Is Far Cry 6 Set After Far Cry 5? Untangling the Timeline
Yes, Far Cry 6 is indeed set after Far Cry 5. While the specific dating can get a bit convoluted due to the apocalyptic events of Far Cry 5 and their aftermath, the general consensus and available evidence from the games themselves and developer statements place Far Cry 6 chronologically after the events of Far Cry 5. Specifically, Far Cry 6 takes place in 2021, approximately three years after the events of Far Cry 5 and the nuclear “Collapse” that reshaped Hope County, Montana. However, the geographical isolation and unique political climate of Yara, the setting for Far Cry 6, allowed it to remain largely unaffected by the Collapse, creating a narrative that feels somewhat disconnected from the immediate consequences seen in Far Cry New Dawn. This has led to some confusion among players, but the timeline is consistent within the Far Cry universe.
Understanding the Far Cry Timeline
The Far Cry series, while often featuring standalone stories, does have an underlying interconnectedness. While you don’t need to play one game to understand another, knowing the chronological order can enrich your experience. The key is understanding how each game addresses or ignores previous events.
The timeline can be visualized as follows:
- Far Cry 5 (2018): The seeds of destruction are sown in Hope County, leading to the “Collapse”.
- Far Cry New Dawn (Set 17 years after Far Cry 5): A direct sequel showing the post-apocalyptic rebuilding of Hope County.
- Far Cry 6 (2021): Set three years after Far Cry 5, in Yara, a nation untouched by the Collapse due to its geographical isolation.
The “Collapse” is the major point of divergence. While it directly impacts Hope County and is the central theme of Far Cry New Dawn, its effect on the wider world is more subtle. This allows Far Cry 6 to tell its own story without being completely defined by the nuclear fallout.
Dissecting the Disconnect: Why Doesn’t Far Cry 6 Feel Like a Post-Apocalyptic World?
This is the central question that fuels the debate. Yara’s isolation is the key. The game’s narrative focuses on a guerilla revolution against a ruthless dictator, Antón Castillo. Nuclear fallout isn’t really a factor. There are several reasons for this:
- Geographical Location: Yara, inspired by Cuba, is an island nation. The effects of nuclear fallout are often localized.
- Economic Sanctions: Yara had already been struggling economically before the Collapse.
- Narrative Focus: The story prioritizes the political turmoil and revolution over the state of the outside world.
- In-game references: While not a main plot point, Far Cry 6 does reference events in Far Cry 5.
While some players might find this jarring, it’s a narrative choice that allows Far Cry 6 to tell a compelling story without being shackled to the post-apocalyptic setting. Furthermore, this allows other parts of the world in the Far Cry universe to tell their unique story.
The Allure of an Interconnected Universe
Despite the inconsistencies, there’s a definite appeal to having an interconnected Far Cry universe. It allows for:
- Returning Characters: While the main characters rarely cross over, smaller characters or references can appear across different games.
- Shared Lore: Understanding the backstory and the wider context of the Far Cry universe can make each game more immersive. The Games Learning Society explores the impact of this in their research.
- Potential Future Crossovers: The possibility of future games directly linking the storylines together is always there. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies how these interconnections are perceived and their educational and engagement value.
It’s important to remember that Far Cry, at its core, is about telling gripping stories in exotic locations with compelling villains. The interconnectedness is more of a bonus than a necessity.
Is Far Cry 6 Worth Playing?
Absolutely. The game offers a vast open world, engaging combat, a compelling story (even if it’s politically charged), and a memorable villain. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, Far Cry 6 provides a rich and rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Far Cry 5 take place before or after Far Cry 6?
Far Cry 5 takes place before Far Cry 6. Far Cry 5 is set in 2018, while Far Cry 6 is set in 2021.
2. Is Far Cry New Dawn a sequel to Far Cry 6?
No, Far Cry New Dawn is a direct sequel to Far Cry 5 and takes place 17 years after the events of Far Cry 5. It is not directly related to Far Cry 6.
3. Is Far Cry 6 a prequel to Far Cry 3?
There’s a popular fan theory that Diego Castillo, Antón Castillo’s son in Far Cry 6, is a younger version of Vaas Montenegro from Far Cry 3. While there are similarities, this has never been officially confirmed by Ubisoft.
4. Does the ending of Far Cry 5 affect Far Cry 6?
Not directly. The “Collapse” from Far Cry 5 is referenced in Far Cry 6, but Yara remains largely unaffected. You do not need to play FC 5 to understand the plot of FC 6.
5. Are all Far Cry games connected?
While some characters and themes might recur, each Far Cry game generally tells its own self-contained story. You don’t need to play them in any particular order.
6. Who is the main character in Far Cry 6?
The main character in Far Cry 6 is Dani Rojas, a guerilla fighter who can be male or female depending on your choice at the beginning of the game.
7. Where does Far Cry 6 take place?
Far Cry 6 takes place in Yara, a fictional Caribbean island nation inspired by Cuba.
8. Why is there no character customization in Far Cry 6 like in Far Cry 5?
Unlike Far Cry 5, Far Cry 6 has a fixed protagonist, Dani Rojas, with a defined backstory and personality.
9. Is Far Cry 6 better than Far Cry 5?
Whether Far Cry 6 is “better” is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Some players prefer the more open-ended story progression and mission structure of Far Cry 6, while others prefer the setting and characters of Far Cry 5.
10. Can you play as the villains in Far Cry 6?
Yes, you can play as the villains from previous Far Cry games in the DLC episodes included in the Season Pass.
11. What happened to the Deputy from Far Cry 5?
The fate of the Deputy from Far Cry 5 is left ambiguous, but they are presumed to be dead after being locked in Joseph Seed’s bunker during the nuclear “Collapse”.
12. In what year is Far Cry 5 set?
Far Cry 5 is set in September 2018.
13. Is Hurk from other Far Cry games in Far Cry 5?
Yes, Hurk Drubman Jr., a recurring character in the Far Cry series, appears in Far Cry 5.
14. Which Far Cry 5 ending is considered canon?
The “resist” ending, where the player refuses to arrest Joseph Seed, is considered the canon ending by the developers.
15. Should I play Far Cry 5 before Far Cry 6?
While not essential, playing Far Cry 5 before Far Cry 6 can enhance your understanding of certain references and the overall lore of the Far Cry universe.