CONTROL Resonant Beginner Build — Strike, Crush & Early Talents
Ignite or Inferno? Push or Ground Slam? Full answer-first picks: Resonants ability choices. Best early artifacts: Artifacts.
Quick answer: The most reliable first-playthrough setup is Strike (primary) + Crush (secondary), take Barrage after The Artist, then invest talents into Perfect Dodge → Retaliation → Dominance. Craft the Amulet after The Dancer for melee crits; keep Heart Monitor for scary bosses. Unofficial build notes synthesized from launch beginner guides.
Loadout advice pairs with the combat loop basics and the Artifacts page for Amulet / Heart Monitor / Trusted Spanner. Official overview: controlgame.com.
Recommended starter loadout
| Slot | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Aberrant | Strike | Fast dual blades, short recovery, ~30% base Critical Chance — safest form while learning. |
| Secondary Aberrant | Crush | Heavy hammer Falter pressure → Executions. |
| First ability (Artist) | Barrage | Ranged option for flyers / awkward elevations. Shield if you’re dying constantly. |
| After Dancer | Ground Slam (or Push) | Ground Slam rewards rooftop height; Push shoves enemies into hazards. |
| After Deserter | Ignite | Burn on weapon hits — strong vs Mold / Park. |
| Early artifact | Amulet | +5% melee crit; cheap craft after Dancer. |
| Safety artifact | Heart Monitor | One death save → 20% HP (breaks on use) — Urban Survival side story. |
How to play Strike + Crush
- Open with short Strike strings — don’t mash through every wind-up.
- Perfect Dodge just before a hit lands to trigger Retaliation.
- Spend the window on a heavy Strike or Crush to dump Falter.
- When the yellow Falter gauge fills, Execute → enter Dominance (melee damage buff).
- Use Barrage when enemies are airborne or far instead of chasing them.
Talents to unlock first
Don’t spray points across every branch. Prioritize the dodge / Execution loop:
- Dominance — Executions empower melee
- All-Rounder — small Damage + Falter to everything
- Perfect Dodge → Retribution → Sanctioned Retaliation — stronger Retaliation + Power refund
- Cleansing Rush — clear status faster (Mold fights)
- Decisive Step-Up / Restorative Dominance — crit windows and sustain during Dominance
Upgrade priority
- Upgrade Strike first, then enough Crush nodes for Falter.
- Grab large Aberrant Strength nodes (they help overall weapon power).
- Bank some Source for crafts — don’t empty the wallet on every vendor shiny.
- Skip unlocking every Aberrant form early; Strike/Crush carry far.
Ability picks by Resonant (beginner path)
| Boss | Beginner lean |
|---|---|
| The Artist | Barrage (or Shield) |
| The Dancer | Ground Slam |
| The Deserter | Ignite |
| The Collective | Spore Burst (pairs with Ignite) |
| The Physicist | Astral Rebuke or Spike — pick based on comfort |
| The Co-Director | Command (sole unlock in many guides) |
More boss context: Resonant bosses. Early route: What to do first.
Where to go next
Combat loop · Resonants · Trusted Spanner (dog) · Shiny Pebble (cameras)