How Do You Finish Far Cry 4? A Comprehensive Guide
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Finishing Far Cry 4 offers multiple avenues, each leading to a distinct conclusion in the game’s narrative. The most straightforward answer is this: you finish Far Cry 4 by completing the main campaign missions, culminating in a confrontation with the antagonist, Pagan Min. However, the nuances of the game offer both a quick path to a conclusion and a richer, more complex experience based on player choices. Let’s break down the different ways to “finish” Far Cry 4.
The Traditional Route: Completing the Main Story
The primary method of completing Far Cry 4 involves progressing through its 34 campaign missions. These missions take you across the diverse landscapes of Kyrat, placing you firmly in the center of the conflict between the Golden Path rebels and Pagan Min’s Royal Army. Key aspects of this route include:
Navigating the Golden Path Conflict
You’ll be repeatedly forced to make critical decisions, aligning yourself with either Amita or Sabal, the two leaders of the Golden Path. These choices influence not just the storyline but also the very nature of Kyrat’s future. Choosing to support one leader over the other alters the missions and outcomes that follow. Your decision regarding Amita or Sabal has significant consequences for how the final acts of the game play out.
The Final Showdown with Pagan Min
The culmination of the campaign is a face-to-face confrontation with Pagan Min in his palace. This encounter isn’t just a fight; it’s a pivotal moment where you face the consequences of your actions. At the end of the game, you are given a choice to kill Pagan or not in his dining room.
The Ending You Choose
There are multiple endings linked to this encounter. If you choose to shoot Pagan, you achieve what many consider the “standard” ending. This provides a satisfying, albeit abrupt, conclusion to the main storyline. But, if you choose not to shoot Pagan you will unlock additional dialogue that provides additional insight into the story. Ultimately, after your conversation and an additional visit, you will still need to make a final decision on the future of Kyrat.
The Secret Ending: A Different Path
Far Cry 4 offers an entirely different ending, accessible within the first few minutes of gameplay. This secret ending involves a bit of patience, or the knowledge of the easter egg. After the game’s opening cutscene, at the dining room table with Pagan Min, instead of making a decision, you can opt to simply wait. If you wait for approximately 15 minutes, Pagan will return from a phone call and will offer a choice to the player. This decision drastically alters the course of the game, offering a quick, unexpected “ending” to the game. This ending highlights the absurd nature of the situation, and how much the narrative relies on the protagonist’s decisions.
Post-Game Exploration: The Journey Continues
Even after “finishing” the game, whether through the standard or secret path, the game doesn’t truly end. After either the standard, or the more elaborate optional ending, you are free to continue exploring Kyrat, completing side missions, hunting, collecting, and enjoying the open-world experience. This allows you to achieve 100% completion, which includes not only the main campaign but also side quests, open world exploits, Shangri-La missions, Yogi & Reggie challenges, Longinus tasks, Karma level progression, finding all collectibles, acquiring all weapons, and mastering all skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide further insight into finishing Far Cry 4:
1. How many endings does Far Cry 4 have?
Far Cry 4 has four primary endings: the secret, early ending, the standard “kill Pagan” ending, the “spare Pagan” ending, and the result based on the player’s decisions regarding Amita or Sabal.
2. What happens if you don’t shoot Pagan Min at the end?
If you don’t shoot Pagan Min at the end of the traditional storyline, he will invite you to dinner, talk to you, and then take you to a shrine dedicated to his daughter, who is also revealed to be your half-sister. He’ll explain his perspective and you will get to fulfill your mother’s last wish of spreading her ashes.
3. Can you beat Far Cry 4 in 15 minutes?
Yes, you can “beat” Far Cry 4 in around 15 minutes by waiting after the opening cutscene for Pagan Min to return. This triggers the secret, early ending.
4. What are the requirements for 100% completion in Far Cry 4?
100% completion requires you to complete all 34 campaign missions, all open world activities, Shangri-La missions, Yogi & Reggie missions, Longinus quests, reach maximum Karma level, collect all weapons and collectibles, and master all skills.
5. Is there a “better” ending in Far Cry 4?
The “better” ending is subjective. The “spare Pagan” ending offers more story, while the “kill Pagan” ending offers a more typical closure to the core conflict. Ultimately, it depends on what the player seeks from the experience.
6. Can you keep playing Far Cry 4 after the ending?
Yes, after any of the main endings, you can continue to explore Kyrat and complete any remaining side content.
7. Does your choice between Amita and Sabal affect the ending?
Yes, your decisions regarding Amita and Sabal impact who takes control of the Golden Path and the way Kyrat is led after the game’s events.
8. Who is the killer in Far Cry 4?
There is a minor antagonist called “The Goat,” who is a deranged serial killer. But the overall main antagonist is Pagan Min.
9. What happens if you don’t move at the start of Far Cry 4?
If you don’t move at the start, and simply wait in the dining room after the opening cutscene, Pagan will eventually return and explain his motives and your family connection to him and Kyrat. This leads to the secret early ending.
10. How long is Far Cry 4’s main story?
The main story of Far Cry 4 takes approximately 17.5 hours to complete. However, to achieve 100% completion, you will need to play for roughly 46.5 hours.
11. Why is Far Cry 4 considered superior to Far Cry 5?
Many players prefer Far Cry 4 for its stronger world-building, the inclusion of radio towers for map exploration (a feature absent in Far Cry 5), and its richer and more complex story.
12. What is the shortest Far Cry game?
Far Cry New Dawn is generally considered the shortest game in the series with average playtimes around 11 hours.
13. Does Far Cry 4 follow on from Far Cry 3?
Far Cry 4 is not a direct sequel to Far Cry 3. While they exist in the same universe, the stories are not directly linked. Some gameplay mechanics have been taken from Far Cry 3.
14. Is Pagan Min Ajay’s father?
No, Pagan Min is not Ajay’s father. Ajay’s father is Mohan Ghale. Pagan is, however, the father of Ajay’s half-sister, Lakshmana.
15. Does Pagan Min care about Ajay?
Pagan treats Ajay in a manner that could be seen as paternal. He also calls Ajay his “favorite nephew.” Pagan is very patient with Ajay, even offering him multiple chances, although their relationship is complex and often disturbing.
By understanding the multiple paths to completion and the various choices you can make, you can truly experience the richness that Far Cry 4 has to offer. Whether you are looking for a quick finish or a deep dive, the game provides for a diverse player experience.