What if I Don’t Cuff the Father? Exploring Far Cry 5’s Secret Ending

So, you’re staring down Joseph Seed, the charismatic and terrifying leader of Eden’s Gate, in the opening moments of Far Cry 5. He stands there, arms outstretched, seemingly inviting you to arrest him. But a nagging thought creeps in: what happens if I just…don’t?

Well, friend, if you resist the urge to slap those cuffs on Joseph Seed, you unlock one of the game’s secret endings. Instead of the explosive, action-packed narrative that follows, you’re treated to a surprisingly subdued and unsettling conclusion. Let me break it down for you:

After a few minutes of tense silence, with Joseph remaining eerily calm and the button prompt stubbornly absent, the sheriff, your superior, approaches you. He instructs you and the other deputies to stand down, to recognize that forcing the issue right then and there would be a mistake. He orders everyone to leave the Eden’s Gate compound. The game then cuts to a scene of you and your fellow law enforcement officers driving away. The credits roll.

That’s it. No sprawling open world to explore. No cultists to liberate. No dramatic showdowns. Just the haunting realization that you walked away from a powder keg about to explode.

This alternate ending serves as a chilling commentary on the complexities of law enforcement and the dangers of escalating a situation prematurely. It highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of power and the weight of their decisions. It’s a stark contrast to the typical bombastic Far Cry experience, offering a moment of quiet contemplation before plunging you into the chaos that awaits should you choose to arrest Joseph Seed.

This secret ending is not necessarily considered a “good” or “bad” ending. It’s simply an alternate one, a “what if” scenario that provides a unique perspective on the game’s themes and narrative. It’s a testament to the power of choice, even in a seemingly linear story.

Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further explore this fascinating aspect of Far Cry 5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly triggers the secret ending?

The secret ending is triggered simply by not pressing the button to handcuff Joseph Seed at the beginning of the game. Just stand there and do nothing.

How long do I have to wait for the sheriff to tell me to leave?

You’ll need to wait approximately two to three minutes without attempting to arrest Joseph. Be patient, as the prompt to handcuff him never appears, and the scene unfolds gradually.

Is the secret ending considered the “bad” ending of Far Cry 5?

It’s not definitively considered the “bad” ending. The game presents a full narrative if you choose to resist and attempt the arrest. The ending most people see and associate as good or bad comes after completing the full storyline. The “walk away” option at the very beginning is a secret alternate ending. The “bad” ending more commonly refers to the conclusion where you resist Joseph but are ultimately captured after the nukes fall.

Does choosing the secret ending affect anything else in the game?

Choosing the secret ending immediately ends the game. You won’t have access to the open world, side quests, or any other gameplay elements.

Can I replay the game after getting the secret ending?

Absolutely! The game allows you to start a new campaign after viewing the secret ending, allowing you to experience the full story and gameplay.

Is there any way to save Eli in Far Cry 5?

Unfortunately, no, there is no way to save Eli. Whether you attempt to shoot him or let the timer run out, the outcome is the same: a game over.

Are there any other secret endings in Far Cry 5?

While the “don’t cuff Joseph” ending is the most well-known, there isn’t technically any other endings considered secret. The core endings depend on your choice to resist or walk away from Joseph at the end of the game.

Is Far Cry: New Dawn a direct sequel to Far Cry 5?

Yes, Far Cry: New Dawn is a direct sequel that takes place years after the events of Far Cry 5, following the aftermath of the nuclear apocalypse.

Are all Far Cry games connected in the same universe?

Yes, it’s confirmed that all Far Cry games exist within the same universe, but they often occur in different timelines or regions, with varying degrees of connectivity.

What happens if I resist Joseph Seed at the end of the game?

If you resist at the end, you get what is commonly considered the “bad” ending, where nukes fall. You may also be forever captured by Joseph Seed in Dutch’s bunker.

What happens if I walk away at the end of the game?

If you choose to walk away at the end, you and the other deputies leave. The story continues as the protagonist becomes increasingly erratic due to the Seed family’s influence, culminating in a violent act.

Can you avoid killing in Far Cry 5 altogether?

While you can attempt a stealthy playthrough, avoiding killing entirely is practically impossible. The game’s design heavily relies on combat scenarios.

Is Faith Seed Joseph Seed’s biological sister?

Faith Seed is not Joseph Seed’s biological sister, she is his adopted younger sister.

Who is the main villain in Far Cry 5?

Joseph Seed is the primary antagonist and the charismatic leader of the Project at Eden’s Gate cult.

How does the secret ending relate to the themes of the game?

The secret ending is a compelling commentary on authority, responsibility, and the potential consequences of inaction. It raises questions about whether direct confrontation is always the best approach, even when facing obvious evil. It touches on the idea that sometimes, the best course of action is to de-escalate, even if it means leaving a dangerous situation unresolved.

In conclusion, choosing not to handcuff Joseph Seed at the beginning of Far Cry 5 offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternate reality, a path not taken. It’s a bold move by the developers, showcasing their willingness to subvert expectations and challenge players to consider the nuances of their choices. So next time you fire up Far Cry 5, consider resisting the urge to cuff the Father. You might be surprised by what you discover. Understanding the choices and decisions we make in games, and the subsequent implications is something of interest to researchers, developers, and players alike. The Games Learning Society studies the ways in which games facilitate learning and engagement. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.