Far Cry 6 and Far Cry 5: Untangling the Timeline – Does Far Cry 6 Take Place Before Far Cry 5?
The short answer is a resounding no. Far Cry 6 takes place after Far Cry 5. While the Far Cry franchise isn’t known for its rigidly connected storylines, there are subtle and overt connections between games. Understanding the position of Far Cry 6 in relation to Far Cry 5 requires looking at specific story elements and acknowledging the soft continuity that Ubisoft employs in the series. Although each Far Cry title presents a self-contained narrative, the universe is shared, and events in one game can have repercussions, however subtle, in another. Far Cry 6, though geographically isolated, exists in a timeline that has been impacted by the events of Far Cry 5.
The Timeline: Establishing Far Cry 6’s Position
Far Cry 6 centers around the island nation of Yara, ruled by the ruthless dictator Antón Castillo. The game’s narrative focuses on Dani Rojas’s struggle to liberate Yara. Meanwhile, Far Cry 5 unfolds in Hope County, Montana, where Joseph Seed and his cult, Eden’s Gate, hold sway. The critical connection point comes down to the “Collapse“, a nuclear event referenced in Far Cry 6.
The Collapse is a direct consequence of one of the endings in Far Cry 5, specifically the ending where Joseph Seed’s predictions come true, and nuclear bombs detonate across the United States (and possibly the world). While the exact details of this event remain somewhat ambiguous, its occurrence provides a concrete link between the two games. Far Cry 6’s narrative subtly acknowledges this apocalyptic event, implying that it happened some time before the events on Yara. The island remained isolated and thus was not as affected by the nuclear exchange as mainland US.
Moreover, Far Cry New Dawn, which acts as a direct sequel to Far Cry 5, depicts the post-apocalyptic Hope County after the Collapse, further solidifying the timeline. Far Cry 6 does not directly reference New Dawn, but its acknowledgement of the Collapse implicitly places it after both Far Cry 5 and its immediate sequel.
Understanding Soft Continuity in Far Cry
It’s important to recognize that the Far Cry series operates on a principle of “soft continuity“. This means that while games share a universe and may reference past events, they are not strictly beholden to a rigid, overarching storyline. This approach allows Ubisoft to explore different themes, settings, and characters without being constrained by complex lore.
The connections between Far Cry games are often more thematic or easter eggs. Recurring characters, like Hurk Drubman Jr., appear across multiple installments, and these cameos offer a subtle nod to the shared universe. Far Cry 6‘s post-credit scene involving Vaas from Far Cry 3 further illustrates this approach – a tantalizing connection that doesn’t necessarily define the entire narrative but adds depth to the overall franchise. The Games Learning Society explores how such narratives create engagement and immersion for players through complex world-building. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Far Cry Timeline
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Far Cry 6 and Far Cry 5, along with other related aspects of the Far Cry universe:
1. Is Far Cry 6 a direct sequel to Far Cry 5?
No, Far Cry 6 is not a direct sequel. While it takes place after Far Cry 5 in the timeline due to the Collapse, it features a completely new story, setting, and characters.
2. Does the ending you choose in Far Cry 5 affect Far Cry 6?
Indirectly. Far Cry 6 assumes that the “Resist” ending of Far Cry 5, where the nuclear bombs are detonated, is the canon ending. This event shapes the backdrop against which Far Cry 6 unfolds.
3. Is Far Cry: New Dawn essential to understanding Far Cry 6?
No, Far Cry: New Dawn is not essential. While it directly follows Far Cry 5 and depicts the immediate aftermath of the Collapse, Far Cry 6 stands on its own and only makes subtle references to those events.
4. Are there any characters from Far Cry 5 in Far Cry 6?
Not in a significant role. Far Cry 6 is set in Yara and focuses on a new cast of characters. There are no major characters that were involved in Far Cry 5.
5. Is the Far Cry universe connected?
Yes, the Far Cry games share the same universe, as confirmed by Ubisoft. Events, recurring characters, and thematic elements tie the games together.
6. Does Far Cry 6 reference other Far Cry games besides Far Cry 5?
Yes, Far Cry 6 includes Easter eggs and references to other entries in the series, such as a post-credits scene heavily implying the return of Vaas Montenegro from Far Cry 3.
7. Is Diego from Far Cry 6 related to Vaas from Far Cry 3?
A popular fan theory before Far Cry 6‘s release suggested that Diego was a young Vaas. However, this theory was disproven within the game’s storyline.
8. How does Far Cry 6 explain the Collapse?
Far Cry 6 only subtly mentions the Collapse, assuming players are already aware of it. The game focuses on the conflict in Yara, and the global events of Far Cry 5 serve as a distant backdrop.
9. Can you play Far Cry games out of order?
Yes, due to the series’ soft continuity, you can play Far Cry games in any order. Each game presents a self-contained story.
10. Is Far Cry 6 bigger than Far Cry 5 in terms of open-world size?
Yes, the open-world map of Yara in Far Cry 6 is reportedly larger than Hope County in Far Cry 5.
11. Does choosing male or female Dani Rojas in Far Cry 6 affect the story?
No, choosing male or female Dani Rojas is a cosmetic choice that doesn’t impact the narrative or gameplay.
12. What is the significance of the post-credits scene in Far Cry 6?
The post-credits scene features Juan Cortez talking to an unnamed smuggler strongly implied to be Vaas, hinting at possible future connections and storylines.
13. Are there multiple endings in Far Cry 6?
Yes, Far Cry 6 has two endings. The events are pretty much the same, one just happens earlier than the other.
14. Is Far Cry 7 in development?
Yes, the next main installment, tentatively called Far Cry 7 (Project Blackbird), is reportedly in development.
15. Where can I learn more about the narrative and design choices in Far Cry games?
You can explore discussions and analyses of game narratives and design at the Games Learning Society website.
Conclusion: Understanding the Far Cry Universe
While the Far Cry series excels at creating standalone experiences, recognizing the subtle connections and overarching timeline enriches the player’s appreciation for the franchise. Far Cry 6, with its compelling narrative and vast open-world, undeniably takes place after the dramatic events of Far Cry 5, adding another layer to the lore of this expansive gaming universe.