FBC: Firebreak just received update 1.003, and it’s shaking up how perks function in the game. Remedy Entertainment wants players to reach their builds faster and enjoy a more rewarding experience while encouraging some solid team synergy through the new Resonance System.
Perks in Firebreak are passive abilities that change how you play, from giving your bullets a chance to shock enemies to shaking off nasty conditions by just jumping around. Nearly 50 perks are available, and this patch aims to smooth out how you unlock and upgrade them.
How Perks Work Now
Perks unlock as you raise your Firebreaker Rank, which is your career progression visible in the main menu. You use two currencies to buy and upgrade perks: Lost Assets, found around levels glowing yellow, and Research Samples, which drop from Corrupted Items or spawn in rare spots in corruption-enabled jobs.
Each perk can be upgraded from level I (basic) to level III (strongest). At max level, perks radiate their effects to nearby teammates thanks to the Resonance System. So, if you’re hanging close to a buddy with a maxed perk, you get the boost too. Cool, right? Plus, your personal Resonance Shield recharges faster when you’re near teammates, making sticking together a legit strategy.
Perk slots vary by level: level I perks take one slot, level II takes two, and level III takes three slots. You can mix and match, running three maxed perks or nine basic ones. This flexibility encourages trying out different setups.
What’s Changing?
Some perks will cost less at all levels, while others will get pricier. The overall grind to unlock everything stays about the same, but you’ll be able to tap into the resonance benefits earlier. If you’ve been eyeing high-level perks, now’s a good time to grab them before the new prices hit.
Complete Patch Notes for 1.3
- Added “Surviving the Workplace” series intro video (localized subtitles coming later).
- Updated PS5 Cloud Streaming.
- Fixed achievement descriptions and unlock issues for “What a Day,” “OSHA Compliant,” “Veteran,” and “Firebreaker.”
- Improved maintenance notifications to appear even after match start when returning to the main menu.
- Backend and online service fixes to reduce disconnects (error codes 22001, 22002).
- Perks economy rebalanced.
- Swivel Cannon health increased from 1000 to 3200 to prevent it from self-destruction during close combat.
- Enemy AI improved to avoid rushing into areas where allies died.
- Corrupted Items’ idle sounds updated for easier identification.
- HUD now shows exact Lost Assets and Research Samples held during jobs.
- Tutorials added for Crisis Kit Tool secondary functions (level 2 or 3 tools).
- Player Reputation Level indicator added to Research menu.
- Visual notifications added for new or unlockable items and perks in menus.
- Camera shake toggle fixed.
- Vacuum Perk now correctly picks up Research Samples.
- Fixed crash related to Night Terrors Perk activation.
- Lost Asset and Research Sample highlights fixed to disappear properly for all players.
- Fixed Jasper Post Box Corrupted Item spawning inside objects.
Yikes, that’s quite a list! But these changes should make the game feel tighter and more rewarding, especially if you’re into tweaking your loadouts and playing with friends.
What do you think about the new perk system and the Resonance mechanic? Have you tried stacking those level III perks with your squad yet?
