While many gamers might assume that the highly acclaimed Control from 2019 would only have a straightforward follow-up, Remedy Entertainment is shaking things up with the announcement of Control: Resonant for a 2026 release. This upcoming sequel, announced during The Game Awards 2025, promises to deliver more than just a simple continuation—it's set to redefine the franchise in exciting new ways.
And here’s where it gets particularly interesting: players won’t step into Jesse Faden’s shoes this time around. Instead, action shifts seven years into the future, and you’ll assume control of her younger brother, Dylan. His story began tragically when he was taken by the Federal Bureau of Control at just 10 years old. After suffering a mysterious attack by the supernatural entity known as The Hiss, Dylan ended up in a coma. Speaking of The Hiss, their escape from The Oldest House—the eerie setting of the first game—has resulted in chaos spilling onto the streets of Manhattan. As the trailer vividly shows, the city has become a surreal landscape, twisted and reshaped by supernatural forces, a place where reality seems to fold and warp.
But the changes extend beyond the story and setting. The combat mechanics are going through a radical transformation. Rather than wielding Jesse’s iconic, shape-shifting Service Weapon, players will now engage in close-quarters combat with a brutal, transforming melee weapon called the Aberrant. This weapon will be further augmented by Dylan’s supernatural powers, creating dynamic, visceral combat encounters. Remedy teases that the gameplay here resembles a mix of lightsaber duels and Force powers, reminiscent of Respawn’s Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor—an intriguing blend of skill and supernatural flair.
When I asked Remedy about how combat would feel in Control: Resonant, creative director Mikael Kasurinen explained: “Our combat retains that core Control DNA—it's fast, aggressive, and proactive. Players will need to master a combination of weapon attacks and supernatural abilities, chasing down enemies with agility and precision. Dylan is designed to be nimble, with movement playing a critical role in combat flow.”
He added, “Preparation and tactical thinking are essential. Players can build their character to suit their playstyle, combining shape-shifting melee attacks with supernatural powers while staying on the move. The game offers a deep progression system that allows for versatile and increasingly powerful character builds.”
This emphasis on customization means you’ll be able to tailor your approach, picking skills and abilities that fit your preferred playstyle. The game will also feature side quests and factions that introduce additional challenges, with enemies exhibiting paranormal attacks and impressive agility—allowing them to move just as quickly through the environment as you do.
Importantly, Remedy reassures fans that you don’t need to have played the original Control to understand this new installment. Kasurinen describes it as more of a “sibling” than a direct sequel, meaning newcomers can jump right in without feeling lost. Yet, he warns: “This is definitely not a safe or predictable sequel.” Expect surprises, bold storytelling, and innovative gameplay.
For those eager to stay updated, be sure to check out all the reveals from The Game Awards 2025, as well as the full list of winners—there’s plenty more to explore in the world of gaming this season.
Ryan McCaffrey, IGN’s executive editor of previews, also hosts both the weekly Xbox-focused Podcast Unlocked and the monthly (or so) interview series IGN Unfiltered. A proud North Jersey native, he humorously insists it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll,” sparking friendly debates online—so feel free to join the discussion on Twitter @DMC_Ryan.
