The Walk Away Ending: What Happens When You Choose to Leave Far Cry 5?
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Choosing to walk away at the climax of Far Cry 5 presents a significantly different outcome compared to the “resist” ending. Instead of triggering a nuclear apocalypse and a prolonged, unsettling captivity, the “walk away” option sees you, the Rookie deputy, and your fellow law enforcement officers – Sheriff Whitehorse, Deputy Pratt, and Deputy Hudson – packing into a truck and leaving Hope County. The intention is to drive towards Missoula, presumably to contact the National Guard and request intervention to deal with Joseph Seed and his cult, Eden’s Gate. While seemingly a peaceful resolution on the surface, the “walk away” ending is far from a happy one, riddled with ambiguity and foreshadowing of future tragedy. The ending cuts to black as the song “Only You” plays, eventually distorted as nuclear explosions begin, strongly implying that the nukes fell anyway.
The Immediate Aftermath: A False Sense of Security
The initial moments of the “walk away” ending offer a sense of relief. After enduring the constant violence and psychological manipulation of Joseph Seed and his siblings – John, Faith, and Jacob Seed – escaping Hope County seems like a victory. The air is thick with tension as the deputies discuss their next move, but there’s a palpable feeling that they’ve made the right choice, averting further bloodshed, at least for the time being.
However, this sense of security is quickly shattered. The game’s audio begins to distort, and the radio news shifts from mundane reports to increasingly panicked announcements about escalating international tensions. The music, initially a soothing rendition of “Only You,” slowly becomes twisted and warped, mirroring the impending doom.
The Nuclear Threat: Inevitable Disaster
The most chilling aspect of the “walk away” ending is the unmistakable implication that Joseph Seed’s apocalyptic prophecies were correct. As the truck speeds towards Missoula, the radio warnings intensify, culminating in the distinct sounds of nuclear explosions. The screen fades to black, leaving the fate of the deputies, Hope County, and the wider world hanging in the balance.
This ending highlights the inherent futility of choosing inaction in the face of extremism. While resisting Joseph Seed leads to immediate conflict and harrowing consequences, choosing to walk away doesn’t prevent the impending disaster. It merely delays the inevitable and perhaps seals the fate of those left behind in Hope County.
What Does It All Mean?: Themes of Choice and Fate
The “walk away” ending serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of choice and the potential consequences of inaction. It suggests that sometimes, doing nothing is the worst possible choice, even if it appears to be the safest option. It’s an exploration of the complex moral dilemmas that arise when facing seemingly insurmountable threats. Is resisting an impossible situation a noble act of defiance, or a reckless gamble that only exacerbates the crisis? Is escaping and seeking external help an act of cowardice, or a pragmatic decision to secure a better outcome?
This ambiguous ending aligns with the overall tone of Far Cry 5, which deliberately avoids offering easy answers or clear-cut moral judgements. It forces players to grapple with the complexities of the situation and consider the potential repercussions of their decisions, even when those decisions seem rational and justified.
Ultimately, the “walk away” ending underscores the tragic irony of Far Cry 5. The desire to avoid conflict and preserve peace ultimately leads to a catastrophic outcome, raising profound questions about the nature of responsibility and the limits of human agency in the face of overwhelming forces.
The Canon Ending: Implications for Far Cry: New Dawn
While the “walk away” ending offers a grim perspective, it’s important to note that the “resist” ending is considered the canon ending by the developers. This means that the events of Far Cry: New Dawn, the direct sequel to Far Cry 5, are predicated on the “resist” ending, in which the nukes fall and Joseph Seed survives in Dutch’s bunker with you.
This doesn’t invalidate the “walk away” ending, but it does provide context for understanding the broader narrative arc of the Far Cry series. The decision to make the “resist” ending canon suggests that the developers intended to explore the long-term consequences of confronting extremism and rebuilding in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. The Games Learning Society might even analyze the narrative choices in Far Cry 5 and New Dawn to explore how games can teach players about conflict resolution, moral decision-making, and societal resilience. You can learn more about their research at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the “walk away” ending of Far Cry 5:
Can I change my choice after selecting the “walk away” option?
No, once you choose to walk away, the ending sequence begins, and you cannot revert to an earlier save to make a different choice.
Does the “walk away” ending prevent the nukes from falling?
No, the “walk away” ending strongly implies that the nukes still fall, despite your attempt to leave Hope County.
Is the “walk away” ending considered the “good” ending?
The “walk away” ending is arguably not a “good” ending, as it leads to a likely nuclear apocalypse. Both endings in Far Cry 5 are somewhat bleak.
How does the “walk away” ending affect the story of Far Cry: New Dawn?
The “walk away” ending is not canon, so it does not directly influence the story of Far Cry: New Dawn. Far Cry: New Dawn follows the “resist” ending.
What happens to Joseph Seed in the “walk away” ending?
The fate of Joseph Seed is uncertain in the “walk away” ending. It’s assumed that he survives within Hope County, awaiting the impending nuclear fallout.
Can you avoid the final confrontation with Joseph Seed?
No, the final confrontation is unavoidable. You will be presented with the choice to resist or walk away.
Does choosing to “walk away” save any of the characters?
While it initially seems like choosing to walk away might save you and the other deputies, the nuclear fallout makes their survival unlikely.
Is there a secret ending in Far Cry 5 that avoids the nukes?
No, there isn’t a secret ending that avoids the nuclear explosions. Both main endings lead to catastrophic outcomes. However, there is a secret early ending.
What is the secret early ending in Far Cry 5?
If, at the very beginning of the game, you simply do not arrest Joseph Seed, then Sheriff Whitehorse will order the group to leave him be. Then the credits roll.
Is it possible to save Eli in Far Cry 5?
No, it’s not possible to save Eli. The game forces you to either shoot him or let the timer run out, resulting in a game over either way.
Which ending of Far Cry 5 is the most depressing?
Both endings are depressing in their own way, with the “resist” ending being horrific in its immediacy while the “walk away” ending is horrific in its implication. Which is more depressing depends on the player.
What is the Collapse in Far Cry 5?
The Collapse refers to the global nuclear catastrophe that occurs during the events of Far Cry 5.
Does my gender choice affect the ending of Far Cry 5?
No, your choice of gender for the Rookie deputy does not affect the ending of Far Cry 5.
Are there any mods that change the ending of Far Cry 5?
Yes, there are likely mods available that alter or remove the ending sequences of Far Cry 5, but using them may affect the gameplay experience and save data.
Does Far Cry 5 have any connection to real-world events?
Far Cry 5 draws inspiration from real-world events, such as the rise of extremist groups and increasing political polarization.
Hopefully, these FAQs provide some clarity on the “walk away” ending and its implications within the narrative of Far Cry 5.