Control DLC: What Order Should You Play?
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The question of when to tackle the DLC for Remedy Entertainment’s mind-bending action-adventure, Control, is a common one among players. While the game doesn’t enforce a strict order, there’s a recommended sequence that will enhance your overall experience, both in terms of difficulty and story immersion. To answer directly, you should play the DLC in the following order: The Foundation DLC, then AWE DLC. This sequence is specifically recommended for both gameplay and narrative flow. It’s important to complete the main storyline of Control before embarking on either of these expansions.
Why Play the DLC in This Order?
The Foundation DLC: A Natural Progression
The Foundation DLC is a direct extension of the core game’s story, diving deeper into the origins and structure of the Oldest House. After finishing the main campaign, you will naturally find this DLC provides a smoother transition into new content, both story-wise and in terms of gameplay. It introduces new environments, enemy types, and powers that feel like a logical next step from the main game. The difficulty is also relatively consistent with the later parts of the main story, making it a suitable starting point. It is designed to be a direct sequel in terms of story to the main campaign, and this is evidenced by the fact that after completing the main story, The Foundation DLC will automatically start with the mission “The Foundation.” You’ll be given a heads-up to investigate the Foundation in a brand new mission log entry after you finish the base game story.
AWE DLC: A Greater Challenge and Narrative Culmination
AWE (Altered World Event) DLC, on the other hand, is a more significant departure, introducing an entirely new sector, a connection with the Alan Wake universe, and some of the toughest challenges in the game. AWE is designed to be played after The Foundation. The enemies are more complex and the combat arenas more demanding, making it far easier to tackle having gained experience, power, and mods from the main game and The Foundation DLC. Additionally, the narrative implications of AWE are more profound when experienced after The Foundation. It builds upon the existing lore and adds a crucial dimension to the Remedy Connected Universe, which also contains the world of Alan Wake.
Benefits of Completing Core Game First
It is essential to complete the main storyline before starting either DLC. This ensures you’ve unlocked a significant portion of Jessie Faden’s abilities and acquired vital mods and Ability Points to enhance combat efficiency. Rushing into the DLC, particularly AWE, without these can lead to unnecessary frustrations and difficulty spikes. Furthermore, completing the main storyline will give you the necessary contextual understanding of the Federal Bureau of Control and the Oldest House.
Prior to even completing the main story, it is recommended you complete a number of side missions, such as Old Growth, to further bolster your power.
How Long Will It Take to Beat the DLC?
Completion Times
Both The Foundation and AWE DLCs are fairly substantial expansions that will provide several hours of gameplay. The Foundation DLC takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete, while AWE tends to be slightly shorter, clocking in around 3 to 4 hours. This might vary slightly depending on your play style, ability with the combat, and if you use the game’s Assist Mode features.
Replayability
Beyond the initial playthrough, the DLC also provides opportunities for replayability. The second arcade machine in AWE allows you to replay the iconic Ashtray Maze as well as other boss battles from the game, adding additional value for those wanting more from the combat experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Control DLC before the main story?
No, you must complete the main storyline of Control before starting either The Foundation or AWE DLC. The DLCs are designed as post-game expansions.
2. How do I start The Foundation DLC?
Upon completing the main story, The Foundation mission will start automatically. You will receive an update in your mission log prompting you to investigate The Foundation.
3. What does The Foundation DLC add?
This DLC adds new areas within the Oldest House, new enemies, new abilities, and dives deeper into the lore of the Bureau.
4. What does the AWE DLC add?
AWE introduces a new sector in the Oldest House, new enemies, new story content linked to the Alan Wake universe, and challenging combat encounters.
5. Is AWE harder than The Foundation?
Generally, AWE is considered harder than The Foundation due to its more challenging combat and more complex enemy types.
6. Can I miss anything in Control?
While some powers are locked behind story progress, others are tied to side missions, which could be missed. Pay attention to mission logs and explore to discover all available content.
7. How many missions are there in Control and its DLC?
Control has a total of 46 missions, including one PlayStation exclusive mission. 17 of these missions are part of the Expedition update and the two DLC expansions.
8. What is the “Dark Place” in Control?
The “Dark Place” references the location Alan Wake is trapped in. The AWE DLC establishes this connection, and it plays a significant role in the Alan Wake games. It appears as a mission, and can be tracked after completing the seventh main story mission “The Face of the Enemy”.
9. Is Control a difficult game?
Yes, Control can be a challenging game, known for its difficulty spikes and demanding combat. Consider using Assist Mode if you struggle with the game’s more challenging aspects.
10. Is Control connected to Alan Wake?
Yes, Control is explicitly connected to the Alan Wake universe. The AWE DLC directly ties into Alan Wake lore, and references can be found in both games.
11. Should I play Control before Alan Wake 2?
It is not essential to play Control before Alan Wake 2, but it is recommended if you are invested in the lore and the Remedy Connected Universe, as the events of Control have direct links to Alan Wake 2.
12. What happened to Alan Wake in Control?
Alan Wake is primarily referenced through documents and visions in the AWE DLC and helps guide Jesse Faden in her investigations. Alan is trapped in the Dark Place at the end of Alan Wake, and this status quo remains through the events of Control.
13. Is the “Dark Place” a type of virus?
No, the “Dark Place” is a mystical location and should not be confused with digital threats like viruses. The Dark Place is a location, not an actual computer virus.
14. What happened to Casper Darling in Control?
Casper Darling locked himself inside the Hedron chamber in the Oldest House. He is implied to have gone on a journey or transformation, but his final status is unknown.
15. Is there a true ending to Control?
The game has a definite ending where Jesse, with help from Polaris, manages to close the connection between the Hiss realm and the Oldest House, but the ending is open to interpretation, and leaves opportunities for future developments in the Remedy Connected Universe.
By following this recommended order and addressing the common questions above, you’ll be well-equipped to fully enjoy everything Control and its fantastic DLC content has to offer. This experience will also help to enhance your enjoyment of Alan Wake 2. Have fun delving into the mysteries of the Oldest House!