Control: 10 Essential Tips for New Directors to Survive the Oldest House

1. Master Launch: Your Best Offense and Defense

Launch is Jesse's signature ability and the single most powerful tool in your arsenal. It allows you to pick up and hurl objects at enemies. Prioritize leveling this ability first. Not only does it deal massive damage, but it also staggers most enemies and can even destroy their shields. Use it on explosive objects like red canisters for area damage. When you're surrounded, launch something at your feet to stagger foes and buy time.

2. Equip Personal Mods Wisely

Personal mods boost Jesse's stats. Early on, focus on health regen and energy regen. Having a constant supply of energy ensures you can keep using Launch and dodge. Later, swap to damage reduction or extra health. Don't neglect mods that enhance your Service Weapon's performance, but personal survivability comes first.

3. Upgrade the Service Weapon Forms

The Service Weapon has multiple forms. You start with Grip (pistol) and later unlock Shatter (shotgun), Spin (SMG), Pierce (sniper), and Charge (rocket launcher). Spend upgrade points on Pierce and Shatter for crowd control and single-target damage. Grip is a reliable all-rounder. Each form has a unique mod slot, so experiment and find what suits your playstyle.

4. Explore Every Corner of the Oldest House

The Oldest House is a maze of shifting corridors, and many areas are optional but reward you with ability points, mods, and lore collections. Keep an eye out for glowing walls or objects that hint at hidden rooms. Use Launch to break weak walls and find secret nooks. Exploration also yields Bureau Alerts and side missions that provide valuable upgrades.

5. Use Cover Sparingly

Control's combat is fast-paced and encourages aggressive movement. Standing behind cover often leads to getting flanked. Instead, keep moving and levitate whenever possible. The ground is dangerous; enemies will rush you and attacks can hit from any angle. Use dash to evade and Launch to interrupt enemy abilities. Stay airborne to control the battlefield.

6. Prioritize Enemy Threat Levels

Not all enemies are equal. Hiss Distorted (invisible assassins) should be your primary target. They can down you in seconds. Use Evade to reveal them or launch debris to stagger them. Next, take out Hiss Rangers with explosive damage and Hiss Elevated flying enemies. Leave melee enemies for last; they are easy to kite and dodge.

7. Level Up Mods at the Control Point

You can upgrade mods by combining duplicates at a Control Point. This is essential for staying competitive. Always carry a few spare mods of the same type and rarity. Upgrading a rare mod to max tier can turn a fight. Don't be afraid to use lower-tier mods early, but save high-tier ones for later when enemy difficulty spikes.

8. Manage Your Energy Bar

Energy is used for Launch, Shield, and Levitate. Keep an eye on the bar and avoid draining it completely. Never reach zero energy; you'll be vulnerable and unable to dodge. When you get the Levitate ability, use it in short bursts. Combine Launch with a follow-up levitate to reposition. Use the Shield ability sparingly as it consumes energy rapidly.

9. Tackle Side Missions for Ability Points

Main story missions grant a few ability points, but side missions like Bureau Alerts and Board Countermeasures provide a steady stream. These are repeatable and often have simple objectives. Countermeasures in particular offer mods and points. Prioritize these to unlock upgrades faster, especially in the early game when you're weak.

10. Use Seize to Turn Enemies into Allies

Seize is an underrated ability that lets you temporarily control an enemy. This is incredibly useful against tough foes like Hiss Elevated or Hiss Rangers. While your seized enemy fights, you can focus on other threats. It also draws aggro away from you. Upgrade Seize duration early to make the ability more viable. Use it in crowded rooms to turn the tide.

With these tips, you'll navigate the bureaucratic nightmare of the Oldest House with ease. Remember to stay mobile, upgrade strategically, and explore every corner. Good luck, Director.