Control Resonant: Essential Tips for Early Game Progression

Control Resonant has launched, bringing new systems and progression mechanics alongside connections to the original game. Manhattan opens up after the first hour, which can feel overwhelming—here’s how to navigate it effectively.

Starting Aberrant Forms and Talent Priorities

Your first major choice is selecting Primary and Secondary Aberrant forms. The Glaive and Flurry perform well early: Glaive for range, Flurry for attack speed and crit scaling. For Secondary forms, the Hammer provides solid Blunt damage, while the Drill’s ability to inflict Weakened on enemies (and refresh the debuff with a single hit rather than rebuilding it) makes it especially effective against bosses. Lock in your choices carefully—resources to unlock other forms are limited without heavy side content investment, and upgrading existing forms costs less than unlocking new ones.

Talent Points are scarce, so prioritize these early unlocks: Retribution (25% more Falter with Retaliation attacks), Agile Response (damage and Falter from Dodge Attacks), Skilled Backstab (50% damage and Falter from behind hits), Decisive Step-Up (20% critical chance after executions), Sustained Assault (health drops from hitting the same enemy), and Restorative Dodge (health recovery on Perfect Dodge). Cleansing Rush removes status ailments, and Guarded Formation reduces damage near summons.

Combat Mechanics: Damage Types and Enemy Priorities

Three damage types exist: Blunt, Raw, and Sharp. Blunt damage breaks armor, preventing enemy staggers, status effects, and air juggling. Mold has specific fire weakness. Enemy numbers next to health bars indicate threat level—higher is more dangerous. During fights, prioritize flying Hiss (they launch explosive projectiles) and flying or large Mold (they spew projectiles and chain crowd control). If Dominance is active with a Blunt finisher available, target smaller enemies first for executions, then focus on major threats.

Zone Leveling and World Exploration

Completing tasks, side quests, and main quests grants XP to zones, not Dylan directly. Each zone level-up gives Dylan a Talent Point plus increased Source drops, resource drops, health drops, and vendor inventory. Focus on starting Aberrant forms before unlocking others, as stronger Dylan means easier zone completion and better rewards.

Blocked entrances guarded by enemies often hide side quests and materials—clear the enemies to unlock them. Check FBC task boards whenever nearby; discovering tasks on boards lets you claim rewards without picking them up first. Near each vendor (the non-dairy ice-cream truck in each zone) is a crate with a health upgrade point; three points permanently increase health. Large Resource Crates appear once zones level up enough, dropping health or power upgrades.

When entering new zones, locate three blinking red devices, then return to the mapping station to scan the area. Check the dish direction at the main station—activated devices appear green.

Artifact Selection and Progression Path

Choose Artifacts based on content: the Lighter for Burn resistance (before the Deserter), Face Mask before the Park, Amulet for 5% critical hit chance on melee attacks, and Badge 11-60 for reduced environmental damage. Avoid the Wallet early—it drains health to power abilities when Power is depleted.

Do not go to the Park first. You lack fire abilities to combat Mold and won’t have enough health to survive infection; additionally, all traversal abilities are required to navigate and complete the zone. Follow the main quest to unlock traversal skills by progressing through Faults. Reach, the final traversal skill, becomes available after the Underpass when you enter the Metro Fault.

If infected by Mold later, use Ignite if Power allows—it cleanses infection, triggers self-damage, and may ignite nearby Mold swamps for explosions.