Remedy Entertainment unveiled extensive gameplay details for Control Resonant during Sony’s February 2026 State of Play, showcasing protagonist Dylan’s supernatural abilities, the shapeshifting Aberrant weapon, and gravity-defying traversal through corrupted Manhattan. Lead Gameplay Designer Sergey Mohov walked players through the West Incursion Zone, explaining how the sequel expands upon the original Control’s formula.
Set in a reality-warping Manhattan consumed by otherworldly forces, Control Resonant releases in 2026 exclusively for PlayStation 5.
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Large Zones Replace Open World
Control Resonant isn’t an open-world game but features large, distinct, and expansive zones filled with side activities, hidden encounters, and optional discoveries. A strong central narrative guides players through these areas while leaving room for exploration.
The West Incursion Zone, showcased in the gameplay trailer, exemplifies this design philosophy. What initially feels familiar gradually becomes more distorted as architecture folds in on itself and gravity behaves unpredictably. This zone represents only one part of a much larger, stranger journey according to Mohov.
| Game Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| World Design | Large zones with side content, not open world |
| Main Character | Dylan (Jesse’s brother from Control) |
| Handler | Zoe De Vera, FBC Field Agent |
| Primary Weapon | The Aberrant (shapeshifting melee weapon) |
| Boss Enemies | Resonants (corrupted powerful beings) |
| Release | 2026 (PS5 exclusive) |
Dylan’s Supernatural Arsenal
Dylan wields multiple supernatural abilities essential for both combat and traversal. The Reach ability allows navigation through spaces that no longer obey regular physics rules, while the Shift ability lets Dylan adapt on the fly, redirecting momentum and movement through reality-warped environments.
Gravity Anomalies create the most dramatic traversal challenges, where entire sections of the environment exist at different orientations. Roads might flip upside-down above Dylan, or building roofs might tilt sideways acting as vertical bridges. If Dylan can reach these surfaces, he can walk on them normally—the challenge lies in relearning what “ground” means.
The Aberrant: Shapeshifting Melee Weapon
Dylan’s primary weapon is the Aberrant, an otherworldly shapeshifting melee device central to the combat system. The gameplay revealed multiple transformations including Hammer, Blades, Scythe, and Fists, with additional forms still unannounced.
This versatile toolkit lets players define their combat approach. Progression focuses on building perfect combat flow by unlocking new Aberrant forms, supernatural abilities, and combos. Deeper customization systems allow specialization and powering up favorite moves.
Before combat, players equip chosen abilities and weapon forms to create loadouts defining unique fighting approaches, whether on the ground or in the air. This flexibility ensures players can experiment with different playstyles.
Resonants: Boss Enemies That Grant Powers
Resonants represent powerful boss enemies throughout the game. These corrupted beings are remnants of people who once held great power, now twisted by the mysterious force threatening reality itself.
Defeating Resonants serves as the primary way Dylan expands his supernatural arsenal, with each victory granting a brand-new combat ability. This mechanic inspired the game’s title—Control Resonant focuses on hunting and defeating these powerful adversaries.
Zoe De Vera: Dylan’s Handler
The gameplay footage introduces Zoe De Vera, an FBC Field Agent and new character playing a key role in Control Resonant. Zoe acts as Dylan’s handler in the field, offering guidance and context as events spiral out of control.
Her relationship with Dylan forms an important story element, pushing him to confront who he is, what he’s capable of, and what it means to hold onto humanity during a supernatural crisis.
For more Control universe news and Remedy Entertainment updates, follow our coverage. Visit PlayStation Blog for official announcements.
Mohov concluded by stating, “Things are going to get weirder,” promising more reveals in coming months as the 2026 release approaches.
FAQs
Is Control Resonant open world like Control was?
No, it features large distinct zones with exploration and side content rather than a fully open world structure.
What happens when you defeat a Resonant boss?
Defeating each Resonant rewards Dylan with a brand-new combat ability, making boss fights essential for progression.
