Do I Have to Play Far Cry 3 Before 4? A Deep Dive into the Far Cry Universe
Absolutely not! You do not need to play Far Cry 3 before diving into Far Cry 4. While both are fantastic games, each installment in the core Far Cry series (excluding direct sequels like New Dawn) tells a self-contained story. Think of it as an anthology – each entry presents a unique narrative, setting, and cast of characters, allowing you to jump in at any point without feeling lost.
Understanding the Far Cry Anthology
The Far Cry franchise thrives on delivering standalone experiences. Each game drops you into a vibrant open world brimming with danger, compelling villains, and a narrative focused on survival and revolution. While there might be subtle nods or recurring characters, these are more like Easter eggs for dedicated fans than essential plot points.
Far Cry 3, with its unforgettable villain Vaas Montenegro and its lush island setting, is iconic. Far Cry 4, on the other hand, takes you to the Himalayan nation of Kyrat, introducing you to the complex and charismatic antagonist Pagan Min. The stories are completely separate. The common thread isn’t a continuing narrative, but rather the themes of political turmoil, the struggle against oppression, and the player’s journey from ordinary individual to hardened survivor. The Games Learning Society also examines how these games can provide unique learning experiences through problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Shared Elements, Unique Stories
So, what connects the Far Cry games, if not their plotlines? Here are a few recurring elements:
- Open-World Gameplay: All Far Cry games emphasize exploration, resource gathering, and emergent gameplay within vast and beautiful open worlds.
- Compelling Villains: Each installment boasts a memorable antagonist who embodies the chaos and conflict at the heart of the story.
- Survival and Crafting: Players must scavenge for resources, craft weapons and items, and adapt to survive in hostile environments.
- Political and Social Commentary: The games often touch on complex themes of oppression, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked power.
These shared elements create a consistent “Far Cry” feel, even as each game presents a fresh and unique experience.
Why You Can Jump Straight Into Far Cry 4
- Independent Narratives: The core story of Far Cry 4 revolves around Ajay Ghale, who returns to his native Kyrat to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. It’s a personal journey with its own set of characters, conflicts, and resolutions. You won’t miss anything crucial by skipping Far Cry 3.
- No Prior Knowledge Required: The game does an excellent job of introducing you to the world of Kyrat, its history, and the key players in the ongoing conflict.
- Easter Eggs and References: While there are some minor references to previous games, they are purely for fan service and won’t impact your understanding or enjoyment of Far Cry 4. The character Hurk is one of the major connectors throughout the games, acting more as a common theme than a critical character.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The core gameplay loop of Far Cry – exploring, hunting, crafting, and completing missions – is consistent across the series. Even if you haven’t played a Far Cry game before, you’ll quickly pick up the basics.
FAQs: Your Far Cry 3 & 4 Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you understand the relationship (or lack thereof) between Far Cry 3 and Far Cry 4 even better:
1. Is Far Cry 3 connected to Far Cry 4?
Indirectly, yes. As Kotaku pointed out, the stories are not directly connected. However, the recurring character Hurk, who appears in optional missions in both games, does suggest a shared universe.
2. Does Far Cry 4 take place after Far Cry 3?
Yes. Far Cry 3 is set in 2012, while Far Cry 4 takes place two years later. However, this doesn’t impact the narrative connection between the two games.
3. Are Far Cry 3, 4, and 5 connected?
The Far Cry games are linked through secondary characters and minor references, but not through their main narratives. Each game features a unique story with its own set of protagonists and antagonists.
4. Can I play Far Cry 3 without playing the others?
Absolutely! Each Far Cry game is designed as a standalone experience. You can jump into Far Cry 3 without any prior knowledge of the series and enjoy the full story.
5. Should I play Far Cry 3 before Blood Dragon?
No. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is a standalone expansion that doesn’t require the base game. It’s a humorous, over-the-top spin-off with its own unique story and setting.
6. Do you get Far Cry 3 with Far Cry 5?
At times, Ubisoft has offered Far Cry 3 Classic Edition as a bonus with the Far Cry 5 Season Pass. Check the specific offers and bundles available on your platform of choice.
7. Which Far Cry can you beat in 15 minutes?
Far Cry 4 has a secret ending that allows you to beat the game in approximately 15 minutes by simply waiting at the beginning of the game.
8. Can I start from Far Cry 3?
Yes! The stories are completely unrelated, so there’s no need to play the previous games unless you want to explore the older titles in the series.
9. What happens if you wait at the start of Far Cry 4?
If you wait at the beginning of Far Cry 4, Pagan Min returns and eventually allows you to fulfill your mother’s wish. This unlocks the secret ending.
10. Which Far Cry game should I start with?
Far Cry 3 is often recommended as a good starting point due to its iconic villain, Vaas, and its engaging story. However, you can start with any Far Cry game that appeals to you.
11. Which Far Cry games are canon?
Canon is a flexible concept in the Far Cry universe. Each game can be considered a separate timeline with recurring elements and themes.
12. Is Far Cry 4 bigger than 3?
The main world in Far Cry 4 is roughly the same size as Far Cry 3, but it is more dense with content and offers multiple parallel narrative threads.
13. Which Far Cry is better, 3 or 4?
This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some prefer the story and villain of Far Cry 3, while others appreciate the setting and gameplay improvements in Far Cry 4.
14. How long is Far Cry 4?
When focusing on the main objectives, Far Cry 4 takes about 17.5 hours to complete. 100% completion will take around 46.5 hours.
15. Does Far Cry 6 tie into Far Cry 3?
Far Cry 6 has minor references to past titles but the story is not dependent on any previous entries. While no previous games in the series have been explicitly connected, there have been small references to one another through avenues like NPC dialogue or the lost letter collectibles in Far Cry 3.
The Bottom Line: Play What Excites You!
Ultimately, the best approach to the Far Cry series is to choose the game that sparks your interest the most. Whether it’s the exotic island of Far Cry 3, the mountainous landscapes of Far Cry 4, or the cult-infested Montana of Far Cry 5, each game offers a unique and thrilling experience. Don’t feel pressured to play them in any particular order – just dive in and enjoy the ride!
For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Happy gaming!