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Does Far Cry 4 Have a Secret Ending? Unveiling Kyrat’s Hidden Truths

Yes, Far Cry 4 indeed has a secret ending, also known as the alternate ending, which can be achieved very early in the game. It’s a testament to the game’s open-world freedom and its willingness to reward player patience and observation. This ending stands in stark contrast to the more involved and branching narrative conclusions that unfold later, offering a surprisingly swift resolution to the conflict in Kyrat. This quick resolution completely subverts the expected gameplay loop.

Understanding the Secret Ending

The key to unlocking this ending lies in your initial encounter with Pagan Min. After Ajay arrives in Kyrat, he’s brought to Pagan Min’s mansion. During a tense dinner scene, Pagan instructs Ajay to wait for him. Most players, understandably eager to dive into the game’s sprawling world and revolutionary storyline, will interpret this as a cue to begin their adventure. However, if you resist the urge to explore and instead patiently wait approximately 15 minutes, Pagan Min will return.

What follows is a surprising turn of events. Pagan acknowledges Ajay’s patience and, instead of initiating the conflict that drives the main storyline, he honors Ajay’s mother’s wishes. He takes Ajay to the shrine containing his sister Lakshmana’s ashes, allowing him to scatter his mother’s ashes next to hers. This fulfills Ishwari’s last request and essentially ends the game, providing a peaceful, albeit unconventional, resolution. This is an ending that makes you question the need for a violent uprising in the first place.

The Significance of the Secret Ending

The secret ending in Far Cry 4 isn’t just a quirky Easter egg. It serves several important purposes:

Subverting Expectations: It challenges the player’s assumptions about open-world games, demonstrating that not every game requires hours of gameplay to reach a conclusion.
Character Exploration: It provides insight into Pagan Min’s character, showcasing a side of him that is rational, respectful, and even sentimental, which contrasts with his later portrayal as a ruthless dictator.
Narrative Depth: It adds a layer of complexity to the game’s narrative, raising questions about whether the violence and chaos of the Golden Path uprising were truly necessary.
Player Agency: It reinforces the idea that player choices, even seemingly insignificant ones, can have a profound impact on the game’s outcome.

This ending serves as a commentary on war itself, and the cyclical nature of violence. It can be avoided, with a bit of patience.

All Endings of Far Cry 4

Besides the secret ending, Far Cry 4 offers several other distinct endings that are influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly your allegiances with Amita and Sabal. These include endings where you either kill or spare Pagan Min at the end of the game, each having different consequences for the future of Kyrat. There’s also the “resist” ending which the developers confirm is the canon ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings and related aspects of Far Cry 4:

1. How long do I really have to wait for the Far Cry 4 secret ending?

Approximately 15 minutes. It might feel like an eternity, but resist the urge to wander off! Patience is key.

2. How many endings are there in Far Cry 4?

There are four main endings, including the secret ending, the endings where you either kill or spare Pagan Min at the end, and the canon ending where you resist. The canon ending is considered the ending that the developers consider to be the canonical outcome of the game’s events.

3. What is considered the “best” ending for Far Cry 4?

The “best” ending is subjective. Some argue that sparing Pagan Min is the most satisfying, as it reveals crucial truths about Ajay’s family and offers a degree of closure.

4. Is the secret ending of Far Cry 4 considered canon?

No, the developers have confirmed that the “resist” ending is the canon ending of Far Cry 4. This ending influences the events of later games in the Far Cry series.

5. What happens if I shoot down Pagan Min’s helicopter at the end?

If you shoot down Pagan Min’s helicopter at the end of the game, you can loot the crash site. However, this doesn’t significantly alter the ending; it’s more of a hidden detail.

6. What’s the deal with Amita and Sabal? Which one should I choose?

Your choices regarding Amita and Sabal impact the future of Kyrat and influence some of the later missions. Amita is more pragmatic but potentially ruthless, while Sabal is traditional and arguably rigid. There’s no objectively “right” choice, but you must weigh the pros and cons of their leadership styles.

7. Does Far Cry 4 have different endings depending on my choices with Amita and Sabal?

Yes, your decisions throughout the game concerning Amita and Sabal will affect which leader gains control of Kyrat. This is one of the main branches of the game.

8. Is Pagan Min Ajay’s father?

No, Pagan Min is not Ajay’s father. Ajay’s father is Mohan Ghale. However, Pagan Min had a romantic relationship with Ajay’s mother, Ishwari, and they had a daughter, Lakshmana. This makes Ajay and Lakshmana half-siblings.

9. What happens if I spare Pagan Min at the end?

If you spare Pagan Min at the end of the game, he reveals the truth about Ajay’s family history and takes him to Lakshmana’s shrine, allowing him to fulfill his mother’s final wish.

10. Does Ajay become the King of Kyrat?

According to Pagan Min, Ajay is the new king of Kyrat if he spares Pagan. However, this is a somewhat ambiguous statement, and whether Ajay actually assumes the throne is left open to interpretation.

11. Can you really beat Far Cry 4 in 15 minutes?

Yes, you can, by achieving the secret ending at the very beginning of the game. It requires patience but no combat skills.

12. What is the significance of Lakshmana in the story?

Lakshmana was Pagan Min’s daughter with Ajay’s mother, Ishwari. Her death had a profound impact on Pagan Min and is a key element of his backstory.

13. Where can I find Sabal after killing Pagan Min?

If you sided with Sabal throughout the game, you can find him at Jalendu Temple after the end of Far Cry 4.

14. Is Far Cry 4 connected to other Far Cry games?

Yes, Far Cry 4 is part of the broader Far Cry universe. Although the main story isn’t directly connected to other games, there are subtle references and thematic connections. The “resist” ending is considered canon, and this is referenced in Far Cry 6.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?

You can learn more about the educational and learning aspects of video games at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to the study of games and their impact on learning.

Conclusion

The secret ending in Far Cry 4 is a clever and rewarding surprise for players who are willing to deviate from the expected path. It showcases the game’s depth, its willingness to subvert expectations, and the complex character of Pagan Min. While it might not be the “true” ending in the canonical sense, it’s a fascinating and memorable experience that adds another layer of richness to the world of Kyrat.

Does Far Cry 4 have a secret ending?