Far Cry 6 and New Dawn: Untangling the Timeline
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Far Cry, the action-packed franchise known for its open worlds and memorable villains, often leaves players scratching their heads about the interconnectedness of its games. A common question arises: Does Far Cry 6 take place before or after Far Cry: New Dawn? The definitive answer is that Far Cry 6 takes place before Far Cry: New Dawn. New Dawn is set in a post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, seventeen years after the nuclear devastation depicted in Far Cry 5, whereas Far Cry 6 is set in 2021, before the events of Far Cry 5 and the subsequent collapse.
Deciphering the Far Cry Timeline
Understanding the relationship between these two games requires a deeper dive into the broader Far Cry timeline. While Ubisoft has confirmed that all Far Cry games technically exist within the same universe, they often operate on different timelines, creating a sort of anthology series where some events are more closely linked than others. Let’s break it down:
- Far Cry 5: Features the cult Eden’s Gate in Hope County, Montana, culminating in a nuclear apocalypse (depending on the ending chosen).
- Far Cry: New Dawn: A direct sequel to Far Cry 5, taking place 17 years after the nuclear apocalypse. It showcases the rebuilding efforts and new threats emerging in a transformed Hope County.
- Far Cry 6: Set in Yara, a fictional Caribbean island, in 2021. It focuses on the revolution against dictator Antón Castillo.
The key takeaway is that New Dawn is directly linked to Far Cry 5, serving as its sequel and building upon its events. Far Cry 6, while existing in the same universe, is largely disconnected from the Hope County narrative. The nuclear collapse that defines New Dawn simply hasn’t happened yet in the timeline of Far Cry 6. The game is isolated on Yara and is relatively unaffected by the events that unfold in the USA.
The Isolation of Yara
One important factor to consider is Yara’s geographical and economic isolation. As the game reveals, Yara has been cut off from the rest of the world due to a 1967 guerrilla revolution and subsequent economic sanctions. This isolation explains why the nuclear collapse in the United States doesn’t directly impact Yara in Far Cry 6. The island is essentially shielded from the global events that reshape Hope County in Far Cry 5 and New Dawn. This concept is a very import part of the overall Games Learning Society.
Examining the Evidence
The in-game details further support the placement of Far Cry 6 before New Dawn. Far Cry 6’s setting in 2021 is explicitly stated within the game through notes and articles. Meanwhile, New Dawn is set in 2035, firmly placing it after the events of Far Cry 5. There is no overlap in these timelines. They are separate and easily distinguished.
Far Cry’s Anthology Approach
The Far Cry series often employs an anthology approach, with each game telling a standalone story within a shared universe. This allows for creative freedom and avoids the constraints of a rigid, linear timeline. While there are occasional Easter eggs and references connecting different games, each entry largely functions independently. Therefore, even if a catastrophic event impacts one region (like Hope County), it doesn’t necessarily mean the entire world is affected in the same way within the Far Cry universe.
FAQs: Unveiling More Connections
Here are some frequently asked questions that further clarify the relationship between Far Cry 6 and New Dawn, as well as other relevant aspects of the Far Cry universe:
1. Is Far Cry 6 connected to Far Cry 5 in any way?
While not a direct sequel, Far Cry 6 exists within the same universe as Far Cry 5. There are subtle nods and references to the events of Far Cry 5, but the main story and characters are largely independent.
2. Is Far Cry: New Dawn canon?
Yes, Far Cry: New Dawn is considered canon to Far Cry 5. It directly continues the story of Hope County after the nuclear apocalypse.
3. Does the ending of Far Cry 5 affect Far Cry 6?
No. The ending of Far Cry 5 leads directly into the story of Far Cry: New Dawn. Far Cry 6 is set prior to the events that unfold in Far Cry 5, and is not impacted by the events that occured in Far Cry 5.
4. Are there any returning characters from Far Cry 5 in Far Cry 6?
While no main characters return, some players have speculated about potential connections through subtle references and similar character archetypes. However, there are no confirmed direct appearances.
5. What is the connection between Far Cry 6 and Far Cry 3 (regarding Diego and Vaas)?
Some fan theories suggest that Diego, Antón Castillo’s son in Far Cry 6, might be a young version of Vaas from Far Cry 3. While this theory is intriguing, it remains unconfirmed by Ubisoft.
6. Which Far Cry games have multiple endings?
Far Cry 4, Far Cry 5, and Far Cry 6 all feature multiple endings, offering players some agency in shaping the narrative’s conclusion.
7. How does Far Cry 6 compare in size to other Far Cry maps?
Far Cry 6’s map, Yara, is significantly larger than the map in Far Cry 5, offering players a vast and diverse open world to explore.
8. What is the significance of the “Smuggler” conversation at the end of Far Cry 6?
The post-credits conversation between Juan and the Smuggler hints at potential future conflicts and connections within the Far Cry universe. The character, the Smuggler, is theorized to be a character with connections to other villains in the game.
9. Are all Far Cry games in the same universe?
Yes, Ubisoft has confirmed that all Far Cry games exist within the same universe, although they often operate on different timelines and feature largely independent stories.
10. Does choosing the male or female Dani Rojas impact the story in Far Cry 6?
No, the choice between male and female Dani Rojas is purely cosmetic and does not affect the narrative or gameplay in any significant way.
11. Is Far Cry 6 a prequel to any other Far Cry game?
While the Diego/Vaas theory exists, Far Cry 6 doesn’t directly serve as a prequel to any specific game. It primarily tells its own standalone story within the Far Cry universe.
12. How long does it take to beat Far Cry 6?
Far Cry 6 typically takes around 37 hours to complete, making it one of the longest Far Cry games in the series.
13. Is Far Cry New Dawn a standalone game or a DLC?
Far Cry New Dawn is a standalone game, although it is considered a spin-off and sequel to Far Cry 5.
14. Is Far Cry 6 considered a successful game?
Despite mixed reactions, Far Cry 6 achieved decent critical and commercial success, though it faced criticism for echoing familiar elements from previous installments.
15. Is it possible to save Diego in Far Cry 6?
Unfortunately, Diego’s death is unavoidable in Far Cry 6 if players follow the main storyline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Far Cry 6 unequivocally takes place before Far Cry: New Dawn. Far Cry 6 is set in 2021 while New Dawn is set seventeen years after the events of Far Cry 5, and is completely separate from the story in Yara. Understanding the timeline and the anthology nature of the Far Cry series allows players to appreciate each game’s individual story while recognizing their place within the broader, interconnected universe.
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