Unknown Caller

Following your unexpected ascension to the role of Director, your immediate priority is to understand and combat the Hiss invasion that has plunged the Oldest House into chaos. This quest, "Unknown Caller," serves as your introduction to the FBC's internal workings and the immediate threat posed by the Hiss. Your primary objective is to reach the Communications Department in the Executive Sector to re-establish contact with the outside world.

Navigating to the Communications Department

From the Director's Office, exit through the main doors and proceed into the Executive Sector. The path is relatively linear at this point, guiding you through the initial corridors of the FBC. Keep an eye out for environmental storytelling and potential collectibles, though your main focus should be on reaching your destination.

Unknown Caller - Control screenshot — The Communications Department awaits.

First Encounter: Hiss in the Communications Department

As you enter the Communications Department, you'll immediately be confronted by your first significant Hiss encounters. The area will be dimly lit and filled with the eerie, chanting whispers of the Hiss. Expect to face:

Hiss Charged: These are the most basic Hiss enemies, manifesting as possessed FBC personnel. They will typically charge at you, attempting to melee attack.
Hiss Demonic: Occasionally, you might encounter these slightly more resilient variants that can take a bit more punishment.

Combat Tips for Early Encounters:

Default Weapon Form (Grip): Your Service Weapon's default form, Grip, is highly effective against these early Hiss enemies. It functions like a standard pistol, offering good accuracy and decent damage. Don't feel pressured to use other forms unless you prefer them; Grip is more than sufficient.
Utilize Launch: Remember your newly acquired Launch ability! Picking up nearby objects (chairs, filing cabinets, debris) and flinging them at enemies can deal significant damage and stagger them, creating openings for follow-up attacks.
Environmental Awareness: The Communications Department has various pieces of cover. Use desks, pillars, and other structures to break line of sight and avoid incoming Hiss charges.
Health Management: Hiss enemies will drop blue "Source" energy upon defeat. Collect these to restore your health. Stay mobile and prioritize taking down enemies that are actively attacking you.

After clearing the initial wave of Hiss, proceed further into the department. You'll find a Control Point. Interact with it to cleanse it, establishing a fast travel point and restoring some stability to the area. Cleansing Control Points also serves as a checkpoint.

Restoring Power to Communications

Your main objective in this area is to restore power to the communications systems. The department is in disarray, and several power conduits are offline. You'll need to locate and activate specific power generators.

Step-by-Step Power Restoration:

Locate the First Generator: From the Control Point, head towards the larger, central area of the Communications Department. Look for a section with flickering lights and exposed wiring. You'll find a large, inactive power generator console.
Activate the Console: Interact with the console (usually marked with a glowing orange prompt). This will often trigger a minor Hiss ambush. Be prepared for another wave of Hiss Charged and potentially Hiss Demonic.
Follow the Power Lines: Once the first generator is active, follow the newly illuminated power lines (often glowing orange) that snake across the floor and walls. These will lead you to the next inactive generator.
Second Generator and Hiss Resistance: The second generator is typically located in a slightly more secluded office or server room within the department. Activating it will usually trigger a more substantial Hiss encounter, possibly including a Hiss Ranger (who can fire projectiles) or a larger group of Hiss Charged. Prioritize the Rangers if they appear, as their ranged attacks can be problematic.
Final Power Conduit: The last step involves activating a final power conduit or switch, often located near the main communications array itself. This might not be a full generator but a smaller control panel. Once all necessary power sources are activated, the main communications systems will hum back to life.

Throughout this process, be vigilant for additional Hiss enemies that may spawn as you activate each component. The Communications Department is a labyrinth of cubicles and server racks, offering both cover and potential ambush points for the Hiss.

Completing "Unknown Caller"

Once power is fully restored, a cutscene will trigger, showing Jesse attempting to contact the outside world. This will conclude the "Unknown Caller" quest and seamlessly transition you into the next main mission. Before leaving the Communications Department, ensure you've explored all accessible areas for potential collectibles, such as Research & Records documents, Case Files, or hidden Supply Crates, which often contain valuable Source and crafting materials.

Rewards for Completion:

Ability Unlocked: Access to new abilities or upgrades will become available through the Astral Plane.
New Main Mission: "Directorial Override" will begin.
Source: A significant amount of Source for upgrading your abilities and Service Weapon.
Crafting Materials: Various materials for Mod crafting.

This quest serves as a crucial tutorial for combat, exploration, and understanding the core mechanics of Control. Master these early challenges, and you'll be well-prepared for the deeper mysteries and threats that lie ahead in the Oldest House.