Control Resonant Gameplay Trailer Shows Dylan Faden's Melee Combat

Dylan Faden replaces his sister Jesse as Control's new protagonist, wielding a shapeshifting melee weapon called the Aberrant. The sequel ditches guns for close combat across large zones filled with supernatural distortions.

Remedy Entertainment has unveiled the first Control Resonant gameplay trailer during Thursday's State of Play presentation, showcasing protagonist Dylan Faden in action. The trailer revealed significant changes from the original Control, with the sequel focusing on melee-based combat rather than third-person shooting.

Dylan Faden takes centre stage

Control Resonant positions Dylan Faden, brother of the original game's protagonist Jesse Faden, as the new lead character. The State of Play reveal showed Dylan navigating an early mission, demonstrating the game's shift away from the gunplay that defined the first Control.

"Control Resonant isn't an open-world game, but it is built around large, distinct, and expansive zones filled with side activities, hidden encounters, and optional discoveries," said Sergey Mohov, senior game designer at Remedy Entertainment, speaking to the official PlayStation Blog.

The Aberrant weapon transforms combat

The sequel's most significant departure from its predecessor lies in its combat system. Dylan wields the Aberrant, a shapeshifting melee weapon that forms the core of the player's arsenal. "Dylan wields the Aberrant, an otherworldly, shapeshifting melee weapon that is a central element of the player's combat arsenal," Mohov explained.

The weapon can transform into multiple forms including Hammer, Blades, Scythe, and Fists, giving players various approaches to combat encounters. Remedy has confirmed additional weapon forms exist but hasn't revealed them yet, suggesting more variety awaits in the final release.

Large zones replace open-world design

Rather than adopting the open-world format popular in many modern games, Control Resonant maintains a more structured approach through distinct zones. Mohov described how "a strong, central narrative guides you through the world, while still leaving room to explore and uncover what's been left behind in the chaos."

The West Incursion Zone, highlighted in the trailer, exemplifies this design philosophy. The area gradually becomes more distorted as players progress, with architecture folding in on itself and gravity behaving unpredictably – hallmarks of the Control universe's otherworldly atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Control Resonant release?

Control Resonant is scheduled for release in late 2026, though Remedy Entertainment hasn't announced a specific date yet.

Who is the protagonist in Control Resonant?

Players control Dylan Faden, the brother of Jesse Faden who was the protagonist in the original Control game.

What kind of combat does Control Resonant feature?

Control Resonant features melee-based combat using the Aberrant, a shapeshifting weapon that can transform into forms like Hammer, Blades, Scythe, and Fists.