Are Far Cry 5 and New Dawn Canon? Exploring Hope County’s Nuclear Family (of Games)
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Yes, Far Cry 5 and Far Cry New Dawn are both considered canon within the wider Far Cry universe, but with a significant caveat: New Dawn is specifically canon to one particular ending of Far Cry 5. This nuanced relationship stems from the established lore that the Far Cry games exist within a shared universe but often explore different timelines or branches of events. Let’s delve into the specifics of this fascinating connection.
Understanding the Far Cry Canon: A Multiverse of Mayhem?
The idea that Far Cry games exist in a shared universe is crucial to understanding the canon question. While each game typically presents a standalone story with its own setting, characters, and conflicts, Ubisoft has confirmed that they are interconnected. Think of it less as a linear narrative and more as a tapestry of interwoven possibilities.
The key to Far Cry 5 and New Dawn’s relationship is the game’s ending. Far Cry 5 offers multiple endings, but the one deemed canon by the developers is the “Resist” ending. In this ending, Joseph Seed’s prophecy comes to fruition, and the world is plunged into nuclear armageddon.
New Dawn picks up seventeen years after this nuclear exchange. The game directly addresses the events of Far Cry 5, referencing characters, locations, and plot points. Crucially, it presents a post-apocalyptic Hope County, heavily altered but recognizably based on the same map from Far Cry 5.
This establishes New Dawn as a direct sequel to Far Cry 5’s “Resist” ending. It doesn’t negate the existence of the other endings, but it positions itself as the continuation of that specific timeline. This makes New Dawn canon to Far Cry 5, but only under the condition that the “Resist” ending is considered the definitive outcome of Far Cry 5’s narrative.
New Dawn as a Standalone Sequel: A Unique Position
It’s important to note that New Dawn functions as a standalone title. Players can jump into New Dawn without having played Far Cry 5 and still enjoy the game. However, experiencing Far Cry 5 first provides significant context and enhances the narrative impact.
The returning characters, the familiar locations transformed by the apocalypse, and the overarching themes of faith, family, and resilience all resonate more deeply for players who have witnessed the events of Far Cry 5 firsthand.
Ultimately, the canonicity of Far Cry 5 and New Dawn is a complex question with a relatively straightforward answer: they are canon, but New Dawn’s canonicity is conditional upon accepting the “Resist” ending of Far Cry 5 as the definitive outcome. The team behind the Games Learning Society may even consider the nuances in storytelling as a case study for interactive narratives. You can learn more about them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarification:
1. Which Far Cry 5 ending is considered the “true” ending?
The “Resist” ending is considered the canon ending of Far Cry 5 by the developers. This is the ending that leads directly into the events of Far Cry New Dawn.
2. Does this mean the other Far Cry 5 endings are not canon?
While the other endings aren’t the direct lead-in to New Dawn, they don’t necessarily cease to exist within the broader Far Cry multiverse. They could be seen as alternate timelines or possibilities.
3. Do I need to play Far Cry 5 before New Dawn?
Technically, no. New Dawn is a standalone game. However, playing Far Cry 5 first will significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the story, characters, and setting.
4. Is New Dawn just a reskin of Far Cry 5?
No, while New Dawn reuses the map from Far Cry 5, it features a brand new story, characters, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. The post-apocalyptic setting drastically alters the landscape and creates a unique experience.
5. What happened to my character from Far Cry 5 in New Dawn?
The Deputy from Far Cry 5 (the player character) is alluded to have gone through drastic changes. You encounter them in New Dawn as “The Judge” and they are a shell of their former self.
6. Is Joseph Seed still alive in New Dawn?
Yes, Joseph Seed is still alive in New Dawn. He plays a significant role in the story, albeit in a different capacity than in Far Cry 5.
7. What is the time difference between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn?
New Dawn is set seventeen years after the events of Far Cry 5. This allows for significant changes to the world and the characters.
8. Did any of my companions from Far Cry 5 survive the nuclear war?
Some characters from Far Cry 5 reappear in New Dawn, while others are mentioned or referenced. The fate of each character varies.
9. Is Cheeseburger the bear in New Dawn?
Sadly, Cheeseburger does not appear in New Dawn. It is implied that he passed away prior to the beginning of the game due to old age.
10. How does New Dawn connect to other Far Cry games?
New Dawn is primarily connected to Far Cry 5, but it also contains Easter eggs and references to other games in the Far Cry series, reinforcing the idea of a shared universe.
11. Is Far Cry 6 related to New Dawn?
While not a direct sequel, Far Cry 6 shares some thematic similarities with New Dawn, particularly in its exploration of resistance against oppressive forces.
12. Are the Far Cry 5 DLCs canon?
The canonicity of the Far Cry 5 DLCs is less clear. Dead Living Zombies is explicitly non-canon, being a fictional movie pitch. Hours of Darkness and Lost on Mars are more ambiguous, but generally considered less integral to the main storyline.
13. What is the Collapse that is referenced in New Dawn?
The Collapse refers to the global nuclear catastrophe that occurred in September 2018 during the events of Far Cry 5.
14. Is there a Far Cry 7 in development?
Yes, Far Cry 7 is reportedly in development at Ubisoft Montreal, internally known as Project Blackbird, and rumored to be released in 2025.
15. Where will Far Cry 7 be set?
Rumors suggest Far Cry 7 will explore significant changes to the Far Cry formula, with some reports denying a previous leak about the game taking place on an island named Kimsan. The setting remains unconfirmed.
The Enduring Appeal of Hope County
Ultimately, the canonicity of Far Cry 5 and New Dawn highlights the franchise’s ability to tell compelling stories within a flexible and interconnected universe. Whether you consider them a definitive continuation or an alternate timeline, the games offer a rich and engaging experience that explores themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. The relationship between these two games serves as a compelling example of how video game narratives can evolve and adapt to player choices and developer visions.