Choose Your Prep Route
Play the original CONTROL first for the fullest lead-in: it follows Jesse discovering the Oldest House, while Resonant moves into the outside world and shifts the viewpoint to Dylan.
The first game establishes Dylan as the Hiss-possessed face of the enemy. Jesse cleanses the force from him at the end, but Dylan remembers little of what happened.
If time is limited, you can begin Resonant without playing CONTROL. Remedy says the games work as separate experiences, while the original provides another side of the story.

Watch the official development diary for Dylan's first-game background and the sequel's shift from Jesse and the Oldest House to Dylan and the outside world.Playing this video connects to YouTube.
For a shorter refresher, use Resonant's recap trailer, which presents the necessary setup from Jesse's perspective.
Story Prep and Spoilers
- Which earlier game directly sets up Dylan's story?
- The original CONTROL is the direct story lead-in. It covers Jesse's discovery of the Oldest House and Dylan's possession by the Hiss before Resonant makes Dylan the protagonist.
- What can I watch if I skip the original game?
- Use the Jesse-narrated recap trailer to get up to speed, and watch the official Story Trailer for more of Dylan's journey. Playing the first game is not required before starting Resonant.
- What first-game spoiler should a newcomer avoid?
- The official development diary reveals that Jesse cleansed the Hiss from Dylan at the end of the first game. Play CONTROL before that spoiler-heavy background material if you want to preserve this ending reveal.