CONTROL Resonant is the next major chapter in Remedy Entertainment’s surreal Control universe, taking players out of the Oldest House and into a paranaturally transformed Manhattan. This time, Dylan Faden takes center stage as the playable protagonist, wielding a shapeshifting melee weapon called the Aberrant while developing supernatural abilities to survive a reality-bending crisis.

Whether you’re completely new to the Control universe or returning after playing the original game, this CONTROL Resonant beginner guide covers everything you need to know about combat, weapons, abilities, upgrades, missions, side quests, collectibles, puzzles, bosses, locations, secrets, builds, and the skill tree.

CONTROL Resonant is scheduled to launch on September 24, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. A Mac version is planned for later in 2026.

Note: CONTROL Resonant is an upcoming game at the time of writing. Some specific weapon stats, locations, boss strategies, puzzle solutions, and progression details will be updated after launch as they are confirmed through the full game.

CONTROL Resonant Beginner Guide: What You Need to Know First

CONTROL Resonant is designed as both a sequel for existing Control fans and an entry point for newcomers. You do not need to have played the original Control to understand the basic premise or follow Dylan’s story.

The game follows Dylan Faden, Jesse Faden’s brother, as he confronts a new paranatural crisis while searching for Jesse. Manhattan has become a dangerous, constantly changing environment where normal rules of architecture, gravity and reality no longer apply.

Instead of spending the entire game inside the Oldest House, Resonant gives players large, handcrafted zones across a warped Manhattan. These areas contain story missions, optional activities, hidden encounters, collectibles and environmental discoveries.

That makes exploration just as important as combat.

What makes CONTROL Resonant different?

The biggest changes include:

Dylan Faden as the main playable character
The shapeshifting Aberrant melee weapon
Multiple weapon forms
Supernatural combat abilities
Large explorable zones
Resonant boss encounters
World Quests
Build customization
Talents and other progression systems
Artifacts and passive modifiers
New Game Plus
More emphasis on melee combat and ability combinations

Remedy describes Resonant as an action-RPG built around player choice, specialization and experimentation rather than a traditional open-world checklist.

How to Start CONTROL Resonant

If you’re playing CONTROL Resonant for the first time, don’t worry about building the perfect character immediately.

The early game is designed to introduce you to Dylan’s movement, the Aberrant and his supernatural abilities gradually.

Your first priority should be learning how the different parts of your combat kit work together.

A basic combat encounter can involve:

Closing the distance with movement abilities.
Using the Aberrant to attack.
Switching weapon forms depending on the enemy.
Using supernatural abilities to control the battlefield.
Creating openings against tougher enemies.
Executing vulnerable enemies.
Using the resources dropped during combat to keep the fight going.

Remedy has specifically described combat as a momentum-based system. Melee attacks restore Combat Ability resources, abilities can stun enemies, and executions can temporarily increase melee damage.

This means aggressive play is often rewarded.

CONTROL Resonant Weapons Guide

The centerpiece of Dylan’s arsenal is the Aberrant, a supernatural melee weapon capable of transforming between different forms.

Unlike a traditional game where you might carry several separate swords or firearms, the Aberrant gives Dylan access to different combat styles through transformation.

Confirmed weapon forms shown by Remedy include:

Hammer
Blades
Scythe
Fists

Additional forms have also been teased but were not all revealed before launch.

How the Aberrant works

The important thing to understand is that you aren’t choosing one permanent weapon.

Instead, the Aberrant allows you to change your combat approach depending on the situation.

A fast form can be useful when you need mobility and quick attacks, while heavier forms can provide stronger attacks and different combat opportunities.

The game also features Primary Forms, Secondary Forms and Combo Enders, giving the weapon system more depth than simply switching between four attacks.

Beginner weapon strategy

Don’t immediately invest everything into every weapon form.

Experiment with the available forms first.

Find:

One form you enjoy using against normal enemies.
One form that handles tougher targets.
One form that complements your supernatural abilities.

Once you’ve found your preferred playstyle, concentrate your upgrades around it.

CONTROL Resonant Abilities and Powers

Dylan isn’t limited to the Aberrant.

His supernatural abilities are an equally important part of combat and exploration.

Remedy has shown abilities such as Reach and Shift, which help Dylan navigate areas affected by altered gravity and distorted environments.

During gameplay demonstrations, Dylan has also been shown using highly mobile movement abilities that allow him to dash, double-jump and briefly levitate.

These powers are important for more than combat.

They can help you:

Cross large gaps
Reach elevated areas
Navigate distorted environments
Escape dangerous attacks
Close distance with enemies
Explore hidden areas
Access previously unreachable locations

Don’t treat abilities as separate from your weapon

One of the biggest mistakes a new player can make is thinking:

Weapon damage + abilities = two separate systems.

CONTROL Resonant is designed around combining them.

For example, you may use an ability to create an opening, switch to an appropriate Aberrant form, attack the exposed enemy and then finish the encounter with an execution.

The game’s buildcrafting systems are specifically designed around creating these synergies.

CONTROL Resonant Upgrades Guide

Upgrades are one of the most important parts of progression.

The game allows you to develop Dylan’s combat style rather than simply increasing one universal damage number.

Progression includes:

Aberrant weapon upgrades
Supernatural combat abilities
Talents
Artifacts
Health improvements
Combat Ability resource improvements
Traversal abilities

Remedy has confirmed that players cannot unlock everything during a single first playthrough, making specialization an important part of the experience.

What should beginners upgrade first?

For your first playthrough, prioritize upgrades that improve the way you actually play.

If you frequently fight at close range, invest in upgrades that improve your melee effectiveness.

If you prefer abilities, focus on systems that improve ability use and synergy.

If you struggle to survive, defensive and resource-focused improvements may provide more value than a small damage increase.

Most importantly:

Don’t build around a theoretical “perfect” character before you’ve learned the combat system.

Your preferred build should develop naturally as you play.

CONTROL Resonant Missions Guide

The main campaign is centered around Dylan’s Journey, which forms the primary narrative path.

However, the game isn’t simply one straight line from beginning to end.

Remedy has confirmed two primary narrative quest categories:

Dylan’s Journey

These are the main campaign missions that advance Dylan’s story.

World Quests

These are self-contained narrative experiences that take place throughout the world.

The distinction is important because exploration can reveal activities that aren’t required to immediately progress the main story.

Beginner mission tip

Don’t rush from one main objective to another.

When entering a new zone:

Check the surrounding environment.
Look for unusual structures.
Investigate suspicious objects.
Explore paths that appear optional.
Complete available World Quests.
Return to previously visited areas after unlocking new abilities.

CONTROL Resonant is designed to reward curiosity rather than simply clearing every icon on a map.

CONTROL Resonant Side Quests

Side content is particularly important in Resonant because the game’s zones contain optional encounters and discoveries.

World Quests provide additional stories outside Dylan’s primary journey.

They can also be useful for players interested in:

Additional lore
Combat challenges
Rewards
Exploration
Character stories
Alternative encounters
Collectibles

Because the world changes as you progress, revisit areas rather than assuming you’ve seen everything on your first visit.

Some areas may become more interesting after Dylan obtains new traversal or combat abilities.

CONTROL Resonant Collectibles

Collectibles are expected to play an important role in exploration, particularly for players interested in the deeper lore surrounding the FBC and Dylan.

The original Control was famous for environmental storytelling, documents and strange objects.

Resonant continues the franchise’s interest in mysterious discoveries and hidden information.

When exploring, pay attention to:

Documents
Objects that look out of place
Hidden rooms
Environmental clues
Unusual structures
Optional areas
Paranatural phenomena

Don’t assume every collectible will be placed directly along the main path.

The best approach is to thoroughly explore each zone before moving on.

CONTROL Resonant Puzzles Guide

Puzzles are expected to be closely connected to the game’s unusual environments.

One of the defining features of Resonant is that Manhattan doesn’t always obey normal physical rules.

Gravity Anomalies can completely change how you perceive an area.

A road can become a wall.

A building surface can effectively become a floor.

A familiar location can transform into something completely different.

Dylan’s traversal abilities are designed to help him navigate these environments.

Beginner puzzle tip

When you’re stuck, don’t immediately assume you missed a button or key.

Instead ask:

“What does this environment consider to be the floor?”

Then look for:

Alternate surfaces
Vertical routes
Gravity changes
Objects that react to abilities
Previously inaccessible paths
Environmental patterns

That mindset is likely to be more useful than simply searching every corner for an obvious switch.

CONTROL Resonant Boss Guides

Boss fights are an important part of Dylan’s progression.

The game introduces powerful enemies known as Resonants.

These aren’t simply larger versions of normal enemies.

Resonants are powerful beings connected to the game’s supernatural systems, and defeating them is directly tied to Dylan’s ability progression.

Remedy has confirmed that defeating Resonants rewards Dylan with new supernatural combat abilities.

This creates an important gameplay loop:

Explore → Fight → Defeat Resonant → Gain Ability → Improve Build → Explore Further

How to prepare for bosses

Before entering a difficult encounter:

Make sure your preferred weapon form is upgraded.
Check your ability loadout.
Understand your strongest movement option.
Learn how to create openings.
Avoid spending all your resources immediately.
Watch the boss before committing to attacks.
Prioritize survival when learning the encounter.

Once the game launches, this section should be expanded with individual boss guides, weaknesses, attack patterns, phases and recommended builds.

CONTROL Resonant Locations Guide

The game takes place across a transformed version of Manhattan.

However, Resonant is not a conventional open-world game.

Remedy describes it as a collection of large, distinct zones designed to provide exploration without turning the experience into a giant checklist.

One confirmed area is the West Incursion Zone, which serves as an early example of the game’s distorted environments.

Each area can contain:

Main missions
World Quests
Hidden encounters
Collectibles
Environmental puzzles
Secrets
Combat challenges
Optional discoveries

As you gain new abilities, previously inaccessible areas may become worth revisiting.

CONTROL Resonant Secrets

If you want to find the game’s secrets, slow down.

The Control universe is built around mystery.

Some of the best discoveries may not be marked with obvious objectives.

Look for:

Strange rooms
Unusual objects
Hidden paths
Environmental inconsistencies
Optional encounters
Strange messages
Objects that behave differently
Areas that appear inaccessible at first

The developers have repeatedly emphasized exploration, secrets and optional discoveries as important parts of Resonant’s world design.

This also makes exploration valuable for players who want to understand the deeper story rather than simply finish the main campaign.

CONTROL Resonant Best Build

There probably won’t be one universal “best build” for every player.

That’s intentional.

The game is designed around specialization.

Remedy has described three major pillars of progression:

Supernatural Combat Abilities
Weapon Forms
Talents

These systems work together to create different playstyles.

Beginner-friendly build philosophy

For your first playthrough, build around one clear identity.

Melee-focused build

Focus on:

Aberrant weapon upgrades
Melee damage
Combo improvements
Execution synergy
Survivability

Ideal for players who enjoy staying close to enemies.

Ability-focused build

Focus on:

Supernatural abilities
Combat Ability resources
Ability cooldown or efficiency
Crowd control
Ability/melee combinations

Ideal for players who prefer controlling encounters.

Hybrid build

Combine:

One primary Aberrant form
One complementary weapon form
A small selection of strong abilities
Talents that improve synergy
Flexible artifacts

This is likely to be the safest choice for a first playthrough.

CONTROL Resonant Skill Tree Explained

One of the most important things to understand about Resonant is that progression isn’t simply a traditional linear skill tree.

The game allows Dylan’s combat identity to develop through multiple interconnected systems.

Weapon Forms can be developed to change how the Aberrant performs.

Supernatural abilities add new combat and traversal options.

Talents improve the interaction between these systems.

Artifacts provide additional passive modifiers that can further specialize your character.

Should you save skill points?

Don’t automatically hoard every resource.

Experimentation is part of the game’s design.

You’ll eventually discover which weapons and abilities match your preferred playstyle.

Once you’ve identified your main style, concentrate your upgrades rather than spreading everything equally.

CONTROL Resonant Artifacts

Artifacts are another important component of buildcrafting.

They provide passive modifiers that can influence areas such as:

Survivability
Combat performance
Exploration
Resource management

Some artifacts can also introduce conditions or trade-offs, meaning the strongest option isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest number.

During a first playthrough, prioritize artifacts that complement your existing build.

For example, a melee-heavy character should look for effects that reinforce close-range combat rather than trying to build every stat equally.

Remedy has also confirmed that artifacts are connected to a crafting system and can be discovered throughout the world.

CONTROL Resonant New Game Plus

Players planning multiple playthroughs have another reason to experiment.

New Game Plus allows much of your progression to carry forward.

According to Remedy, your Aberrant upgrades, health and Combat Ability resource improvements, supernatural combat abilities, talents and artifacts persist into New Game Plus. Traversal abilities remain tied to story progression.

This is particularly important because you cannot unlock everything during one first playthrough.

A second run therefore isn’t simply a harder version of the same game.

It gives you an opportunity to build Dylan differently and experiment with combinations you couldn’t access previously.

New Game Plus also adds more flexibility to ability combinations and introduces additional build possibilities.

10 Beginner Tips for CONTROL Resonant

1. Learn the Aberrant

Don’t rely on one attack. Learn what each form is designed to do.

2. Use movement aggressively

Dylan’s supernatural mobility is one of his biggest advantages.

3. Don’t ignore abilities

Your supernatural powers are an essential part of combat rather than optional extras.

4. Experiment with builds

Your first build doesn’t have to be your final build.

5. Explore before leaving an area

Optional content can contain useful rewards and lore.

6. Revisit older locations

New abilities can change how you interact with the environment.

7. Don’t rush World Quests

Optional stories are part of what makes the world worth exploring.

8. Learn enemy behavior

A strong build won’t replace understanding attack patterns.

9. Build around synergy

A weapon upgrade becomes more valuable when it works with your abilities and talents.

10. Save experimentation for New Game Plus

If you love buildcrafting, NG+ gives you another opportunity to create a more specialized Dylan.

Is CONTROL Resonant Good for New Players?

Yes.

Although Resonant is a direct sequel, Remedy has designed it as a new entry point into the Control universe.

The story follows Dylan and introduces a new supernatural crisis, while the gameplay systems are built around gradually developing his abilities and combat style.

You can therefore approach Resonant in two ways:

Returning Control player: You’ll recognize the FBC, Jesse, Dylan and the series’ paranatural atmosphere.

New player: You can treat Resonant as your introduction to the world and learn the systems alongside Dylan.

The second option is particularly useful because Remedy has explicitly positioned the game as both a sequel and a fresh entry point.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does CONTROL Resonant release?

CONTROL Resonant launches worldwide on September 24, 2026. The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store.

Who is the main character in CONTROL Resonant?

Dylan Faden is the sole playable protagonist. He is Jesse Faden’s brother and was previously a major part of the story in the original Control.

What is the Aberrant in CONTROL Resonant?

The Aberrant is Dylan’s shapeshifting supernatural melee weapon. It can transform into different forms, allowing players to change their combat approach during encounters.

Is CONTROL Resonant open world?

It is not a traditional open-world game. Instead, it uses large, distinct zones that contain missions, side activities, hidden encounters and optional discoveries.

What are Resonants?

Resonants are powerful enemies tied to Dylan’s supernatural progression. Defeating them can grant new supernatural combat abilities.

Can you customize Dylan?

Yes. Build customization is a major part of Resonant and includes weapon forms, supernatural abilities, talents and artifacts.

Does CONTROL Resonant have New Game Plus?

Yes. New Game Plus carries over much of your progression, including Aberrant upgrades, supernatural combat abilities, talents and artifacts.

Do I need to play the first Control?

No. Remedy has designed CONTROL Resonant to work as a new entry point while still rewarding players familiar with the original game.

CONTROL Resonant Guide: What’s Next?

CONTROL Resonant has a much deeper progression system than simply upgrading one weapon.

The best way to approach the game is to think of it as a combination of:

Aberrant weapon forms + supernatural abilities + talents + artifacts + exploration.

Once you understand how these systems interact, combat becomes less about simply doing more damage and more about creating a playstyle that fits the way you want to play Dylan.

For BlogAndGuide, we’ll continue expanding this guide with detailed articles covering:

CONTROL Resonant Beginner Guide
CONTROL Resonant Weapons
CONTROL Resonant Abilities
CONTROL Resonant Powers
CONTROL Resonant Upgrades
CONTROL Resonant Missions
CONTROL Resonant Side Quests
CONTROL Resonant Collectibles
CONTROL Resonant Puzzle Solutions
CONTROL Resonant Boss Guides
CONTROL Resonant Locations
CONTROL Resonant Secrets
CONTROL Resonant Best Builds
CONTROL Resonant Skill Tree

Bookmark this page and return after launch for detailed walkthroughs, exact locations, boss strategies, collectible maps, puzzle solutions, weapon comparisons and optimized builds.

CONTROL Resonant is built around experimentation. Explore the strange parts of Manhattan, learn how Dylan’s abilities interact with the Aberrant, and don’t be afraid to build your own way to play.