Video Games
“Rogue Protocol” Update Now Available for ‘FBC: Firebreak’
Following up on the “Breakpoint” update last year for FBC: Firebreak, Remedy Entertainment has released a follow-up with the “Rogue Protocol” update. The second free major content update introduces Endless Shift, a brand-new roguelite-inspired game mode that challenges players to survive escalating waves of enemies while building powerful, unpredictable loadouts on the fly.
Available now as a free update on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5, Rogue Protocol‘s Endless Shift sends teams of Firebreakers into sealed sections of the Oldest House, where survival depends on teamwork, risk-taking, and rapid adaptation. Each run pits squads against increasingly dangerous waves of Hiss enemies, rewarding successful combat with a new currency called Corruption. Corruption can be spent between waves to unlock Enhancements, weapons, and gear upgrades. No two runs of Endless Shift play out the same, encouraging experimentation and high-stakes decision-making from players.
“With Endless Shift, we wanted to create a fresh experience within the game that spoke directly to the danger and selfless heroism at the heart of Firebreak while tying its gameplay into the initiative’s primary mission: holding the line against any crisis threatening the Oldest House, no matter how unpredictable.”, says FBC: Firebreak Game Director Mike Kayatta.
Progression in Endless Shift extends beyond individual runs. Completing Shifts (runs) unlocks new Enhancements for future attempts, exclusive cosmetics, and allows select upgrades earned in the mode to temporarily carry over into standard Crisis missions, directly tying Endless Shift into the core FBC: Firebreak experience.
In addition to Endless Shift, the Rogue Protocol update includes new weapon inspection animations, new cosmetic items, gameplay improvements, and a range of bug fixes and stability updates. You can check out the details from the patch notes.
And to celebrate the launch of the update, FBC: Firebreak will be free to play on Steam between January 23rd – January 25th at 10am PT / 8pm ET, allowing new players to jump in and experience Endless Shift and the entire game at no cost.
Alongside the free weekend, Remedy is running a Double XP event across all platforms, giving players twice the experience points from all activities for the duration of the event.
Publisher Lyrical Games has announced that One More Level’s first-person Souls-like Valor Mortis will arrive October 13 on PlayStation 5,the Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. Those itching to get a chance to play the game ahead of its launch can check out the demo that’s available now on Steam.
The demo includes two chapters: Chapter 1: Revival introduces the core combat system on a ravaged battlefield. The second chapter is a brand new midgame level where players use William’s transmutation powers to traverse a destroyed bridge to the Lighthouse, with a steeper difficulty curve that previews what’s ahead.
Set in a supernatural reimagining of 19th-century Europe, Valor Mortis casts players as William, a resurrected soldier of the Grande Armée who wields both Napoleonic-era weaponry and devastating supernatural powers. Guided by Napoleon’s disembodied voice, you must traverse ravaged battlefields, sprawling mountains, and European-inspired cities consumed by a grotesque, continent-wide plague — the same corruption that pulses through William’s veins and gave him life.
The new trailer places the relationship between William and his Emperor, Napoleon, front and center. It marks Napoleon’s first appearance in the game, portrayed by César Award-winning actor Vincent Cassel, as he warns William of his newfound abilities and poses a question to players: what would you sacrifice for power?
As this is a Souls-like, you’ll experience challenging, stamina-and-skill-based combat designed to feel threatening and immersive. Every death is a stepping stone to mastery as you perfect your ability to parry blows, dash out of harm’s way, and deliver ravaging, visceral finishers. You’ll also make use of William’s newfound mobility to outrun and flank Napoleon’s plague-ridden Eternal Guard in Metroidvania-style exploration. Progress carefully, uncover environmental secrets, and survive the rotting remnants of an endless war.