Introduction

Welcome, Director! This guide is your essential companion through the shifting, surreal labyrinth of the Oldest House in Control Ultimate Edition. Whether you're a fresh recruit to the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) or a seasoned agent returning to cleanse the Hiss, this walkthrough will provide detailed strategies, item locations, and crucial tips to help you reclaim the Bureau.

Overview of the Guide

This guide is structured to assist you from your first steps into the FBC headquarters to mastering the most challenging encounters. We've broken down the complex narrative and gameplay elements into easily digestible sections:

Main Story Walkthrough: Follow Jesse Faden's journey through each mission, from "Welcome to the Oldest House" to "Polaris." We'll guide you through objectives, combat encounters, and puzzle solutions.
Side Missions: Discover and complete all optional assignments that delve deeper into the Oldest House's secrets and reward you with valuable upgrades and lore.
Collectibles and Secrets: Locate every hidden document, research item, and multimedia file to fully immerse yourself in the FBC's bizarre world. This includes specific instructions for finding items in areas like the Maintenance Sector and Research Sector.
Items and Upgrades: Detailed information on Service Weapon forms, Personal Mods, Weapon Mods, and how to acquire and upgrade them efficiently.
Hidden Locations: Uncover the Oldest House's most elusive areas, often containing valuable resources or challenging combat scenarios.
Expeditions: Strategies for tackling the challenging, randomized combat encounters in the Expeditions game mode, accessible after completing the main story.
Trophies/Achievements: A comprehensive list and guide to unlocking every achievement in the game, including those from the "The Foundation" and "AWE" expansions.

Essential Tips for New Directors

The Oldest House is a dangerous place. Here are some critical tips to keep in mind as you begin your journey:

Embrace Launch: Your Launch ability is your most versatile tool. Use it constantly in combat to throw objects at enemies, interrupt their attacks, and conserve Service Weapon ammo. Look for environmental objects like office chairs, filing cabinets, and even chunks of concrete to hurl.
Prioritize Energy Management: Your energy bar governs your supernatural abilities (Launch, Shield, Evade, Levitate). Learn to manage it effectively. Remember, your energy regenerates quickly when you're not using abilities, so don't be afraid to use it aggressively and then take cover to recharge.
Scavenge and Upgrade: Always pick up Source (the blue cubes) dropped by defeated enemies and found in containers. This is your primary currency for crafting Weapon Mods, Personal Mods, and upgrading your Service Weapon forms at Control Points.
Explore Thoroughly: The Oldest House is brimming with secrets. Check every corner, open every door, and look for hidden pathways. Many collectibles, side missions, and valuable resources are tucked away in seemingly innocuous areas.
Utilize Control Points: Control Points are your safe havens. Cleanse them to save your progress, fast travel, and access the Astral Constructs menu for upgrades. Always cleanse a Control Point as soon as you find it.
Understand Enemy Types: The Hiss come in various forms, each with unique attack patterns and weaknesses. Pay attention to their glowing red forms and learn to prioritize targets. For example, Hiss Charged can be devastating if not dealt with quickly.
Master Evade: Evade (dash) is crucial for avoiding incoming damage and repositioning during combat. It has a short cooldown and can get you out of tight spots.

Good luck, Director. The FBC is counting on you.