Control Ultimate Edition is the complete package: it includes the original game, both paid expansions—The Foundation and AWE—plus Expeditions, Photo Mode and the content updates released after launch. The main difference is what you get, not a separate story: the standard edition is the base game, while Ultimate Edition adds the expansions and extras. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Ultimate Edition is also the version with a native current-generation release.
What does Control Ultimate Edition include?
Remedy’s 2020 announcement lists these contents:
- The base game, Control
- The Foundation expansion
- AWE expansion
- Expeditions end-game mode
- Photo Mode
- Content updates released since the original game
That makes Ultimate Edition the straightforward choice for someone who has not bought Control and wants its two story expansions. The editions share the same main campaign; Ultimate Edition adds content rather than replacing the game with a different campaign.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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CONTROL Ultimate Edition - PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Control Ultimate Edition - PlayStation 4 | $24.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Ultimate 2 Player Game | $32.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Control Ultimate Edition (PS4) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Are the expansions included, and when can you play them?
Yes. Both paid expansions are part of Ultimate Edition, but neither is available immediately in a new playthrough. Remedy’s support FAQ says The Foundation requires completing the main campaign, while AWE becomes available after Mission 7, “The Face of the Enemy.”
If you already own the base game, do not assume that a separate expansion purchase or upgrade path works the same way on every store or platform. The currently available route depends on the platform and storefront; check its listing before buying.
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- Uncover the mysteries - Can you handle the bureau’s dark secrets? Unfold an epic supernatural struggle, filled with unexpected characters and bizarre events, as you search for your missing brother, and discover the truth that has brought you here.
- Everything is your weapon - Unleash destruction through transforming weaponry and telekinetic powers. Discover new ways to annihilate your enemies as you harness powerful abilities to turn everything around you into a lethal weapon.
- Explore a hidden world - Delve deep into the ominous expanses of a secretive government agency. Explore the Bureau’s shifting environments only to discover that there is always more than meets the eye…
- Fight for control - Battle a relentless enemy through exciting missions and challenging boss fights to earn powerful upgrades that maximize abilities and customize your weaponry.
Is Ultimate Edition the next-gen version?
On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Ultimate Edition has a native release. Remedy announced its digital launch for February 2, 2021, with physical editions beginning March 2, 2021. Those are historical release dates, not confirmation of current stock or pricing. Remedy’s original upgrade announcement said the free next-generation upgrade applied to Ultimate Edition owners on PS4 and Xbox One, not owners of the original edition; treat that as the policy announced at the time, not a guarantee about present storefront offers.
On PC, Ultimate Edition is the package with the same included content, but console-specific features do not apply. Remedy’s separate PC v1.30 notes list PC updates such as HDR, an Ultra Ray Tracing preset, ultrawide support up to 48:9 and DLSS 4. Those should not be confused with console options.
Rank #2
- Control Ultimate Edition contains the main game and all previously released expansions ("The Foundation" and "Awe") in one great value package
- Can you handle The Bureau's dark secrets? Unfold an epic supernatural struggle, filled with unexpected characters and bizarre events, as you search for your missing brother, and discover the truth that has brought you here.
- Unleash destruction through transforming weaponry and telekinetic powers. Discover new ways to annihilate your enemies as you harness powerful abilities to turn everything around you into a lethal weapon
- Delve deep into the ominous expanses of a secretive government agency. Explore The Bureau's shifting environments only to discover that there is always more than meets the eye
- Battle a relentless enemy through exciting missions and challenging boss fights to earn powerful upgrades that maximize abilities and customize your weaponry
How do the console versions differ?
The following resolution and frame-rate figures are Remedy’s published launch-era targets for the native console versions, not independent measurements. Remedy later changed console behavior with its October 2025 update.
| Platform/build | Published launch-era modes and output | Other platform details |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 native | Performance targeted 60 fps; Graphics targeted 30 fps with ray tracing. Both modes were documented at 1440p render resolution and 4K output. | DualSense vibration and adaptive triggers, plus Activities and Help cards/videos. |
| Xbox Series X native | Performance targeted 60 fps; Graphics targeted 30 fps with ray tracing. Both modes were documented at 1440p render resolution and 4K output. | Ray tracing was part of the Graphics mode. |
| Xbox Series S native | Performance mode only, targeting 60 fps at 900p render resolution and 1080p output; no ray tracing. | No Graphics mode was documented. |
Remedy described ray tracing as improving image quality and reflections, particularly on transparent surfaces. Its original notes also described smoother frame rates and faster loading than the previous-generation version. These are launch-era comparisons and targets, not a promise that every current configuration behaves identically.
Rank #3
- The Ultimate 2 Player Game
What changed in the October 2025 console update?
Remedy’s console v1.30 notes report HDR, VRR and 120Hz display-output support on PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S, along with unlocked frame-rate limitations for console quality and performance modes. The notes also list improved temporal anti-aliasing and 10-bit SDR output.
On PS5 Pro, the update adds PSSR and improvements to selected rendering features. Remedy notes that PSSR can slightly affect performance and can be turned off. Actual results depend on the console, connected display and selected settings, so the original 30/60 fps figures above should be read as launch targets rather than fixed current caps.
Rank #4
- Uncover the mysteries. Can you handle the bureau's dark secrets? Unfold an epic supernatural struggle, filled with unexpected characters and bizarre events, as you search for your missing brother, and discover the truth that has brought you here
- everything is your weapon. Unleash destruction through transforming weaponry and telekinetic powers. Discover New ways to annihilate your enemies as you harness powerful abilities to turn everything around you into a lethal weapon
- explore a hidden world. Delve deep into the Ominous expanses of a secretive government Agency. Explore the bureau's shifting environments only to discover that there is always more than meets the eye
- fight for control. Battle a relentless enemy through exciting missions and challenging boss fights to earn powerful upgrades that maximize abilities and customize your weaponry
- players who purchase control ultimate Edition for PS4 will be able to download the next-gen optimized version when transitioning to PS5.Please note that the control ultimate Edition PS4 Blu-ray disc must be kept insert in the PS5 console to play the corresponding PS5 digital version
Will your PS4 or Xbox One save transfer?
Remedy says a save can carry over when you run the backwards-compatible PS4 or Xbox One build on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. A save does not transfer from that older build to the native PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version; Remedy attributes the incompatibility to the newer Northlight Engine version used for the native release.
That distinction matters if you are mid-campaign: continuing your existing save means using the backwards-compatible build, while starting the native version means starting without that save.
Can you play offline, and is installation different?
Remedy’s support FAQ says the digital game can be played offline after the game and updates have been downloaded. It also notes an Xbox disc-specific installation caveat: the Ultimate Edition package exceeds the disc’s capacity, so additional content must be downloaded. The FAQ says a connection is no longer needed to play after installation. If an install behaves differently, consult the current support information for your platform.
Quick Recap
Which edition should you choose?
- Choose Ultimate Edition if you want the base game together with both expansions and the included extras.
- Choose or keep the standard edition if you only want the base campaign and do not need the expansions. Check the platform store for current upgrade options before purchasing DLC separately.
- On PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, decide which build matters more: the native version has current-generation features, but it will not take a save from the PS4/Xbox One build. Backwards compatibility preserves that older-build save.
- On Xbox Series S, do not expect the launch-era ray-tracing Graphics mode documented for PS5 and Series X.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
