Does Far Cry 5 Gold Edition Include New Dawn? An Expert’s Deep Dive
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The short answer is no, the Far Cry 5 Gold Edition does not directly include Far Cry New Dawn. The Gold Edition focuses on enhancing the Far Cry 5 experience with additional content within that game itself. Let’s break down exactly what the Gold Edition does contain, and then explore the relationship between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn, and how you can get your hands on both.
Understanding the Far Cry 5 Gold Edition
The Far Cry 5 Gold Edition is essentially the premium version of Far Cry 5, designed to offer players the most complete and immersive experience. Here’s what it typically includes:
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Far Cry 5 Base Game: This is the core experience, placing you in Hope County, Montana, to fight against the fanatical Project at Eden’s Gate cult.
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Digital Deluxe Pack: This pack adds various in-game items, weapons, and vehicles, giving you an edge in your fight against the cult. Expect themed packs like the “Big Game Hunter Pack” and “Ace Pilot Pack,” which provide specialized gear and vehicles.
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Season Pass: This is where the real value lies. The Season Pass grants access to a wealth of additional content, including:
- Three Unique DLCs: These DLCs transport you to completely different settings and scenarios, offering standalone adventures that are separate from the main Far Cry 5 storyline. Examples include battling zombies, fighting in Vietnam, and battling arachnids on Mars.
- Far Cry 3 Classic Edition: A remastered version of the beloved Far Cry 3, allowing you to relive the classic adventure on current-generation hardware.
So, while the Gold Edition provides a huge amount of content, it all revolves around Far Cry 5 and its related downloadable experiences.
The Relationship Between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn
Far Cry New Dawn is a standalone sequel to Far Cry 5. It’s set seventeen years after the “Collapse,” a nuclear event that ends one of the possible endings of Far Cry 5. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of Hope County, Montana, and features returning characters and locations from the original game.
This is key: New Dawn requires a separate purchase. It’s not an expansion or DLC for Far Cry 5. Think of it as a direct follow-up that builds upon the world and story established in Far Cry 5. If you enjoy Far Cry 5, you’ll likely appreciate the continuation in New Dawn, but it’s a distinct game with its own story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
Why Play Both?
While you can jump into New Dawn without having played Far Cry 5, you’ll get a much richer and more rewarding experience if you play them in order. New Dawn is packed with references to the events and characters of Far Cry 5, and understanding that context will significantly enhance your enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, seeing the evolution of Hope County and the fates of familiar faces adds a layer of emotional depth to the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly do I get with the Far Cry 5 Season Pass?
The Far Cry 5 Season Pass includes three DLC adventures (Hours of Darkness, Lost on Mars, and Dead Living Zombies) and Far Cry 3 Classic Edition. These provide a variety of new gameplay experiences, from Vietnam War scenarios to zombie outbreaks.
2. Do I need to play Far Cry 5 before Far Cry New Dawn?
Technically no, but playing Far Cry 5 first is highly recommended. New Dawn is a direct sequel, and you’ll miss out on many of the story’s nuances and character relationships if you haven’t experienced the original game.
3. Is Far Cry New Dawn just a reskin of Far Cry 5?
No, New Dawn is a standalone game with its own unique story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. While it uses the same map as Far Cry 5, the map has been significantly altered to reflect the post-apocalyptic setting. It also introduces new RPG elements and enemy types.
4. Is Far Cry New Dawn a full-priced game?
When it was first released, Far Cry New Dawn was sold at a slightly lower price point than a full-fledged AAA title, reflecting its smaller scale compared to Far Cry 5.
5. What are the key differences between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn?
Key differences include the post-apocalyptic setting, the introduction of RPG elements (like tiered weapons and enemies), the focus on rebuilding Hope County, and the story which involves a new threat in the form of the Highwaymen.
6. Which Far Cry game should I play first if I’m new to the series?
Far Cry 5 is a great entry point to the series. It offers a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and a beautiful open world. If you enjoy it, New Dawn provides a direct continuation of the story.
7. How is New Dawn connected to Far Cry 5?
New Dawn is set 17 years after one of the endings of Far Cry 5, following the nuclear apocalypse. The survivors of Hope County are trying to rebuild their lives, but they face a new threat from the Highwaymen, led by the Mickey and Lou twins.
8. What’s the best order to play the Far Cry games?
If you’re interested in the story of Hope County, the best order is Far Cry 5 followed by Far Cry New Dawn.
9. Can I play Far Cry 3 without playing Far Cry 5?
Yes, Far Cry 3 is a standalone game and can be played independently of Far Cry 5. The Far Cry 5 Gold Edition just offers a way to access the classic title.
10. What kind of gameplay changes does New Dawn introduce?
New Dawn introduces RPG-lite elements, with tiered weapons and enemies. You’ll need to upgrade your gear to take on stronger foes, adding a new layer of progression to the gameplay.
11. Are any characters from Far Cry 5 in New Dawn?
Yes, several characters from Far Cry 5 return in New Dawn, including Joseph Seed, the leader of the Project at Eden’s Gate cult, and the Deputy, now known as the Judge.
12. Which ending of Far Cry 5 does New Dawn follow?
While the exact ending isn’t explicitly stated, New Dawn implies that the ending where the Deputy resists Joseph Seed and stays in Hope County is considered the canonical one.
13. Is Far Cry New Dawn considered canon to the Far Cry universe?
Yes, all Far Cry games are considered to take place within the same universe, though they may exist on different timelines.
14. Which Far Cry game is considered the best?
Opinions vary, but Far Cry 3 and Far Cry 5 are often cited as the best games in the series, praised for their engaging stories, memorable characters, and immersive open worlds. Consider exploring the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about the educational aspects of popular games like Far Cry.
15. Will there be a Far Cry 7?
Yes, a Far Cry 7 is expected to be released. While details are scarce, it is expected to continue the mainline series.
Hopefully, this article provides a clear explanation of what the Far Cry 5 Gold Edition includes (and what it doesn’t!) and helps you understand the relationship between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn. Happy gaming!