on and more like a true expansion pack, transporting players to the cavernous, unexplored depths beneath the iconic Oldest House.

In Control: The Foundation, players step back into the shoes of Jesse Faden, now firmly established as the Director of the FBC. Following the defeat of the Hiss, a new crisis emerges: the astral plane has begun to bleed into reality, threatening to overtake the Bureau entirely. To combat this, Jesse must descend into the foundations of the building to uncover the fate of the missing Head of Operations, Helen Marshall, and prevent a total dimensional collapse.

New Gameplay Mechanics and Abilities

While players enter the expansion with the god-like psychic powers acquired during the main campaign, The Foundation introduces specialized tools designed specifically for the crystalline environments found deep underground. These new mechanics add fresh layers of environmental interaction and combat strategy:

  • Shape: A powerful new utility that allows Jesse to manipulate crystal clusters found on walls and floors. Players can reform these crystals into platforms for navigation or create hazardous spikes to impale enemies.
  • Fracture: A specialized weapon upgrade capable of shattering specific crystal formations. This ability is essential for uncovering hidden paths and can even be used offensively to drop the ground out from under enemies.

These abilities transform the gameplay loop, introducing much-needed navigational puzzles and offering new ways to utilize Jesse's established telekinetic toolkit against a fresh roster of threats.

A Descent into the Unknown

The setting of The Foundation provides a stark, atmospheric departure from the brutalist architecture of the upper floors. The landscape is characterized by an archaeological aesthetic, featuring pale, jutting rock faces, endless expanses of red sand, and mysterious hieroglyphics. As Jesse explores "The Crossroad"—the DLC's central hub—she will encounter remnants of research teams and must work alongside Emily Pope to complete a ritual involving "The Nail," a vessel for the astral plane.

While the environments are visually distinct, players should prepare for increased difficulty. The expansion features challenging new enemy types, including agile, teleporting foes wielding pickaxes that can quickly overwhelm even veteran players. While the mission structure leans toward more linear, combat-focused encounters compared to the sprawling exploration of the base game, the heightened intensity ensures a testing experience for anyone looking to master their psychic abilities.

Key Features

  • Expanded Narrative: Continue Jesse Faden's journey as she navigates her responsibilities as Director and investigates the Bureau's mysterious origins.
  • New Environments: Explore the subterranean foundations of the Oldest House, filled with strange crystals and astral bleed.
  • Fresh Combat Tools: Master the Shape and Fracture abilities to navigate complex terrain and defeat new, deadly enemies.
  • High-Stakes Action: Tackle challenging combat encounters that demand precision and strategic use of your psychic powers.

Control: The Foundation is available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. It is the perfect destination for players seeking more of the atmospheric, X-Files-inspired weirdness and high-octane supernatural combat that made the original title a standout experience.