Where Do You Upgrade Weapons in Control? A Comprehensive Guide
The intriguing world of Control, with its shifting architecture and paranormal threats, demands that you keep your Service Weapon at peak performance. The good news is that upgrading your weapon is a core part of the gameplay loop, allowing you to customize and enhance your combat capabilities. Unlike traditional games with leveling systems, Control offers a unique approach to weapon upgrades. The primary way to upgrade your weapon forms in Control is through Astral Constructs, located at any Control Point. These upgrade options are not available at the beginning of the game, rather they unlock as you progress through the storyline, allowing you to enhance your Service Weapon.
Upgrading Weapon Forms Through Astral Constructs
How to Access the Weapon Form Upgrades
You won’t find a typical blacksmith or vendor to improve your weapons. Instead, you must interact with a Control Point, the glowing beacons that serve as fast travel hubs and safe havens throughout the Oldest House. Once at a Control Point, select the Astral Constructs menu. From there, navigate to the Weapon Forms section. Here, you’ll find a list of all available weapon forms.
The Upgrade Process
Upgrading a weapon form requires specific Materials that you collect during your journey. These materials are often dropped by enemies or found in containers. When you have the required materials, simply select the Weapon Form you wish to upgrade, and choose to ‘Construct’ the upgrade. Each successful upgrade increases the weapon’s stats and, importantly, unlocks a Mod Slot. You can upgrade each Weapon Form twice, which means you can equip up to three Mods on each of your weapons. This modular approach provides a huge degree of customization for your playstyle. You can view the exact materials needed for each upgrade within this menu.
When Can You Upgrade?
Upgrades to weapons are not available immediately, and the first weapon form, the Grip, is unlocked during the first mission. The shotgun form, Shatter, and the submachine gun, Spin, become available around the third main story quest. Further weapon forms and their upgrade options appear as you delve deeper into the game. The game will also display the option to upgrade once the needed materials are in your inventory.
Modifying Your Weapons
In addition to upgrading the weapon forms themselves, Control also features a robust Mod system. These mods are different from weapon form upgrades, as they can be switched around between your different weapons. They are also upgraded differently.
Mod Creation
At the beginning of the game, you’ll only be able to create Common level Mods randomly. However, you can increase the potential rarity of crafted Mods by upgrading your Constructs Level. This is done by spending Source Energy and Materials at the Astral Constructs menu at any Control Point. There are five Constructs Levels in total. Leveling up your Constructs Level will allow you to craft more powerful Mods.
Upgrading Mods
Mods themselves can be upgraded to make them even more potent. This process is not done at Control Points, rather it is found in your menu. Access your menu and go to the ‘Mods’ section. Select a mod you would like to upgrade, then use the ‘Fusion’ option. You can then rank the Mod up to the desired level (assuming you have the necessary materials.) Each level increase makes your Mod more powerful.
Mod Tiers
Mods are categorized into five tiers: Common (I), Uncommon (II), Rare (III), Prime (IV), and Absolute (V). Absolute tier Mods are the best. These mods are obtained by defeating enemies, opening crates, or as rewards from completing Board Countermeasures, though higher-tier Mods are rare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand weapon upgrades in Control:
1. How do I unlock new weapon forms in Control?
New Weapon Forms are unlocked by visiting a Control Point and selecting Astral Constructs. Then navigate to Weapon Forms. New forms will appear here as you progress through the game. You must have the required materials to construct them.
2. What is the best weapon form in Control?
There is no single “best” weapon form, as it largely depends on your preferred play style. However, Charge and Spin is a popular combination for damage output, and Shatter is an essential choice for enemies with shields. It’s recommended to experiment with all forms to see which work best for you.
3. Can you level up in Control?
Control does not have a traditional leveling system. Instead, you collect Ability Points which you use to upgrade Jesse’s abilities at a Control Point. Unlocking new abilities will also unlock additional mod slots for your Service Weapon, and increase Jesse’s max health and energy.
4. How do I upgrade Shatter in Control?
Shatter can be upgraded twice as an Astral Construct at a Control Point when the required materials are present in Jesse’s loadout. The option and material requirements will show in the upgrade menu.
5. Is the next-gen upgrade for Control free?
The next-gen upgrade for Control is only free for players who own Control: Ultimate Edition. If you own the base game, you will need to purchase the Ultimate Edition for the next-gen upgrade.
6. Does Control have DLC?
Yes, Control has two DLC storylines: “The Foundation” and “AWE”. The Ultimate Edition includes both of these expansions.
7. Where can I get mods in Control?
Mods can be obtained from defeated enemies, found in crates, or earned as rewards for completing Board Countermeasures. You can also craft Mods at the Astral Constructs menu.
8. How do I upgrade weapon mods in Control?
To upgrade a Mod, go to the Mods section in your menu, select a Mod, choose the “Fusion” option, and increase its rank using the available materials.
9. What is the highest level mod in Control?
The highest level mod in Control is the Absolute (V) tier mod, indicated by a V rating.
10. How do I upgrade Pierce in Control?
Pierce can be upgraded twice as an Astral Construct at a Control Point when the required materials are collected. The option and material amounts will show in the menu when you have at least one of each required item.
11. How do I unlock more Mod slots?
Mod Slots are unlocked by spending Ability Points in the Abilities Menu at any Control Point, as well as from upgrading your weapons themselves.
12. What is Shatter in Control?
Shatter is a shotgun-like weapon form in Control that is best at close range. It fires multiple bullets and is also good at breaking enemy shields.
13. How do I get Surge mode in Control?
Surge becomes available as a sixth weapon form during Control’s second expansion, AWE, within the Investigation Sector. You will need to progress through the storyline and collect the necessary materials to construct it.
14. How many times can you upgrade a Weapon Form?
Each weapon form in Control can be upgraded twice, unlocking three mod slots in total.
15. What does upgrading a Weapon Form do?
Upgrading a Weapon Form increases its base stats (such as damage or fire rate) and, more importantly, unlocks a mod slot, allowing you to add more modifiers to your arsenal.
By understanding these nuances of the upgrade system in Control, you will be well-equipped to face the challenges of the Oldest House and truly master the Service Weapon. Remember to experiment with different weapon forms and Mods to find a combination that suits your playstyle.