Control: 10 Pro Tips to Master the Service Weapon and Unleash Supernatural Powers

Remedy Entertainment's Control drops you into the shifting halls of the Oldest House as Jesse Faden, the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control. Armed with the mysterious Service Weapon and a growing arsenal of paranormal abilities, you'll need more than just good aim to survive the Hiss invasion. Whether you're a new agent or returning for the AWE expansion, these 10 pro tips will help you dominate every encounter.

1. Experiment with Service Weapon Forms

The Service Weapon isn't just a gun—it's a shapeshifting tool. You'll unlock multiple forms: Grip (pistol), Shatter (shotgun), Spin (SMG), Pierce (sniper), Charge (grenade launcher), and Surge (proximity mines). Each form excels in different situations. Use Grip for general combat, Shatter for close-range bursts, Pierce for long-range threats, and Charge for crowds. Don't stick to one form; swap frequently via the weapon wheel to adapt to enemies.

2. Upgrade Your Abilities Early

Ability points are earned by completing missions and side objectives, and by finding hidden skill points. Prioritize upgrading Launch (especially the damage and multi-object throw mods), Evade (for the shield-break upgrade), and Seize (to turn enemies into allies). Later, invest in Shield and Levitate for mobility and defense. A balanced build lets you handle any combat scenario.

3. Master the Launch Ability

Launch is your most powerful tool. Hold the button to grab an object, then release to throw it with devastating force. You can even rip chunks off the environment or use enemy projectiles against them. Upgrade Launch to throw three objects at once and increase damage. In combat, keep the environment in mind—always have something to throw nearby.

4. Use Shield Strategically

Shield creates a protective barrier that blocks most attacks and can be upgraded to reflect enemy fire. Use it to advance on Hiss Rangers or to buy time while your energy recharges. However, Shield drains energy quickly, so use it in bursts. Combine Shield with Evade to close the gap on snipers or melee enemies.

5. Levitate to Gain the High Ground

Levitate lets you fly for a short time. Use it to reach higher platforms, avoid ground-based hazards, and gain a tactical advantage. While airborne, you can still shoot and use abilities, but you're also vulnerable. Stay mobile, and don't hover in one spot for long. Upgrade Levitate to increase duration and add a hover dodge.

6. Seize and Turn the Tide

The Seize ability lets you temporarily convert enemies to fight for you. It works best on Hiss Elevated (floaty ones) and Hiss Rangers. Seizing a powerful enemy can distract others and give you breathing room. Upgrade Seize to increase duration and allow seizing multiple targets. Note that seized enemies will eventually revert—be ready to finish them off.

7. Customize Your Loadout with Mods

Mods are crucial for fine-tuning your Service Weapon and personal abilities. Weapon mods enhance specific forms (e.g., damage, accuracy, ammo regen). Personal mods boost health, energy, or ability damage. Early on, favor damage and ammo efficiency mods. Later, consider energy regeneration and health-on-kill mods for sustained fights. Experiment with different combinations to find your playstyle.

8. Explore Thoroughly for Resources

The Oldest House is packed with collectibles—documents, videos, and hotline calls that flesh out the lore and grant side missions. More importantly, you'll find ability points, mods, and crafting materials in hidden rooms and optional areas. Use the map to track unexplored sectors. Many secrets require unlocking new abilities, so revisit areas after progressing to find missed goodies.

9. Manage Energy Like a Resource

Energy fuels your abilities—Launch, Shield, Levitate, and Evade. Unlike health, energy recharges quickly, but you can't spam abilities endlessly. Use Launch sparingly against weak enemies, reserve Evade for dodging critical attacks, and only keep Shield up when necessary. Find energy-boosting mods and consider upgrading energy capacity early if you prefer ability-heavy combat.

10. Learn Enemy Attack Patterns

Every Hiss variant has distinct tells. Hiss Rangers fire in bursts—dodge after their third shot. Hiss Elevated float and launch projectiles; use Launch to knock them down. Hiss Clusters (the exploding shamblers) can be kited and detonated away from you. Bosses like the Anchor and Former require specific strategies: hide behind pillars, destroy their weak points, and never stop moving. Patience and pattern recognition are key.

With these tips, you'll transform from a confused rookie into a true Director. Remember, the Oldest House always has more secrets to uncover, so keep experimenting with your new powers. Good luck, Agent.