What is Control: Ultimate Edition
Control: Ultimate Edition is the “complete” version of Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment. It bundles together the base game and its two major expansions, and on newer platforms it has been updated with enhancements (graphics, performance, etc.).
🎮 Minimum Requirements
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7, 64‑bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5‑4690 / AMD FX‑4350 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 / AMD Radeon R9 280X |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | ~42 GB free space |
✅ Recommended Specs
For better performance, smoother framerates, or higher settings (ray tracing, etc.):
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10, 64‑bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5‑7600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 / GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580; for ray tracing: RTX 2060 |
| DirectX | Version 12 (ray tracing support) |
| Storage | ~42 GB |
What’s Included
Here’s what you get with Control: Ultimate Edition:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Base Game | You play as Jesse Faden, who becomes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) after supernatural phenomena (“the Hiss”) invade the Bureau’s headquarters — a shifting, mysterious place known as the Oldest House. You gain psychic/telekinetic powers, ability to reshape the world, fight enemies, explore hidden areas, solve puzzles. Steam Store+2Steam Store+2 |
| Expansions | Two big expansions are included: The Foundation and AWE. These add new missions, lore, enemies, and areas to explore. Steam Store+1 |
| Updates / Enhancements | On modern platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Newly Freed Content | Some content that used to be exclusive (preorder outfits, mission by Dr. Yoshimi Tokui voiced by Hideo Kojima) is now unlocked for all players via free updates. Game Rant+2Polygon+2 |
Platform & Performance Features
PS5 / Xbox Series X: Multiple graphics modes. A Performance Mode targeting ~60 FPS (generally with upscaling), and a Graphics/Quality Mode that gives better visuals (ray tracing, reflections, etc.) at ~30 FPS. GamesRadar+
Xbox Series S: It has a Performance Mode, but with lower base resolution due to hardware limits, and lacks full ray tracing features present in Series X / PS5. GamesRadar+
PC: Supports ultrawide monitors, HDR, ray tracing options, and the recent updates have made previously locked content available. Also improved load‑times and stability via patches. Game Rant+2Game Rant+2
Critical Reception
On Steam, the reviews are Very Positive overall; recent reviews are mostly positive. Steam Store+2Steam Store+2
On Metacritic, the Ultimate Edition scores are generally favourable. Critics praise its atmosphere, world‑building, and how the supernatural powers are handled. Metacritic
Some criticisms center around navigation/map complexity, occasional performance issues (especially on older consoles), and repetition in enemy types or mission structure for some players. Game Rant+2Metacritic+2
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Very rich atmosphere and setting — the “Oldest House” is mysterious and compelling.
Powers + weapons combination is fun: telekinesis, changing the environment, using the Service Weapon with mods.
The expansions add meaningful new content and help flesh out the lore.
On newer hardware, the visual enhancements are significant: better lighting, reflections, smoother frame rates.
Free updates have made some preorder/exclusive content more broadly available. Great for newer players.
Cons:
Even in Ultimate Edition, earlier versions had missing preorder items or exclusive content; that caused some complaints. Not all versions or physical/digital versions included everything immediately. Reddit+1
Map/navigation UI can be confusing. Finding secrets, progressing in expansions sometimes feels obtuse.
Performance drops or frame rate stutters can still happen, especially on less powerful hardware.
If you’re only interested in the core story, some of the expansion content can feel like extra detours rather than essential.
