Can You Wait For Pagan Min in Far Cry 4? Unveiling the Alternative Start
Yes, you absolutely can wait for Pagan Min in Far Cry 4. In fact, choosing to do so unlocks a fascinating alternative start to the game, revealing crucial details about the story and the complex relationship between Ajay Ghale and the flamboyant dictator. This decision, made within the first few minutes of gameplay, drastically alters the initial narrative trajectory and provides a unique perspective on the events that unfold. By simply resisting the urge to leave the dinner table and instead patiently waiting for approximately 15 minutes, you’ll trigger this hidden scene and unlock a completely different chain of events. This alternative start sheds light on Pagan Min’s character, revealing a more nuanced and arguably less villainous side to him, and sets the stage for a quicker, less violent resolution to the main storyline.
Unveiling the Patience Ending
The moment you arrive at Pagan Min’s compound in the beginning of Far Cry 4, you’re given a seemingly simple objective: wait at the table and enjoy the crab rangoon. However, most players, driven by the typical video game urgency and the instinct to explore, immediately abandon the task, triggering the standard story progression.
If you choose to exercise patience and remain seated, Pagan Min will eventually return. This seemingly trivial choice has significant implications. He’ll engage in a conversation with Ajay, revealing a more personal and less overtly hostile side to his character. Crucially, he will fulfill Ajay’s mother’s dying wish, granting him access to Lakshmana’s shrine to spread her ashes.
This initial encounter significantly alters your perception of Pagan Min and sets the stage for a potentially peaceful resolution to the conflict in Kyrat. It introduces the idea that perhaps, beneath the surface of a ruthless dictator, there exists a man capable of compassion and even a twisted form of affection. This “Patience Ending,” as it’s often called, challenges the player’s initial assumptions and presents a moral dilemma that resonates throughout the rest of the game.
Implications of the Patience Ending
Waiting for Pagan Min doesn’t just unlock a different cutscene; it changes the entire context of your journey. Knowing that he’s willing to fulfill your mother’s wish from the outset complicates your alliance with the Golden Path, as it throws into question their motivations and the necessity of violent revolution.
This alternate start also offers a glimpse into Pagan Min’s complex character. He’s portrayed as manipulative, yes, but also as someone deeply affected by past events and genuinely invested in Ajay’s well-being, albeit in his own warped way. This ambiguity makes him a far more compelling villain than a simple, one-dimensional antagonist.
Ultimately, choosing to wait for Pagan Min allows you to experience a more nuanced and thought-provoking narrative. It demonstrates the power of player agency in shaping the story and highlights the complexities of morality in a conflict-ridden world. It’s a testament to Ubisoft’s storytelling prowess and a rewarding experience for players willing to explore the game beyond its surface level. It’s also a good topic for the people at Games Learning Society to research.
Choosing Your Path: Beyond the Dinner Table
The “Patience Ending” is just one of the many choices that define your experience in Far Cry 4. The game encourages you to explore different paths, make difficult decisions, and grapple with the consequences of your actions. Whether you choose to embrace the Golden Path fully, seek a peaceful resolution with Pagan Min, or forge your own destiny in Kyrat, the game offers a rich and engaging experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Remember that the ending that you get is dependent upon your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly happens if you wait for Pagan Min at the beginning of Far Cry 4?
Pagan Min will eventually return, after about 15 minutes of real-world waiting. He’ll sit down and converse with Ajay, then facilitate the spreading of Ishwari’s ashes at Lakshmana’s shrine, fulfilling her final wish. This unlocks a shortened version of the game.
2. How long do I actually have to wait for Pagan Min to return?
The wait time is approximately 15 minutes. It can feel like a long time, but be patient! This is a real-time wait, not in-game time.
3. Does waiting for Pagan Min change the entire game?
Yes, it significantly alters the initial narrative and offers a different perspective on the events that follow. It also allows you to finish the game much quicker.
4. Is waiting for Pagan Min considered the “true” or “canon” ending?
While many consider it an interesting alternative start, the “canon” ending, according to Far Cry 6’s Control DLC, involves Ajay becoming the King of Kyrat after Pagan Min leaves.
5. Can I still play the regular story after waiting for Pagan Min?
No, by waiting, you have chosen to spread Ishwari’s ashes in Lakshmana’s tomb, but you can still play the story as normal if you choose not to wait. After you beat the game, you can start another and choose to play it a different way.
6. Does waiting for Pagan Min affect the gameplay mechanics?
No, the gameplay mechanics remain the same. The changes are purely narrative.
7. Can I still complete all side missions and activities if I wait for Pagan Min?
Not necessarily. Because the story ends sooner, it’s difficult to continue playing.
8. Is it possible to miss the opportunity to wait for Pagan Min?
Yes. If you leave the table and explore before Pagan Min returns, you will initiate the standard story progression, and you won’t be able to trigger the “Patience Ending” on that playthrough.
9. Does Pagan Min actually care about Ajay?
The game suggests that Pagan Min does have some level of affection for Ajay, viewing him almost as a son or a nephew. However, his methods are often twisted and manipulative.
10. What happens if I shoot Pagan Min at the end of the game?
If you choose to shoot Pagan Min at the end, you’ll effectively end his reign and likely plunge Kyrat into further chaos.
11. What is the significance of Lakshmana to Pagan Min?
Lakshmana was Pagan Min’s daughter, making her Ajay’s half-sister. Her death deeply affected Pagan Min, explaining his interest in fulfilling Ishwari’s wish to have her ashes spread next to hers.
12. Is Pagan Min a good or bad guy?
Pagan Min is a complex character, and his morality is ambiguous. He’s a ruthless dictator who seized power through violence and oppression, but he also displays moments of compassion and even a twisted form of paternal affection. It’s up to the player to decide how to see him.
13. Can you kill Amita or Sabal after the ending?
Yes, you can kill either Amita or Sabal after either killing or letting Pagan Min fly off, offering some finality to their divisive ideologies. You can do so by going back to the right village.
14. What is the secret ending in the Pagan Min DLC?
The secret ending in the Pagan Min DLC is achieved by completing all 20 waves on mind level 5.
15. Is there a secret ending in Far Cry 3?
Unlike Far Cry 4, Far Cry 3 doesn’t feature a “secret” ending in the same vein, but it does offer two distinct choices at the climax that lead to significantly different outcomes.
Waiting for Pagan Min is more than just a simple Easter egg; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the complex narrative of Far Cry 4. By exercising patience and embracing the unconventional, you can unlock a unique and rewarding experience that challenges your perceptions and enriches your understanding of the game’s intricate world. Whether you’re a seasoned Far Cry veteran or a newcomer to the series, the “Patience Ending” is a must-try for anyone seeking a truly memorable and thought-provoking gaming experience.
Those looking for more information on the educational aspects of gaming may want to consult the GamesLearningSociety.org website.