Control Resonant Central Checkpoint Power Puzzle: Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR

• The Central Checkpoint needs power during the Welcome to Manhattan mission.
• You move electricity through a chain of Power Cores — not in one long run.
• The charge has a short timer. Sprint between every Core without stopping.
• The full relay route: Starting Core → Central Pillar → Loading Dock → Rooftop → Concrete FBC Structure → Central Checkpoint.
• After powering the checkpoint, defeat the Hiss that spawn, then take the elevator inside.
• Losing the charge is not game over — electricity returns to the last working Core.

The Central Checkpoint power puzzle in Control Resonant catches a lot of people off guard. It looks simple on the surface — just get the power back on. But then the electricity keeps disappearing, and suddenly you’re sprinting in circles wondering what went wrong.

This guide breaks down the full puzzle step by step. Where to find each Power Core, how to stop losing the charge, and what to expect at the end.

If you’re just getting started, also check out our Control Resonant beginner tips before diving in. And if you want to grab the game, it’s available on the official Control site, Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.

When Does the Central Checkpoint Puzzle Start?

This puzzle is part of the Welcome to Manhattan main mission in the Contain the Crisis storyline.

Dylan is sent to find a missing FBC maintenance worker named Baker. The Central Checkpoint has no power, and Baker was supposed to fix it. When Dylan reaches Baker’s last known location, he finds a note — not the worker himself.

Following the trail leads to the Power Core Servicing Diagram, which is the game’s way of telling you that electricity must travel through a chain of Power Cores before it can reach the checkpoint.

Your active objectives during this section are:

• Find a Way to Fix the Power
• Move the Charge to Central Checkpoint
• Power Up the Central Checkpoint
• Defeat the Hiss

How the Power Core Charge Works

This is the part most players don’t fully understand at first, so let’s keep it simple.

When Dylan strikes an active Power Core with the Aberrant, the electrical charge moves into the weapon. But it doesn’t stay there forever. The charge has a short timer.

Central Checkpoint Puzzle

That means your job for every section is:

• Take the charge from the current Core.
• Sprint to the next Core immediately.
• Strike it to transfer the electricity.
• Repeat until you reach the checkpoint.

Think of it as a relay race, not a battery pickup. The Power Cores between the start and the checkpoint are not optional. They are the entire puzzle.

What happens if the charge runs out? Nothing too bad. The electricity goes back to the last Core you successfully activated. You don’t restart the mission. Just return to that Core and try the next leg again.

Step 1: Find the Power Core Servicing Diagram

Before touching any Power Core, find the Power Core Servicing Diagram. It’s located in the area where you’re investigating Baker’s disappearance.

The diagram shows the correct sequence of Power Cores. It’s not just background lore. It tells you exactly where to go.

You can also open the map and look for the battery or electrical icons — those are your Power Core locations around the Downtown area.

Tip: Before taking any charge, look at where the next Core is. Once the electricity is in the Aberrant, the clock is running. Don’t stop to check the map mid-sprint.

Step 2: Take the Charge From the Starting Power Core

Find the already-powered (orange and sparking) Power Core near the starting section of the puzzle area. Strike it with the Aberrant to pick up the charge.

The moment you do that — start moving.

Don’t stop to fight enemies here unless they’re physically blocking you. The goal is to reach the next Power Core near the central pillar as fast as possible.

Step 3: Transfer the Charge at the Central Pillar Power Core

Head toward the central area where you may have fought some Hiss earlier. The next Power Core sits around the central pillar.

Strike it while still carrying the electricity. The charge will transfer into this Core, giving you a fresh relay point.

This step is important because the charge timer will not survive a run all the way to the checkpoint from the very first Core. These intermediate stops are required, not optional.

Step 4: Reach the Loading Dock Power Core

Take the charge from the central pillar Core and head toward the loading area nearby.

Follow the road and move into the alley and loading-dock section. The next Power Core is near the garage area. It’s not sitting right on the main road, so look around the dock entrance a little.

Transfer the charge as soon as you arrive.

Step 5: Find Baker Inside the Garage

After activating this Core, the nearby garage shutter opens. Inside, you’ll find Baker’s body.

Walk over to trigger Dylan’s interaction and report what happened to Zoe. There’s also a Resource Crate in the garage worth grabbing.

The right order here is:

• Arrive at the garage Core and transfer the charge first.
• Then go explore the garage, find Baker, and collect the loot.
• Then return to the Core, take the charge again, and continue.

Don’t waste your charge timer wandering around the garage before you’ve banked the electricity.

Step 6: Reach the Rooftop Power Core

This is the section where most players lose the charge.

The next Power Core is up on a rooftop, which means you need to move fast and climb at the same time.

From the loading dock, head toward the alley. Watch out for the spiked/growth floor sections — you can push through them, but stopping there wastes time. Look for green awnings and scaffolding along the alley that let you climb without going through the worst of the hazardous area.

Strongly recommended: Make one practice run up to the rooftop without carrying the charge. Figure out exactly where to jump. Then go back, take the electricity, and run it for real.

The route is: Loading Dock → Alley → Green Awnings/Scaffolding → Rooftop → Power Core

Step 7: Transfer the Charge at the Rooftop

Once you’re on the rooftop, find the inactive Power Core and strike it.

The Central Checkpoint might look close from up here on the map. Don’t be tempted to make a run for it directly. There’s still one more relay between you and the checkpoint.

Take the charge from the rooftop Core and keep moving.

Step 8: Reach the Concrete FBC Structure Power Core

The next Core is inside a roofless concrete structure connected to the FBC area.

Drop into the structure from above and locate the Core inside. Same deal as every other leg — take the charge, move fast, transfer as soon as you land.

Step 9: Take the Final Charge to Central Checkpoint

After banking the charge at the concrete structure Core, you’re on the final stretch.

Before picking up the electricity here, make sure you know exactly where the checkpoint is and how to get there. This is not the time to be checking the map while the timer runs.

Take the charge, head back toward the main street, and move toward the Central Checkpoint. The final Power Core is positioned right in front of the checkpoint entrance.

Strike it to transfer the electricity and complete the Power Up the Central Checkpoint objective.

Once you’ve done that, check out our guide on the Control Resonant SR Keycard clearance level — you’ll be dealing with keycards soon.

Step 10: Defeat the Hiss at Central Checkpoint

Powering up the checkpoint immediately triggers a combat encounter. Several Hiss enemies spawn around the area.

Stop worrying about charge timers. This is now just a straight-up fight.

Hiss Focused

The Hiss Focused is a flying enemy that attacks from range using an energy beam. The attack is telegraphed, so you have time to dodge. Keep an eye on its position because it can attack you from above while you’re focused on ground enemies.

Hiss Pursuer

The Hiss Pursuer is fast and gets up close fast. Don’t stand still in front of it. Use Dylan’s mobility to sidestep and keep moving.

Clear the Hiss and the checkpoint area opens up.

How to Enter the Central Checkpoint After Powering It

After the fight, look on either side of the main checkpoint gate. There are access points and elevators.

Use the nearby control panel to call the elevator, then ride it up into the checkpoint. This continues the Welcome to Manhattan mission and leads Dylan toward meeting Zoe at the Watchtower.

Completing this mission rewards a Living Shard and a Level 1 Keycard. The keycard gives you Level 1 Security Clearance. If you’re pushing further, see our full guide on Control Resonant Clearance Level 6 keycard so you’re prepared for what comes later.

Full Power Core Route at a Glance

If you just want the sequence without the explanations:

• Starting Power Core
• Central Pillar Power Core
• Loading Dock / Garage Power Core
• Rooftop Power Core
• Concrete FBC Structure Power Core
• Central Checkpoint Power Core
• Defeat the Hiss

Use the Power Core icons on your map alongside these landmarks to stay on track.

Why Does the Power Keep Disappearing?

Almost always the same two reasons.

You’re taking too long between Cores. Scout the route first, then run it with the charge. Don’t stop to fight unless enemies are physically in your way.

You’re trying to skip a relay. The puzzle is designed around every Core in the chain. Trying to cut from the Loading Dock directly to the Checkpoint won’t work — the charge won’t last that long.

If you keep failing the rooftop section specifically, do one full practice run up there without the electricity so you know the exact jump path before committing to the real attempt.

Best Tips for the Central Checkpoint Power Puzzle

• Scout before you grab. Know where the next Core is before touching the current one.
• Use every relay Core. Don’t try to skip any. Each one resets your timer.
• Skip fights when possible. If an enemy isn’t blocking your path, keep running.
• Dash between Cores. Use Dylan’s dash ability aggressively to close distance faster.
• Practice the rooftop. One no-charge run up there saves you multiple failed attempts.
• Loot after banking the charge. If there’s a crate nearby, transfer the electricity first, then go loot.
• Don’t panic when you lose the charge. Go back to the last active Core and retry that one leg.

If you’re also chasing cosmetics, our Control Resonant skin codes guide has everything you need. And for performance on PC, the best PC settings for Control Resonant guide is worth a look before you play more.

For those who grabbed the game early, check what you should have received in our Control Resonant preorder and Deluxe Edition bonuses breakdown. And if you want a broader take on the game itself, our Control Resonant review covers the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions