The Bitter Taste of Resistance: Unpacking the “Resist” Ending in Far Cry 5
Choosing to “resist” Joseph Seed in Far Cry 5 is the path most players instinctively take, but it leads to one of the game’s most controversial and arguably bleakest endings. If you decline Seed’s offer to peacefully walk away after liberating Hope County’s regions, you initiate a final confrontation. Seed, in a last act of defiance, triggers a “Bliss” overdose among everyone present. As the hallucinatory effects subside, the Junior Deputy rallies and arrests Seed, seemingly securing victory. However, this triumph is short-lived. Moments later, nuclear bombs detonate across Hope County, engulfing the region in flames. The ending sees the Deputy and Seed seeking shelter in Dutch’s bunker, with Seed ominously intoning “I told you so,” suggesting that the Deputy might be forever trapped with him, his mind potentially vulnerable to Seed’s influence. This ending is considered the “bad ending” due to the catastrophic outcome and the implication of a grim future for the protagonist.
Understanding the Resist Ending
The “Resist” ending is a powerful commentary on the futility of resistance against overwhelming forces, and the devastating consequences of religious fanaticism and unwavering belief. It forces players to confront the possibility that their actions, despite being rooted in good intentions, ultimately lead to a far worse outcome than simply walking away. It’s an ending that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the choices made and the nature of good versus evil. This ending is also considered the canon ending by the developers.
Exploring the Nuances of the Choice
The brilliance (and frustration) of the “Resist” ending lies in its ambiguity. Did Joseph Seed truly foresee the nuclear apocalypse, or did his paranoia and unwavering belief in his own prophecies inadvertently trigger the chain of events leading to it? The game offers no easy answers, leaving players to grapple with these questions and interpret the ending based on their own perspectives. The GamesLearningSociety.org, for instance, might analyze the ending through the lens of decision-making and consequence in game design, exploring how it subverts player expectations and challenges their moral compass. This is further explored as many scholars are looking into the Games Learning Society for answers regarding these types of topics.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Resist Ending and Far Cry 5’s Consequences
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the implications and surrounding details of resisting in Far Cry 5:
1. What exactly triggers the nuclear bombs in the Resist ending?
The exact trigger remains ambiguous. The game implies that escalating global tensions, fueled by Seed’s doomsday prophecies and his cult’s actions, ultimately led to a worldwide nuclear exchange. It is never explicitly stated that Seed himself launched the nukes, but his constant warnings and the timing of the explosions suggest a possible connection.
2. Is there any way to prevent the nukes from falling?
No, the nuclear explosions in the “Resist” ending are unavoidable. Regardless of your actions throughout the game, choosing to resist Seed will always result in the apocalypse.
3. What happens to the other characters in the Resist ending?
The fate of other characters is largely left ambiguous. It’s implied that many of the Resistance members and civilians in Hope County perished in the nuclear blasts. The Deputy and Joseph Seed are the only characters definitively shown surviving, trapped together in Dutch’s bunker.
4. Does the Resist ending affect New Dawn?
Yes. Far Cry: New Dawn directly follows the events of the “Resist” ending. It depicts the post-apocalyptic landscape of Hope County years after the nuclear fallout. Joseph Seed plays a significant role in the story of New Dawn.
5. Is the Resist ending considered the “true” ending?
While both endings are considered valid, the developers have confirmed that the “Resist” ending is the canon ending. This means it’s the officially recognized conclusion that informs the narrative of subsequent Far Cry games, particularly New Dawn.
6. What is the significance of being trapped in the bunker with Joseph Seed?
Being trapped with Joseph Seed in the bunker is a disturbing and unsettling conclusion. It suggests that Seed’s influence may continue to affect the Deputy, even after the world has ended. The ambiguity lies in whether the Deputy will succumb to Seed’s manipulation or maintain their resistance.
7. What is “Bliss” and how does it affect the characters?
“Bliss” is a powerful hallucinogenic drug used by Joseph Seed and his cult. It induces states of euphoria, obedience, and altered perception. It plays a crucial role in controlling the population of Hope County and indoctrinating them into the cult. In the “Resist” ending, the Bliss overdose contributes to the chaotic and disorienting atmosphere.
8. What is the alternative ending if I don’t resist?
The alternative ending, known as the “Walk Away” ending, is triggered if you choose to leave Joseph Seed alone during the initial confrontation. The Sheriff orders everyone to leave, and as they drive away, the Deputy experiences a brief hallucination of Seed. The ending implies that they escaped the immediate danger of the cult, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.
9. Is the Walk Away ending a “good” ending?
The “Walk Away” ending is open to interpretation. While it avoids the immediate devastation of the nuclear apocalypse, it also leaves the cult’s power unchecked and fails to bring justice to the victims of their actions. It’s a pragmatic choice that prioritizes survival, but it also carries a sense of moral compromise.
10. How does the Resistance Meter affect the ending?
The Resistance Meter does not directly affect the ending you receive. It primarily influences the progression of the story, triggering boss fights and story events as each region is liberated. The choice to resist or walk away is the sole determinant of the ending.
11. Can I play the game after choosing the Resist ending?
Yes. After completing the main story with the “Resist” ending, you unlock New Game+. This allows you to replay the game with your previously acquired weapons, skills, and progress, but it does not alter the outcome of the final confrontation.
12. What does Joseph Seed mean by “I told you so”?
Joseph Seed’s statement, “I told you so,” underscores his belief in his own prophecies and his conviction that the world was destined for destruction. It reinforces the unsettling idea that his actions, however misguided, were driven by a genuine (albeit twisted) desire to save his followers from the coming apocalypse.
13. Is Faith Seed still alive in New Dawn?
While Faith Seed is dead by the time of New Dawn, her influence remains. Her “Bliss” is still present in Hope County, and her legacy continues to affect the lives of the survivors.
14. Why is Far Cry 5’s ending considered controversial?
Far Cry 5’s endings, particularly the “Resist” ending, are controversial because they deviate from the traditional “heroic” narrative often found in video games. They present a bleak and ambiguous outcome that challenges players’ expectations and raises uncomfortable questions about the nature of choice and consequence.
15. Does the ending change based on difficulty?
No, the difficulty level you play on does not affect which ending you receive. The only determining factor is the choice you make during the final confrontation with Joseph Seed: to resist or to walk away.
In conclusion, choosing to resist in Far Cry 5 is a decision with profound and lasting consequences. It leads to a tragic outcome that forces players to confront the complexities of faith, free will, and the devastating potential of human actions. It’s an ending that sparks debate and reflection, making Far Cry 5 a uniquely memorable and thought-provoking gaming experience.