Does Ghost Recon Wildlands Have a Campaign? A Deep Dive
Yes, Ghost Recon Wildlands most definitely has a campaign. In fact, the entire game is built around a sprawling, narrative-driven campaign set in a fictionalized Bolivia overrun by the Santa Blanca drug cartel. You, as a member of the Ghost Recon team, are tasked with dismantling the cartel piece by piece, liberating the country, and bringing its leaders to justice.
The campaign is massive, offering a vast open world to explore and countless missions to undertake. Players can tackle the campaign solo, with AI teammates, or cooperatively with up to three other players, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The story unfolds through cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling, immersing players in the gritty and dangerous world of the Bolivian drug war.
Understanding the Ghost Recon Wildlands Campaign
The campaign structure is particularly interesting. Instead of a linear progression, players are given a high degree of freedom in choosing which cartel operations to target and in what order. This non-linear approach allows for diverse gameplay experiences and encourages exploration. You’re not just following a set path; you’re carving your own through the cartel’s network.
Each region of Bolivia is controlled by different lieutenants within the Santa Blanca cartel, each with their own distinct personalities and operations. Eliminating these lieutenants weakens the cartel’s influence and allows you to eventually confront the cartel’s leader, El Sueño. The decisions you make throughout the campaign can influence the outcome of the story, adding a layer of consequence to your actions.
The difficulty of the campaign can be adjusted to suit individual playstyles. You can opt for a more forgiving experience or crank up the realism for a challenging and immersive playthrough. The AI of both your teammates and the enemies can be surprisingly clever, requiring tactical thinking and coordinated teamwork, especially on higher difficulty settings.
Cooperative Campaign Gameplay
One of the most appealing aspects of the Ghost Recon Wildlands campaign is its emphasis on cooperative gameplay. Playing with friends adds another layer of depth and enjoyment to the experience. Coordinating strategies, covering each other’s backs, and executing synchronized takedowns is incredibly satisfying.
The game’s open world provides ample opportunities for emergent gameplay moments. You and your team might stumble upon unexpected enemy patrols, discover hidden caches of resources, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery. The freedom to approach missions from any angle, using a variety of tactics and equipment, makes each playthrough feel unique.
You can learn more about the social elements and impact of video games at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ghost Recon Wildlands: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the campaign and other aspects of Ghost Recon Wildlands:
1. Can I play Ghost Recon Wildlands offline?
Yes, Ghost Recon Wildlands can be played offline in solo mode. However, to enjoy the cooperative multiplayer experience, an internet connection is required.
2. Does Ghost Recon Wildlands have a story mode?
Absolutely. The core of Ghost Recon Wildlands is its story mode, which revolves around dismantling the Santa Blanca drug cartel in Bolivia.
3. Can Ghost Recon Wildlands be played solo?
Yes, you can play Ghost Recon Wildlands solo. You have the option to play with or without AI teammates that you can command.
4. How many missions are in Ghost Recon Wildlands?
There are over 100 missions in Ghost Recon Wildlands, spread across various regions and cartel operations.
5. Does Wildlands have 2 endings?
Yes, Wildlands features two distinct endings. One where El Sueño becomes an informant, and another where he is killed. The ending you receive depends on certain choices made during the campaign.
6. What is the goal of Ghost Recon Wildlands?
The main goal is to take down the Santa Blanca cartel and dismantle their operations in Bolivia.
7. How big is the Wildlands map?
The map in Ghost Recon Wildlands is approximately 247 square miles (639 square kilometers), making it a massive open world to explore.
8. Can you keep playing after beating Ghost Recon Wildlands?
Yes, you can continue playing after completing the main story. There are still plenty of side missions, challenges, and regions to explore.
9. What is the best Tom Clancy game?
That’s subjective, but Ghost Recon Wildlands is frequently ranked among the best Tom Clancy games, alongside titles like Splinter Cell Chaos Theory and Rainbow Six Siege.
10. Is Ghost Recon Wildlands a good game?
Generally, yes. It’s praised for its massive open world, cooperative gameplay, and tactical combat. However, some critics have pointed out that the gameplay can become repetitive at times.
11. Why does Ghost Recon Wildlands say offline?
If you’re seeing an “offline” message, it could be due to connectivity issues. Check your internet connection and NAT type. If your NAT is not “Open” or “Single,” you may need to forward ports on your router.
12. How do you play alone in Ghost Recon Wildlands?
To play alone, go to the Options menu, then Gameplay, and scroll down to “Play with Teammates.” Switch this setting to “No.”
13. What is the Ghost Recon Wildlands story about?
The story centers on the Santa Blanca drug cartel, which has taken control of Bolivia. The Ghost Recon team is sent in to destabilize and dismantle the cartel.
14. Which Ghost Recon can you play offline?
Ghost Recon Wildlands is the main Ghost Recon game that can be played offline.
15. Is Ghost Recon Wildlands repetitive?
While the game offers a lot of content, some players find the gameplay loop repetitive after extended periods. This is due to the mission structure following a similar formula throughout the campaign.
Conclusion: A Vast and Engaging Campaign Awaits
Ghost Recon Wildlands offers a compelling and extensive campaign experience, especially when played cooperatively with friends. The vast open world, diverse missions, and tactical gameplay create a memorable and immersive adventure. While some may find the gameplay loop repetitive, the sheer amount of content and the freedom to approach objectives in your own way make Ghost Recon Wildlands a worthy addition to any gamer’s collection.