Far Cry 4: Your Ultimate Guide to Co-op Mayhem (and What You Can Actually Do!)
So, you’re itching to tear through Kyrat with a buddy in Far Cry 4? Let’s cut right to the chase:
How do you play co-op campaign on Far Cry 4?
The straightforward answer is you cannot play the main story missions in co-op within Far Cry 4. The co-op mode, called “Guns for Hire,” allows you and a friend to explore the open world, liberate outposts, tackle side missions, and generally wreak havoc together. However, the narrative-driven campaign missions that progress the main story of Ajay Ghale are strictly single-player.
Think of it like this: one player hosts the world, and the other joins as a powerful ally, ready to assist with open-world activities. Player progress isn’t shared, but the guest player does retain money and inventory earned during their co-op adventures.
While the main campaign isn’t co-op, the open-world nature of Far Cry 4 offers tons of shared experiences to enjoy with a friend. It’s a fantastic way to experience the chaotic beauty of Kyrat together, even if you’re not experiencing the core narrative in tandem.
Unlocking the Fun: Getting Started with Far Cry 4 Co-op
The process to dive into Far Cry 4’s co-op is quite simple.
- Open the in-game menu. Look for the “Online” or “Co-op” section.
- Select “Invite Friends.” This will bring up your friends list.
- Choose the friend you wish to invite.
- Wait for your friend to accept the invitation. Once they accept, they’ll join your game.
Alternatively, you can join someone else’s game by selecting the “Join Co-op” option from the main menu.
What to Expect in Co-op: A Deep Dive
Once you and your friend are connected, you’ll be transported to the host’s world. As the guest, you’re essentially a hired gun, helping the host with whatever they’re currently focused on. This might involve:
- Liberating Outposts: Coordinating assaults on enemy strongholds becomes a blast with a friend. One can snipe from afar while the other goes in guns blazing!
- Conquering Fortresses: Tackle the bigger challenges with double the firepower.
- Completing Side Missions: The map is littered with side quests.
- Hunting Rare Animals: Team up to track down and bag the most elusive creatures of Kyrat.
- Exploring the World: Simply roam the Himalayas, discovering hidden locations and easter eggs together.
Important Considerations:
- Host Progress: Only the host’s progress is saved regarding map completion, outposts, towers, and story advancement. The guest keeps their player experience, money, and inventory items.
- NAT Type: Ensure your NAT type isn’t causing connectivity issues. A “Strict” or “Moderate” NAT type can hinder your ability to connect with other players. Port forwarding might be necessary to resolve this.
- Ubisoft Connect: Far Cry 4 requires Ubisoft Connect to run and activate the game, even for single-player.
Is It Worth It? The Co-op Experience Evaluated
While the lack of a co-op campaign might be disappointing, the open-world co-op in Far Cry 4 is still a lot of fun. The sheer freedom to explore Kyrat with a friend, strategize outpost takedowns, and create chaotic moments together is highly enjoyable.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential downsides:
- Repetitive Tasks: Doing everything twice (once in each player’s world) can become tedious for some.
- Uneven Progression: If one player is significantly further in the game than the other, it can create an imbalance.
Despite these drawbacks, many players find Far Cry 4’s co-op to be a worthwhile addition. It’s a chance to share the experience with a friend, create memorable moments, and double the firepower against Pagan Min’s forces.
Staying Connected and Leaving Co-op Sessions
Staying connected in co-op is usually stable. You can set yourself as unavailable to play.
To leave your co-op session:
- Open the in-game menu.
- Select “Leave Co-op.”
Far Cry 4 Co-Op: Your Questions Answered
To further clarify the ins and outs of Far Cry 4’s co-op, here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions:
FAQs
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Can you play Far Cry 4 story mode co-op?
No, the story missions in Far Cry 4 are single-player only. The co-op mode focuses on open-world activities. -
What exactly can you do in Far Cry 4 co-op?
You can explore the open world, liberate outposts and fortresses, complete side missions, hunt animals, participate in random encounters, and generally cause mayhem with a friend. -
Does the guest player keep their progress in co-op?
The guest player retains money and inventory earned during the co-op session. However, progress on the map and story missions is only saved for the host player. -
Do both players need to own Far Cry 4 to play co-op?
Yes, both players need to own a copy of Far Cry 4 and have Ubisoft Connect accounts. -
What is NAT type, and how does it affect Far Cry 4 co-op?
NAT (Network Address Translation) type affects your ability to connect with other players online. A “Strict” or “Moderate” NAT type can cause connectivity issues. Ideally, you want an “Open” NAT type. -
How do I fix NAT type issues in Far Cry 4?
Port forwarding is often the solution. You’ll need to access your router’s settings and forward the specific ports required by Far Cry 4. Refer to Ubisoft’s support website for a list of the necessary ports. -
Can you play Far Cry 4 without Ubisoft Connect?
No, Far Cry 4 requires Ubisoft Connect to run and activate the game, even if you’re only playing single-player. -
How many people can play Far Cry 4 co-op?
Far Cry 4’s co-op mode supports two players. -
Which Far Cry games have a full co-op campaign?
Far Cry 5 and Far Cry 6 allow you to play the entire main campaign in co-op. -
Is Far Cry 4 an online-only game?
No, you can play the single-player campaign offline. However, you’ll need an internet connection to access co-op features and Ubisoft Connect services. -
Is Far Cry 4 co-op fun?
The enjoyment of Far Cry 4’s co-op is subjective. Many players find it fun and engaging, while others find the repetitive nature of doing everything twice tedious. -
How do you invite friends to play Far Cry 4 co-op?
Open the in-game menu, select “Online,” and then “Invite Friends.” Choose the friend you want to play with. -
Which Far Cry has split-screen?
Far Cry 3 (Xbox 360 version only) has a split-screen option, but it is only available for the Xbox 360 version of the game. -
What are the minimum system requirements for Far Cry 4?
The minimum system requirements are:- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: 2.6 GHz Intel® Core™ i5-750 or 3.2 GHz AMD Phenom™ II X4 955.
- Memory: 4 GB RAM.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or AMD Radeon HD5850 (1 GB VRAM)
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Is Far Cry 4 a direct sequel to Far Cry 3?
No, Far Cry 4 is a standalone story, although it was originally conceptualized as a direct sequel to Far Cry 3.
Beyond the Bullets: Games and Learning
The Far Cry series, like many open-world games, offers opportunities for learning and skill development, even if it’s not always immediately apparent. Players develop problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and resource management as they navigate the game’s challenges. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.