Diving Deep into “Hours of Darkness”: The First DLC for Far Cry 5
The first DLC released for Far Cry 5 is “Hours of Darkness”. This DLC transports players from the familiar landscapes of Hope County, Montana, to the dense, dangerous jungles of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
A Journey Back in Time: Exploring “Hours of Darkness”
“Hours of Darkness” offers a stark departure from the core Far Cry 5 experience. Instead of battling cultists in modern-day America, players assume the role of Wendell Redler, a soldier who finds himself stranded behind enemy lines after his helicopter is shot down. The core gameplay loop revolves around survival, stealth, and extraction, forcing players to adapt to a significantly different environment and set of challenges.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
The DLC introduces several unique gameplay mechanics that distinguish it from the main game. Stealth becomes paramount, as Redler is significantly outgunned and outnumbered. Players must rely on their wits and cunning to navigate the dense jungle, utilizing camouflage, silenced weapons, and the element of surprise to survive.
A key feature of “Hours of Darkness” is the Perk system, which rewards players for specific playstyles. Staying undetected for extended periods grants access to enhanced stealth abilities, while racking up headshot kills unlocks improved weapon handling. Rescuing fellow prisoners of war (POWs) provides access to additional perks and resources.
The environment itself is a major factor. The dense foliage provides ample opportunities for concealment, but also makes it difficult to spot enemies. The dynamic weather system, featuring heavy rain and thick fog, further complicates matters, reducing visibility and increasing the tension.
Story and Narrative
While the gameplay is a major draw, the narrative of “Hours of Darkness” offers a compelling, albeit brief, story. Wendell Redler’s struggle for survival is a gripping tale of resilience and resourcefulness. The DLC explores themes of trauma, loss, and the brutal realities of war. Dialogue is minimal, but the atmosphere and environmental storytelling effectively convey the emotional weight of Redler’s situation. Finding and rescuing POWs also adds to the story and gives more background.
Is “Hours of Darkness” Worth Playing?
Ultimately, whether “Hours of Darkness” is worth playing depends on individual preferences. It’s a solid DLC that provides a decent amount of content for the price. If you’re seeking a more challenging and stealth-focused Far Cry experience, or if you’re interested in a Vietnam War setting, “Hours of Darkness” is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer the bombastic action and open-world freedom of the main game, you might find it less appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Far Cry 5 DLCs
1. What are all the DLCs for Far Cry 5?
Besides “Hours of Darkness”, the other two main DLCs for Far Cry 5 are “Lost on Mars” and “Dead Living Zombies”.
2. In what order were the Far Cry 5 DLCs released?
The release order was: 1) “Hours of Darkness”, 2) “Lost on Mars”, and 3) “Dead Living Zombies”.
3. Are the Far Cry 5 DLCs canon?
Only “Hours of Darkness” has hints that it could be canon. “Dead Living Zombies” is explicitly non-canon, presented as pitches for zombie movies, and “Lost on Mars”, while fun, is a wildly fantastical sci-fi adventure.
4. Are the Far Cry 5 DLCs included in the Gold Edition?
Yes, the Far Cry 5 Gold Edition includes all three DLCs: “Hours of Darkness”, “Lost on Mars”, and “Dead Living Zombies”.
5. How long does it take to beat “Hours of Darkness”?
The main story of “Hours of Darkness” typically takes around 3-5 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and difficulty setting.
6. What weapons are available in “Hours of Darkness”?
“Hours of Darkness” features a limited selection of weapons appropriate for the Vietnam War setting, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, and sidearms. You can also unlock weapons and other gear that can then be used in the main Far Cry 5 campaign.
7. Can you play “Hours of Darkness” in co-op?
No, “Hours of Darkness” is a single-player experience only.
8. What new enemies are featured in “Hours of Darkness”?
The DLC introduces Viet Cong soldiers as the primary antagonists, as well as wild animals like tigers and snakes that pose a threat in the jungle.
9. Does completing “Hours of Darkness” unlock anything in the main Far Cry 5 game?
Yes, completing certain objectives in “Hours of Darkness”, such as rescuing POWs, unlocks new weapons and companions that can be used in the main Far Cry 5 campaign.
10. Is “Hours of Darkness” a difficult DLC?
“Hours of Darkness” is considered more challenging than the main Far Cry 5 game due to its emphasis on stealth and limited resources. However, skillful players can certainly overcome the odds.
11. How does “Hours of Darkness” tie into the main Far Cry 5 story?
The DLC provides some backstory and context for Wendell Redler, a character who appears briefly in the main Far Cry 5 campaign. It also offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped his worldview.
12. Is “Hours of Darkness” historically accurate?
While “Hours of Darkness” is set during the Vietnam War, it’s not intended to be a historically accurate representation of the conflict. It’s more of a stylized action-adventure experience inspired by war movies and popular culture.
13. What are the main differences between “Hours of Darkness” and the main Far Cry 5 game?
The main differences include the setting (Vietnam War versus modern-day Montana), the focus on stealth gameplay, the limited resources, and the linear story structure.
14. Where does “Hours of Darkness” fit in the Far Cry timeline?
“Hours of Darkness” takes place chronologically before the events of Far Cry 5, as it depicts Wendell Redler’s experiences in the Vietnam War before he returns to Hope County.
15. How does “Hours of Darkness” contribute to the overall Far Cry narrative?
While not directly impacting the main story, it contributes by fleshing out characters and exploring the themes of conflict and trauma that are central to the Far Cry series. The DLC gives players the chance to experience a very different landscape and playstyle, expanding the universe in new directions.
Conclusion
“Hours of Darkness” provides a unique and engaging experience within the Far Cry 5 universe. While it deviates from the open-world freedom of the main game, its emphasis on stealth, survival, and a gripping narrative makes it a worthwhile addition for fans of the series. It is interesting to see how games like Far Cry are being studied and analyzed academically to understand what makes a quality game by organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can find out more about that and other game related topics by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.