Is Far Cry 6 Short? A Deep Dive into Gameplay Length and Content
No, Far Cry 6 is not a short game. In fact, among the titles in the Far Cry franchise, it leans toward the longer side, particularly if you aim for complete exploration and completion of all available content. The main story alone can take around 22.5 hours to complete on average, but that playtime can easily stretch to 37 hours or more if you delve into side missions, explore the vast open world, and engage with its various activities. For completionists, a full run can easily take over 44 hours. While some players might consider the core narrative experience concise, the sheer volume of optional content contributes significantly to the overall playtime. Compared to Far Cry New Dawn which takes about 11 hours to complete the story, Far Cry 6 is relatively long.
Understanding Far Cry 6’s Length: Factors to Consider
Several factors influence how long it takes to “finish” Far Cry 6. It’s not simply about reaching the credits; it’s about the individual player’s approach and the kind of experience they’re seeking.
Main Story vs. Completionist Run
As noted above, focusing solely on the main story quests will yield a significantly shorter playtime than attempting a completionist run. The main story takes around 22.5 hours to complete. A completionist run of Far Cry 6 can clock in at around 44.5 hours.
Open World Exploration
Yara, the game’s setting, is a massive open world ripe for exploration. Discovering hidden locations, stumbling upon random encounters, and simply traversing the landscape can easily add hours to your playtime. The map size is significant: at just over 12 square miles, Far Cry 6 is almost 2.2x bigger than Los Angeles International Airport.
Side Missions and Activities
Far Cry 6 is packed with side missions, treasure hunts, vehicle races, and other activities that extend the game’s lifespan considerably. Engaging in these diversions provides a richer understanding of Yara’s inhabitants and lore.
Difficulty Setting
While not as drastic as some games, the chosen difficulty setting can impact playtime. Higher difficulties might require more strategic planning, careful resource management, and repeated attempts at certain encounters, ultimately lengthening the game. However, according to some players the difficulty may be much higher in this iteration of Far Cry compared to previous games in the series.
Playstyle
A methodical player who carefully plans each encounter and explores every nook and cranny will naturally spend more time in the game than someone who rushes through the main objectives.
Is Far Cry 6’s Length Justified?
The question of whether Far Cry 6’s length is justified is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some players appreciate the expansive world and the abundance of content, viewing it as a worthwhile investment of their time. Others may find the sheer volume of activities overwhelming or repetitive, leading to a sense of “content bloat.”
While Far Cry 6 was maligned upon release, Ubisoft’s signature franchises continue to deliver on what the fans have come to expect. The sprawling sandbox provides tons of things to do.
Far Cry 6: More Than Just the Ending
It is important to note that Far Cry 6 doesn’t end with the credits. Upon finishing the game, players will experience a mysterious conversation that signifies the continuation of the narrative. Also, players can go back and keep playing after the ending of Far Cry 6.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Far Cry 6’s Length
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the issue of Far Cry 6’s length and overall gameplay experience:
1. What is the average playtime for Far Cry 6’s main story?
The average player finishes the main story in around 22.5 hours, according to HowLongtoBeat.
2. How long does it take to complete Far Cry 6 with all side content?
A completionist run, encompassing all side missions and activities, typically takes around 44.5 hours.
3. Is Far Cry 6 the longest game in the Far Cry series?
Yes, it is considered the longest Far Cry game in terms of overall playtime, especially for completionists.
4. How does Far Cry 6’s length compare to other open-world games?
Compared to some sprawling open-world RPGs like The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring, Far Cry 6’s length is moderate. However, it’s longer than many other action-adventure games.
5. Does the difficulty setting affect the game’s length?
Yes, playing on higher difficulty settings can increase playtime due to more challenging combat encounters.
6. Are there multiple endings in Far Cry 6?
Yes, Far Cry 6 has two endings.
7. Can you continue playing after completing the main story?
Yes, you can still play Far Cry 6 after ending.
8. Is Far Cry 6’s open world worth exploring?
Absolutely! Yara is a beautifully realized and richly detailed world filled with secrets, hidden locations, and interesting characters.
9. Does Far Cry 6 have a lot of repetitive content?
Some players feel that certain side activities can become repetitive, while others appreciate the consistent gameplay loop.
10. Will there be a Far Cry 7?
Yes, Far Cry 7 is scheduled to be released in Fall 2025.
11. How long will Far Cry 7 be?
The current in-game timer for Far Cry 7 will give the player 72 in-game hours to rescue their family, which should total around 24 hours in real-time.
12. What is the shortest Far Cry game?
Far Cry New Dawn is the shortest Far Cry game with an average playtime of around 11 hours.
13. Is Far Cry 6 a difficult game?
Some players have reported that Far Cry 6 is tougher than previous Far Cry games.
14. What is the oldest Far Cry Game?
Far Cry (2004) is the oldest game in the series.
15. Was Far Cry 6 successful?
Yes, Far Cry 6 was successful in terms of both critical and commercial performance.
In conclusion, Far Cry 6 is not a short game, but its length is greatly influenced by individual player choices and their approach to the open world and its many activities. Whether you consider it a welcome abundance of content or an overabundance of tasks, depends entirely on your personal preferences and playstyle. If you’re interested in learning more about game design and player engagement, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.