What Happens When You Start a New Game in Far Cry 5? A Deep Dive
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Starting a new game in Far Cry 5 essentially offers two distinct paths: a complete reset to experience the story and world anew, or engaging in New Game+ (NG+) mode, which allows you to replay the game with significant advantages from your previous playthrough. Choosing to start a new standard game will erase your current progress if you only have one save slot, placing you back at the very beginning on Dutch’s Island with none of your earned weapons, skills, or vehicles. Conversely, New Game+ allows you to relive the story with all your weapons, skills, vehicles, and money intact, providing a fresh perspective on the narrative.
The choice depends entirely on your goals. If you’re looking for a pure, unadulterated fresh start or want to experience a different difficulty level from the beginning, the standard new game is your go-to. If you’re seeking a more powerful replay where you can dominate the cult of Eden’s Gate with your accumulated arsenal, then New Game+ is the superior option.
Understanding Your Choices: Standard New Game vs. New Game+
The initial decision of starting a “new game” in Far Cry 5 splits into two distinct paths, each offering a unique experience for the player. It’s vital to comprehend the specifics of each pathway before committing, as they dictate the nature of your ensuing playthrough.
Standard New Game: A Clean Slate
- Complete Reset: Your progress, character development, and acquired assets are erased (if you only have one save slot). You start back at Dutch’s Island with the bare essentials.
- Fresh Narrative Experience: You can relive the story from scratch, potentially making different choices, exploring areas you missed, and experiencing the narrative in a new light.
- Difficulty Adjustment: You can select a new difficulty level from the start, providing a more challenging or relaxed experience compared to your previous playthrough.
New Game+ (NG+): Power-Up Your Replay
- Carryover of Progress: You retain all your weapons, vehicles, money, perks, and skill unlocks from your previous playthrough.
- Increased Difficulty Option: Unlocks the “Infamous” difficulty level, providing a significant challenge for seasoned players.
- New Customization Options: New outfits and customization options become available.
- Faster Companion Cooldowns: You can unlock faster cooldowns for your Guns for Hire, making them more readily available in combat.
- Upgradable Perks: Certain Perks can be upgraded.
- New Achievement: Unlock a new achievement.
Making the Right Choice for You
Selecting between a standard new game and New Game+ hinges on your desired gameplay experience.
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Choose a Standard New Game if:
- You want a completely fresh start, perhaps after a long break from the game.
- You want to experience the game on a different difficulty level from the beginning without being overpowered.
- You want to make different narrative choices and see how they impact the story.
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Choose New Game+ if:
- You enjoyed the game and want to replay it with all your unlocked gear and abilities.
- You seek a greater challenge and want to test your skills on “Infamous” difficulty.
- You want to experiment with different playstyles using your fully-equipped character.
- You want to unlock new customizations, achievements, or upgrade perks.
- You want a faster way to get your Guns for Hire.
Preparing for New Game Plus: A Checklist
Before embarking on a New Game+ playthrough, consider these steps to maximize your experience:
- Complete Side Missions and Collectibles: Gather any remaining collectibles, complete side missions, and explore the map thoroughly. This will give you a stronger start in New Game+.
- Maximize Perk Points: Spend any remaining perk points to unlock useful skills and abilities.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Purchase plenty of ammo, medkits, and crafting materials to prepare for the challenges ahead.
- Upgrade Your Favorite Weapons: Fully upgrade your preferred weapons and vehicles.
- Unlock All Guns for Hire: Unlock and level up all Guns for Hire to maximize your tactical options.
- Complete the Resist Ending: You can access New Game+ once you have completed the main story with the Resist ending.
FAQs: Starting Over in Far Cry 5
1. Does starting a new game in Far Cry 5 delete my old save?
If you only have one save slot, yes, starting a standard new game will overwrite your current progress. However, selecting New Game+ will create a separate save file, preserving your original game. You can have three saved games at a time.
2. What exactly carries over into New Game+ in Far Cry 5?
Your weapons, vehicles, money, perks, skill unlocks, clothing items, and unlocked Guns for Hire all carry over into New Game+.
3. What doesn’t carry over into New Game+ in Far Cry 5?
Mission progress, map discoveries, and quest-specific items do not carry over. The story resets completely.
4. How do I unlock New Game+ in Far Cry 5?
You unlock New Game+ by completing the main story with the “Resist” ending on any difficulty.
5. Does the difficulty increase in New Game+?
Yes, New Game+ unlocks the “Infamous” difficulty, offering a significantly harder challenge than the standard difficulties.
6. Do challenges reset in New Game+?
Yes, challenges reset in New Game+, allowing you to earn rewards and experience again.
7. Can I change the difficulty after starting New Game+?
No, you cannot change the difficulty after starting a New Game+ playthrough.
8. Can I skip cutscenes in New Game+?
Yes, you can skip cutscenes in New Game+, which can speed up your replay experience.
9. Is there a level cap in Far Cry 5?
There is technically no level cap in Far Cry 5, but the amount of new Perks that can be achieved is limited to the number of Challenges.
10. What’s the best way to prepare for New Game+?
Focus on completing side missions, collecting collectibles, maximizing perk points, stocking up on supplies, and upgrading your favorite weapons before starting New Game+.
11. How many save slots does Far Cry 5 have?
Far Cry 5 has three save slots available.
12. Can I play co-op in New Game+?
Yes, you can play co-op in New Game+ with friends who have also unlocked the mode.
13. Is New Game+ worth playing in Far Cry 5?
Yes, New Game+ is worth playing if you enjoyed Far Cry 5 and want to experience the game again with a powered-up character and a greater challenge.
14. What is the point of New Game Plus?
A New Game Plus, also New Game+ (NG+), is an unlockable video game mode available in some video games that allows the player to start a new game after they finish it at least once, where certain features in NG+ not normally available in a first playthrough are added, or where certain aspects of the finished game affect the new game, such as character levels and powers.
15. What are the benefits of New Game Plus in Far Cry 5?
To see 10 of the best things about New Game+ in Far Cry 5, keep reading!
1 You Keep Your Old Perks (And Unspent Points) 2 Other Perks Can Be Upgraded. 3 Guns For Hire Can Have A Faster Cooldown. 4 You Get A New Outfit For Completing It. 5 There’s A New Achievement. 6 Test Your Luck With Infamous Difficulty.
The Last Word
Ultimately, the decision to start a new game, whether a fresh run or a New Game+ adventure, depends on your individual preferences and gaming goals. Consider what you’re hoping to gain from the experience and choose the path that best aligns with your desires. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the series, Far Cry 5 provides a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed across multiple playthroughs. Don’t forget to explore the educational side of gaming, too, with resources like the Games Learning Society found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society can shed light on the cognitive and social benefits that can be realized through the design and use of digital games and simulations. Happy gaming!