Do I Have to Beat Control to Play the DLC?
The short and direct answer is yes, you absolutely have to complete the main storyline of Control before you can access its downloadable content (DLC). Both The Foundation and AWE expansions are designed to be played after the core game’s narrative concludes. This means that you’ll need to see the credits roll on the base game before you can jump into the new adventures these DLCs offer.
This requirement isn’t just an arbitrary gate; it’s built into the game’s structure and narrative flow. The DLC storylines assume that you’ve experienced the events of the main game and have a certain level of understanding about its world, characters, and mechanics. Furthermore, the DLCs are balanced for players with a certain level of power and ability upgrades, which you’ll only accumulate throughout a full playthrough of Control’s core campaign.
Why the Completion Requirement?
Narrative Progression
The DLC expansions, particularly AWE, are deeply intertwined with the lore and world-building of Control. They expand upon themes and introduce new mysteries that build upon the foundation laid by the main game. Playing the DLC before finishing the main game would lead to a confusing and potentially unsatisfying experience as the narrative would lack context. For instance, AWE deals heavily with the fallout from events in the main game and also serves as a bridge to other Remedy Entertainment titles, particularly Alan Wake. Therefore, understanding the background is crucial.
Character Development
Jesse Faden’s progression throughout the main storyline is key to understanding the kind of challenges you will face in both DLCs. By the time you finish the main game, you will have acquired a good array of abilities and mods which are necessary to face the new enemies and environments. You would simply be underpowered if you attempted the DLC before acquiring all the abilities and upgrades.
Gameplay Balance
The difficulty curve in Control’s DLC is set for players who have already mastered the base game’s mechanics. The enemies are stronger, the puzzles are more complex, and the overall experience is designed for those who have honed their skills. Completing the main story ensures you’re properly equipped, both in terms of abilities and understanding, for the tougher encounters in The Foundation and AWE. This requirement enhances the overall challenge of the DLCs and provides a smooth transition into the new storylines without overwhelming the player.
How Do I Know I’m Ready?
Once you’ve completed the main storyline for Control, the DLC will begin automatically. Specifically, once the core game’s storyline is wrapped up, the first mission of The Foundation DLC, aptly titled “The Foundation,” will start. There is no manual way to start it. If this mission hasn’t started, then you have not completed the game or it could be a bug. Likewise, you don’t need to manually trigger AWE, which starts after finishing the main game and the Foundation DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that will provide you with more context on Control’s DLC and related topics.
1. What is the first DLC for Control?
The Foundation is the first downloadable expansion for Control. It introduces new story content and side missions, and new gameplay mechanics.
2. How long does it take to complete the Control DLCs?
Both The Foundation and AWE DLCs will take roughly four to five hours to complete. However, this may be shorter if you utilize the Assist Mode to customize difficulty or longer if you seek 100% completion.
3. What is the difference between Control and Control Ultimate Edition?
Control Ultimate Edition includes the base game and both DLC expansions: The Foundation and AWE. It also includes next-generation enhancements, like improved visuals and performance.
4. Do I have to buy the DLC separately?
If you have the original base game of Control, you must purchase the DLC separately. However, the Ultimate Edition includes everything at a single price.
5. How do I start the DLC in Control?
Once you finish the main storyline of Control, the first mission of The Foundation DLC, “The Foundation,” will automatically start. There’s no other manual way to begin it. Similarly, AWE will begin automatically after completing both the main game and the Foundation DLC.
6. Is Control a difficult game?
Yes, Control is considered a challenging game. It was originally launched without an Easy Mode. However, a free update introduced “Assist Mode,” which allows you to customize the difficulty by increasing the number of save points and adjusting other settings.
7. What do the Control DLCs add to the game?
Both DLCs add new areas, story content, enemies, and missions. The Foundation expands on the history of the Oldest House, while AWE serves as a crossover with the Alan Wake universe.
8. How many missions are there in Control including DLC?
Control has 46 missions in total, including 1 mission exclusive to the PlayStation version. 17 of those missions are from the free update that introduced Expeditions and the two paid DLCs, The Foundation and AWE.
9. When should I play the AWE DLC?
It is recommended that you complete the main story and some side missions before starting the AWE DLC. Doing so will give you necessary Ability Points and Mods to boost Jessie’s powers for the more challenging content. Playing The Foundation DLC first is also highly advised before tackling AWE.
10. Can I miss powers in Control?
While some abilities are locked until you progress through the storyline, others are accessible through side missions. You must explore thoroughly to ensure you get every available power upgrade.
11. What is Control based on?
Control is heavily inspired by paranormal stories and the fictional SCP Foundation, a collaborative online fiction project within the “new weird” genre.
12. Will there be a Control 2?
Yes, a sequel titled Control 2 has been announced and is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. There are no plans for releases on older platforms such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
13. What should I do after beating Control?
After completing the main story, you can focus on finishing side missions, finding all the hidden areas, completing Bureau Alerts, and unlocking all the outfits. It’s also a good time to prepare for the DLCs.
14. Is Alan Wake DLC worth it?
Yes, the Alan Wake DLC is considered excellent by fans. It expands the game’s plot and lore, enriching the original narrative.
15. Should I play Alan Wake before Control’s AWE DLC?
While not strictly required to enjoy the AWE DLC, it is recommended, especially for fans who want to fully appreciate the crossover between the universes of Control and Alan Wake. However, playing AWE is not necessary to understand Alan Wake 2.
Conclusion
To reiterate, you must beat Control’s main story to access either of the DLCs, The Foundation or AWE. This requirement is intentional, ensuring you’re fully prepared and that the DLC’s narrative context and gameplay mechanics resonate effectively. By completing the base game, you will have the necessary understanding, abilities, and context to make your journey into the DLCs truly engaging and rewarding. So, finish the main game and then dive deep into the extra content that awaits!