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Can I Play Far Cry in Any Order? A Deep Dive into the Far Cry Universe

The short answer is a resounding yes, you can play the Far Cry games in almost any order. While there are some loose connections and recurring themes, each main entry is largely a standalone experience. Think of the Far Cry series as an anthology of thrilling adventures set in exotic locales, each with its own unique story, characters, and villainous threats.

Understanding the Far Cry Anthology

The Far Cry franchise, developed primarily by Ubisoft, has carved out a niche for itself in the open-world action-adventure genre. What sets it apart is its focus on isolated settings, compelling antagonists, and a sense of lawlessness. You, the player, are often thrust into the role of an underdog, fighting against overwhelming odds to liberate a region from a brutal dictator or cult leader.

This thematic consistency allows players to jump into any Far Cry game without needing prior knowledge of the others. While you might miss a few Easter eggs or references to past events, the core experience remains unaffected. It’s akin to reading different books from the same author; you might appreciate subtle connections, but each story stands on its own merits.

Thematic Connections vs. Direct Narrative Links

While the narratives aren’t directly linked, the Far Cry games share certain recurring elements:

Remote Settings: From tropical islands to the Himalayas to the American heartland, each game transports you to a distinct and visually stunning location.
Charismatic Villains: The series is renowned for its memorable antagonists, often with complex motivations and chilling personalities.
Open-World Freedom: Players are given a vast open world to explore, complete with side quests, collectibles, and opportunities for emergent gameplay.
Survival Elements: Resource management, crafting, and adapting to the environment are key aspects of the gameplay.
Action-Packed Gameplay: Expect intense firefights, stealth infiltration, and vehicular mayhem.

These common threads create a familiar, yet always fresh, experience for returning players, while also making it easy for newcomers to jump in without feeling lost.

Exploring Different Starting Points

So, if order doesn’t matter, where should you begin your Far Cry journey? The answer depends on your preferences:

For a Classic Experience: Far Cry 3 is widely considered a masterpiece and a defining entry in the series. Its compelling story, memorable villain (Vaas Montenegro), and innovative gameplay cemented its place as a fan favorite. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone new to the franchise.
For a Modern Feel: Far Cry 5 offers a more contemporary setting, engaging characters, and refined gameplay mechanics. Its open world is teeming with activities and its story, while controversial, is undeniably memorable.
For an Exotic Adventure: Far Cry 4 takes you to the Himalayas, offering a visually stunning world to explore and a rich cultural backdrop to its story.
For a Revolutionary Tale: Far Cry 6 offers a massive open world, a charismatic villain played by Giancarlo Esposito, and a focus on guerilla warfare.
For a Unique Challenge: Far Cry 2 stands apart with its gritty realism, malaria mechanic, and focus on survival. It’s a more challenging and unforgiving experience, but one that’s ultimately rewarding.

Far Cry Games & Chronological Order

While you don’t need to play the games in order to understand the stories, for those curious, here’s the chronological release order of the main Far Cry titles:

Far Cry (2004)
Far Cry 2 (2008)
Far Cry 3 (2012)
Far Cry 4 (2014)
Far Cry 5 (2018)
Far Cry 6 (2021)

FAQs: Navigating the Far Cry Universe

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the interconnectedness (or lack thereof) of the Far Cry games:

Are the stories and plot of all the Far Cry games related? No, the stories and plots are largely independent. Each game features a unique setting, characters, and conflict.
Are the Far Cry games connected in any way? Thematically, yes. They often explore themes of survival, rebellion, and the dangers of unchecked power in remote, lawless regions. There are also minor references to past events and characters that hardcore fans will appreciate.
Can I do Far Cry 6 in any order? Yes, Far Cry 6 offers a non-linear experience, allowing players to tackle missions and explore the world in almost any order they choose.
Is Far Cry in chronological order? While there is a chronological order to the release of the games, they are standalone experiences, so playing them in that order isn’t necessary.
Do I need to play Far Cry 5 before 6? Technically no. Far Cry 6 is a standalone game. However, there might be some references to Far Cry 5 that you’ll miss if you haven’t played it.
Why is Far Cry 6 better than 5? That’s subjective! Far Cry 6 offers a different style of story progression and a larger, more open world. Some players prefer its setting and characters, while others prefer the more focused narrative of Far Cry 5.
Should I play Far Cry 4 or 5 first? It doesn’t matter from a story perspective. Some recommend playing Far Cry 4 first to appreciate the improvements made in Far Cry 5. However, it’s purely a matter of personal preference.
Is every Far Cry a different story? Yes, each Far Cry game tells a distinct story with its own set of characters, conflicts, and resolutions.
Which Far Cry is canon? All the main Far Cry games are considered canon, meaning they exist within the same overarching universe. Some DLCs, however, might be less strictly canon than others. Far Cry: New Dawn, for example, which follows Far Cry 5, can be considered canon to the story.
Which Dani is canon in Far Cry 6? According to Ubisoft, both the male and female versions of Dani Rojas in Far Cry 6 are equally canon. The choice is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the story.
Are the nukes canon in Far Cry? The “nuke ending” of Far Cry 5 is heavily implied to be canon, potentially influencing the state of the world in subsequent games.
Which Far Cry is the most fun? This is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Far Cry 3 and Far Cry 5 are often cited as standout titles, but each game offers a unique experience.
Is Far Cry 6 the worst Far Cry game? Opinions vary widely. While some find Far Cry 6 to be a weaker entry, others appreciate its open world and gameplay mechanics.
Can I still play Far Cry 6 after ending? Yes, you can continue exploring the world and completing side missions after finishing the main story of Far Cry 6.
Where should I start in Far Cry 6? Many recommend starting in the Madrugada region of Yara, specifically with the “Meet the Monteros” questline. The surrounding areas are relatively low-level, making it a good starting point.

Embrace the Freedom: Play Your Way

Ultimately, the beauty of the Far Cry series lies in its accessibility. You can jump in at any point and enjoy a thrilling, action-packed adventure without feeling like you’re missing out on crucial lore or backstory. So, pick the game that appeals to you the most, grab your weapons, and prepare to liberate a region from tyranny. And if you are interested in learning more about the educational implications of gaming, make sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Can I play Far Cry in any order?