For now, let’s take a closer look at this new game, as well as what’s currently been revealed, and what fans of the franchise might want to have when the game is finally launched.
What Is Far Cry?
Far Cry is a series of FPS or first-person shooter games from Ubisoft. Crytek used to be the game’s leading developer team, but the games are now developed in-house by Ubisoft. The first game in the series, Far Cry, was made by Crytek to premiere their CryEngine software and came out in March 2004. Later on, Ubisoft got the rights to the game franchise and thus, most of the game’s development is handled in-house by the studio Ubisoft Montreal with assistance from other Ubisoft studios. The games in the series that follow after the original Far Cry use a Ubisoft-modified version of the original CryEngine, which the Ubisoft developers dubbed the Dunia Engine. The new engine gave the Far Cry games the capability for open-world gameplay, making the current gaming series we know today. Currently, there have been five main games in the whole series, as well as three standalone expansions. Because of the series’ development history, the Far Cry games usually don’t have any huge shared narrative elements. They don’t have any tie-ins to previous installments of the series at all. However, they instead have a similar, some would even say running theme of putting the player character in an environment where the protagonist must help in fighting against a single, or sometimes multiple dictators, despots, or even psychopaths that have control over the region they’re on. The Far Cry games also have a pretty robust single-player campaign, with the series’ later titles adding in the ability to have co-op campaign support. They also added in some competitive multiplayer modes, as well as the ability for the players to change and edit the games’ maps for said matches. If you’re looking for a list of the best sandbox games or the best PS4 games of 2020, we have articles that can help you out.
Far Cry 6 Release, Requirements & Prices
Platforms
Play Far Cry 6 on consoles like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X. The game will also be available on PC and the Google Stadia, with the former having a few system requirements for players.
Far Cry 6 System Requirements
There are still no final system requirements for the Far Cry 6 game. However, there are many predictions of its minimum system requirements. This includes a Windows 10 (64-bit) OS and Intel Core i5-4460 / AMD FX-8350 processors. To render the game’s graphics, gamers may need an AMD Radeon R9 390 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 at the very least. The PCs may also need at least 8 GB RAM and 50 GB hard drive space. Those who may want to make the most out of Far Cry 6 may want to invest in Intel Core i7-7700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPUs and higher-quality graphics cards. While these are common predictions across Far Cry 6’s board, there is still no final verdict on what the Far Cry 6 system requirements will be.
Prices
Pre-orders for the Far Cry 6 game range from $59 USD to over $100 USD. This depends on the game edition you buy, and there are four (at most) to choose from. Far Cry 6 comes in Standard, Gold, Ultimate, and Collector’s Editions. As expected, a pre-ordered standard edition will have the game and a few pre-order benefits. These include access to a “Libertad Outfit” for Chorizo the amigo and a special disc launcher weapon. The Gold Edition, however, includes the Libertad pack, a Season Pass, and three downloadable content. While Ubisoft has confirmed the benefits of a “Season Pass,” there are no final details on what it offers. Following the Gold Edition is the Ultimate Edition, which includes all previous rewards and three other packs. Identified as the Vice, Croc Hunter, and Jungle Expedition packs, these are extras that can spice up any Far Cry fan’s gameplay. Lastly, the version with the most inclusions is the Collector’s Edition. It has all previously mentioned benefits and other high-quality extras. These include a replica of the “Tostador” weapon, a “How to Assemble” artwork, a Collector’s Case, and an exclusive Steelbook with Far Cry’s emblem.
What Do We Know So Far About Far Cry 6?
The sixth major installment of the Far Cry series, Far Cry 6 is an action-adventure game. It is best known for its sandbox (open-world) format and its cooperative gameplay. Throughout the years, Far Cry has been loved by the gaming community for its themes and stories. These are set in different vibrant locations that make for dynamic narratives. Shooter games can grow stale, but the Far Cry series invests in game modes, shooter mechanics, and riveting plot lines. Far Cry 6 will find players reuniting with new and old faces. Set in a place called Yara, it will deviate from Far Cry’s first-person shooter norm. It is also more in touch with relevant social issues, which may not have been the case for previous titles. Beyond these, it will still be a game that promises action-packed adventures, an arsenal of weapons, and a wide array of characters.
Developer
Known worldwide for its successful open-world gameplays, founder Yves Guillemot and his four brothers certainly grew Ubisoft to heights never seen before in the gaming industry. The company behind all of the Far Cry titles, it is one of the world’s leading game developers today. It also houses the teams behind Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, and more. Currently, Ubisoft has over 19,000 employees across the world. Despite this massive reach, the company was still not unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Far Cry 6 was slated for a February 18, 2021 release. Due to production delays, it was rescheduled to a different date. This is not uncommon, though, as other big titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Resident Evil: Village were also affected by the pandemic. Production delays did not stop people clamoring for Far Cry 6, though. Because of the success of 2018’s Far Cry 5, many were glad to hear of Ubisoft’s continuation of the Far Cry series.
Release Date and Availability
As mentioned above, Far Cry 6 was supposed to come out in February of 2021. This was around three years after the previous Far Cry release, which was March of 2018. Because of production delays, Ubisoft had to move the Far Cry 6 release date to October 7, 2021. Announced during the 2021 E3, Far Cry is one of the most awaited titles coming in October of this year. Its popularity made it vulnerable to production leaks online, but this has since been silenced since E3.
Story and Setting
The new installment in the Far Cry series is about a dictator by the name of Anton Castillo. The dictator is trying to rule the island nation of Yara, all while various freedom fighters and armed groups fight to wrest control of the country from him. Meanwhile, players will take on the role of one of the many resistance fighters on Yara named. The individual, whose name is Dani Rojas, fights for Yara’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Castillo continues to use propaganda to subjugate his people, while also preparing his son Diego to rule in his place in the far future.
Frozen in Time
The game’s narrative director Navid Khavari stated that Far Cry 6 is set in the present day. However, the country itself will seem like it’s still in the 1960s. This is because the nation’s been metaphorically “frozen in time” ever since then. Khavari also hinted that all of the game’s weapons, vehicles, and even the aesthetics are going to be from the period. Khavari states that he thinks that the first thing they noticed was that a big part of their fanbase wanted to go back to a more tropical environment and that when players start a new Far Cry, game players always want to look at someplace where they’ve never been before in the previous installments of the series. And last but not least, Khavari stated that they wanted to make a story about revolution. Following that, when telling a story about revolution, it’s a logical conclusion to talk about guerrilla warfare. Thus, to make the game, they decided to go to Cuba to do some research. In addition to that though, they also wanted to tell a story about a nation that’s nearly or metaphorically frozen in time. It’s sort of like a living postcard that’s back in the 1960s that the game’s players can experience and explore.
Story Dynamics
After that, the developers wanted to add in some contrast. The new leader of the island, Anton, stated that he wants to take the nation back to the good old days, back to when they were wealthy and rich. However, with Antón making the paradise, it’s not going to be for everyone. For Anton, he espouses the idea that paradise comes at a cost. And he will force people to do his bidding to do so. Thus, the dynamic that the developers want is this beautiful and idyllic “living postcard” theme, complete with picturesque landscapes, the old and vintage cars, and just the imagery of the 1960s. All the while contrasting that with the incredible oppression of the current regime that Yara is in on that game’s present.
World/Environment
The world of Far Cry 6 is set in an urban setting, with a very 1960s feel. The island of Yara is symbolically frozen in time in part due to the actions of the dictator Anton Castillo. Also, the game is going to be set in an urban setting, with what seems to be a mixture of gritty streets and high-rise buildings here and there. In addition to this, due to Anton Castillo, the streets appear to be in a perpetual state of war between protesters and police in riot gear as well as government militia. In short, expect a lot of people shooting at you while you’re trying to survive the island of Yara. The main inspiration for the island of Yara was Cuba, which boasts scenic landscapes and technologies frozen in time. While it is not a direct copy of the country, it definitely shaped the culture and politics of Yara. Far Cry 6 will have a mix of coastal towns, jungles, and urban locations. While it functions as a standalone title to Far Cry 5, it does use some farmland scenery too.
Combat and Gameplay
The Far Cry games are primarily FPS games that have some action-adventure mixed in. When compared to the first game in the series, Far Cry 2 and the next entries after have gone for a more open-world style of gameplay. Complete with main and side missions for players to complete. There’s nearly no narrative or chronological elements in between all the Far Cry Games. Instead, all of the games generally have a shared theme of putting the player in “a lawless frontier”— a place where societal values and laws are either non-functional. These locations put player at a disadvantage. Also, these locations require the player to fend off wildlife and survive. The player will usually then need to work with various groups that are attempting to take back control of the area they’re in from said area’s ruling party, and there might be instances when they have to choose between different sides of said area’s conflict and need to put them both against each other through their actions.
Guns for Hire Mechanic
The Guns for Hire mechanics in Far Cry 5 are essentially people that players can recruit to fight with you. There are multiple Guns and Fangs for Hire that you can get in Far Cry 5. And it seems that there are going to be a few of them as well on Far Cry 6. The new name for the feature is “Amigos for Hire,” the most notable being a wiener dog in a wheelchair by the name of Chorizo. Other than this, the game will play similar enough to the other Far Cry installments and we’ll have to wait for any future updates to see if there’s anything new on the game that the developers haven’t released yet.
Graphics
This game promises vibrant and crisp visuals because it is a prerequisite to introducing Yara—a tropical island. In addition, its trailer reveals an almost life-like rendering of all characters. Their skins are flawed, wrinkled, and moving. As for the game’s aesthetic, it lives up to the vibrancy of its source material. Sandbox games are pressed by time and resources, but Far Cry 6’s world looks promising. It captures the diversity and tiny details of Yara, from the rust of province chairs to the arching Euro-inspired buildings.
Far Cry 6 Characters
Dani (Female or Male)
Far Cry 6’s protagonist is Dani Rojas, a former army recruit turned into a Yaran revolutionary figure. An orphan, Dani is hellbent on restoring peace and justice back to the only home s/he has ever known. S/he will stop at nothing to overthrow tyrant Antón Castillo. This is especially after his forces murdered innocent people in front of Dani.
Antón Castillo
Voiced by Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito, Antón Castillo is the main antagonist in Far Cry 6. A self-proclaimed hero, he believes that his tyranny is what is right for his island. Castillo believes that the people of Yara are “torn apart by opinions, noise, indecision – [and] strangled by their own freedoms,” as mentioned in the game trailer. Thus, he gives himself the responsibility to make decisions for them. It just so happens that these decisions include heinous acts such as murdering the innocent, corruption, and other public order crimes.
Diego Castillo
Antón is not without his right-hand man—his 13-year old son, Diego. He is to succeed in his father’s rule, which is why he keeps him close at all times. Diego is seen learning his father’s philosophy in the trailer for Far Cry 6. However, it does not seem to entice Diego as it is supposed to. Youngblood, Diego sees the oppression coming from his father’s regime.
Clara Garcia
A journalist turned resistance leader, Garcia is the face of the Libertad. She is one of the people Dani works with in overthrowing Castillo’s tyranny.
Juan Cortez
Like other members of the resistance, Juan Cortez left his previous life for a better cause. A former spymaster, Cortez is hailed by the game as a master of the revolution. His weapons know-how is key in winning this war, so Dani better knows how to talk to him.
Animal Amigos
Carried over from Far Cry 5 is the “Fangs for Hire” system. Here, players can get animals to join their crew of fighters. Revealed animal companions so far include Guapo the crocodile, Chorizo the Weiner dog, and Chicharrón, a punk-Esque Rooster with a nose ring.
What’s New in Far Cry 6 vs Far Cry 5?
The game may only have a few minutes of cinematic trailers currently out, but there are already a few things that make it a different beast compared to the other Far Cry games. Here are some things that make this game different from the previous installment, Far Cry 5:
Setting
The game has a really big difference in setting when compared to Far Cry 5. For one, the game’s set in that world’s version of the Caribbean with the island nation of Yara. Meanwhile, Far Cry 5 revolves around the US countryside. Also, while the fifth game has you fighting insurgents and cults all around said countryside. The sixth game has you as an insurgent yourself, in an urban environment, fighting for the freedom and independence of your nation. Setting and plot-wise, there’s a pretty big difference between the two installments.
Combat
Combat in the Far Cry series is typically a pretty simple affair. You shoot enemies and various wild animals, sometimes there are sneaking segments, other times you’re high with power and start the mission as an OP combatant with a particular weapon, the list goes on. However, the thing that should be on people’s radar is the verticality of the game. Because of the setting, players need to consider how the game’s verticality will affect combat. From how they deal with far-off opponents to the various corners from where enemies are hiding and the alleyways that are easily setups for ambushes.
Other Gameplay Mechanics
Another thing that they can improve on in Far Cry 6 is Weapon Customization. Far Cry 5 added in a weapon customization system. This lets the players set up the weapons that they wish to use the way they want. When New Dawn came out, however, the game didn’t have this feature anymore. Players got pre-made weapons, and they can’t change the scopes and other miscellaneous attachments to fit their playstyle. This was a big deal for a lot of fans. This is true for Far Cry: New Dawn because there’s a lot of changes that the fans didn’t agree on. Not only were the game’s main villains reduced to what fans consider just “evil for evil’s sake, but” the gameplay of the game was also lacking this feature. Weapons that the players are not customizable which is a big negative. However, this is not to say that the weapon customization options that Far Cry 5 had were much deeper. Because while it did allow players to trick out their preferred weapons, it could be better and more profound. This is the hope of many fans in the franchise that Far Cry 6 can deliver on.
Replayability
As an open-world co-op game, Far Cry 6’s replayability must be high. The game’s smaller missions remain unknown as of now, but its story seems riveting enough to hold one’s attention over and over again. A game bonus, Dani has the most autonomy in a Far Cry title ever. Her decisions have direct changes to the story, and this can make for high replayability. However, the jury is still out on the Far Cry 6 title’s final features and tasks. Being a multiplayer game already gives it an edge in this category though.
Value
Far Cry 6 is the series’ most daring title yet. It explores relevant political themes, presents a large diver map, and introduces complex characters. The game is unafraid to take a cinematic approach to the game. This is one of the reasons why it keeps reeling people in. While Far Cry 5 was not the best-reviewed title of the series, Far Cry 6 throws players a curve ball already. It is a completely different title, with different stakes. One will have to wait on whether its promises are as empty as its antagonist’s, Antón Castillo.
How Many Friends Can You Play Far Cry 6 With?
Like all other Far Cry titles, Far Cry 6 will be a full co-operative game. However, it does not alienate those who want to experience the game solo. Its story can be enjoyed by one up to six persons, should it follow Far Cry 5’s gameplay set-up. Because Far Cry 6 is yet to be released, not a lot of people know the extent of its open-world co-op gameplay. Whatever its final settings may be, you can be sure to enjoy Far Cry 6 with a friend or two down the line. Story missions are still expected to be played alone though.
Will Far Cry 6 Be Post-Apocalyptic?
The narrative of the Far Cry series has been meticulously woven by Ubisoft so far. In Far Cry 5, players had to combat in a post-apocalyptic old Americana setting. Facing a cult, it was an isolated dystopian narrative with you at the center. Its spin-off Far Cry: New Dawn explored similar themes too. Far Cry 6 is expected to be somewhat of a loose thread for the series. Taking off Far Cry 5, the gameplay and storyline of Far Cry 6 are vastly different. While some of its themes and characters intersect, Far Cry 6 can be played as a standalone title. It may be more dystopian than post-apocalyptic though.
Other Games in the Far Cry Series
Far Cry 1
The Far Cry series began with Far Cry 1, released on March 23, 2004, for Microsoft Windows. Players assumed the role of Jack Carver, a former special forces operative looking for a journalist who raided and got lost at sea. His search brings him to a mysterious archipelago. Tracking down mercenaries, he traverses through the island and interacts with its wildlife. Carver’s mission takes a turn when he finds out that a mad scientist is the one behind it all: Doctor Krieger. Toying with genetic modification, Krieger is the first of many iconic antagonists of the Far Cry series. The success of the Far Cry series can always be traced back to Far Cry 1. This first-person shooter game gave a lot of players freedom at the time. It gave them a large arsenal of weapons and terrain that they can strategize with. Far Cry 1 was so successful that it was re-released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2014.
Far Cry 2
The second Far Cry title already began straying from its source material. This cemented the series’ more anthological approach, though they still have a few stories woven together. Set in an African country divided by war, Far Cry 2’s main goal is to take down weapons dealer Jackal. Unlike other Far Cry titles, this game gives nine playable mercenaries to choose from. Their stories are the same, no matter which you choose. However, they do have different backgrounds. Going back, your character contracts malaria but has to continue to fight despite it. Jackal continues to provide weapons to the country’s two opposing movements: the United Front for Liberation and Labor (UFLL) and Alliance for Popular Resistance (APR). By doing so, he keeps your country ravaged by violence. Released in October 2008, Far Cry 2 gives you many missions to choose from. The general Story Mission is the standard story of the game. Other missions are Faction Missions (given by UFLL or APR leaders) and Personal Buddy Missions (optional missions for in-game buddies). Rewards for each mission may vary. They can come in the form of diamond, rapport, or even malaria medicine.
Far Cry 3
This game introduces one of the series’ most beloved villains: Vaas Montenegro. Released in 2012 for the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC consoles, this shows off Far Cry’s talent for storytelling. What began as an innocent vacation turned into a survival-of-the-fittest adventure on a lawless island. Play as Jason Brody and save your friends from the clutches of a dangerous group of pirates led by Vaas Montenegro. However, you can’t do this alone. Join forces with the Rakyat, the native people of the Rook islands who also thirst for justice. Help them reclaim their land and they will help you save your friends. The location for this game is more elaborate than the previous two’s. Its map is far-reaching, even boasting a “map designer” mode for multiplayer. Moreover, it has a diverse environment that ranges from muddy swamps to sandy beaches. Do not let this setting fool you, though. In Far Cry 3, you are in the middle of anarchy. The game forces you to play dirty for the greater good.
Far Cry 4
Taking a break from island scenery is Far Cry 4. Situated in the Himalayas, you are around snow-capped mountains and thick, open forests. Known as Kyrat, you will be facing a detailed open world full of leopards, eagles, and even honey badgers. The game has not used a location quite like this before. You will be playing as Ajay Ghale. He is a young man traveling to Kyrat as it is his mother’s dying wish. As with other Far Cry titles, his plans go awry when he finds out that Kyrat is actually ruled by violence and danger. Ghale finds himself in the middle of a civil war, trying to take down a dictator called Pagan Min. An open-world co-op experience, Far Cry 4 breeds player autonomy. While Ghale is not as free as Dani Rojas, he does also have a diverse arsenal of weapons and far-reaching territory to explore. This Far Cry title was released in 2014. It introduced the idea of animal-human allegiances for the series (most seen in the Far Cry 6 game’s “Animal Amigos”).
Far Cry 5
Set in Hope County, Montana, Far Cry 5 brings players back to old America. You are playing against a brainwashed cult called Eden’s Gate. Like previous titles, Far Cry 5 boasts an iconic antagonist named Joseph Seed. He is the leader of the cult, puppeteering his followers and siblings in the process. As the main character, it is your job to liberate the people of Hope County. Build your team from the ground up and set the resistance’s efforts ablaze. However, be wary of Seed and his people, as their actions adjust to your strategies in real-time. Customize your character and choose your adventures in Far Cry 5. You can even choose a dangerous animal or two to help you out: cougars are always in season. This game was released on March 27, 2018. Despite being three years old, it is still one of the best sandbox games you can play.
Final Word
Far Cry 6 functions as a standalone title to the series. Thus, it has heavy gameplay value for new and old players alike. Revolutionize the land of Yara and restore it back into the true diverse beauty it is. Assume the role of resistance member Dani Rojas and see if you have what it takes to overthrow Anton Castillo, as well as recruit his son, Diego—who may have some good in him left after all.
