Far Cry New Dawn: Untangling its Place in the Twisted Timeline
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Far Cry’s narrative landscape is, to put it mildly, a fascinating mess. While Ubisoft has confirmed that all Far Cry games exist within a shared universe, they operate on different timelines. This means that events in one game don’t necessarily dictate the fate of others. Far Cry New Dawn fits directly into this framework as a direct sequel to Far Cry 5, specifically picking up after the “Resist” ending, considered the canon ending, where Joseph Seed’s predictions of a nuclear apocalypse come to pass. Therefore, New Dawn unfolds a post-apocalyptic scenario 17 years after the bombs drop in Hope County, Montana.
A Post-Apocalyptic Hope County
New Dawn isn’t just a reskin of Far Cry 5; it’s a continuation. The familiar landscape of Hope County is drastically altered by the nuclear fallout, now teeming with vibrant, albeit mutated, flora and fauna. The game explores the rebuilding efforts of survivors, centered around the township of Prosperity, and the emergence of new threats like the Highwaymen, led by the ruthless Mickey and Lou. Joseph Seed, now an enigmatic figure known as “The Father,” also returns, further complicating the already fractured world.
Unpacking the Timeline Conundrum
The key to understanding New Dawn’s place is recognizing its dependence on the nuclear apocalypse of Far Cry 5. The collapse of society, the mutated environment, and the remnants of the Seed family are all direct consequences of that ending. Other Far Cry games, such as Far Cry 6, exist on separate timelines, meaning the events of Far Cry 5 don’t necessarily impact them. It’s a multiverse approach, allowing each game to explore different themes and scenarios while remaining loosely connected under the Far Cry umbrella.
How does this affect the rest of the series?
Far Cry’s timeline approach, while interesting, can also be confusing. Far Cry 6 is set in 2021, and on another timeline unaffected by “The Collapse.” This is due to its geographical isolation and economic sanctions. What this means is that the Far Cry games are loosely connected, and can be played independently of one another.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Far Cry New Dawn and its Place in the Timeline
1. Is Far Cry New Dawn a sequel to Far Cry 5?
Yes, Far Cry New Dawn is a direct sequel to Far Cry 5, set 17 years after one of the possible endings of that game.
2. Which Far Cry 5 ending is canon for New Dawn?
The “Resist” ending, where Joseph Seed’s prophecy of nuclear devastation comes true, is considered the canon ending that leads into the events of Far Cry New Dawn. This is where Joseph Seed sets off a nuclear war.
3. Does Far Cry 6 take place after New Dawn?
No. Far Cry 6 occurs on a different timeline. It’s set in 2021, before the events of Far Cry 5’s nuclear explosion and Far Cry New Dawn’s post-apocalyptic setting.
4. Is Far Cry New Dawn a standalone game or a DLC?
Far Cry New Dawn is a standalone title, although it uses the same map as Far Cry 5 with significant alterations to reflect the post-apocalyptic setting.
5. What is “The Collapse” mentioned in relation to Far Cry 5?
“The Collapse” refers to the nuclear exchange that devastates Hope County at the end of Far Cry 5, triggering the post-apocalyptic world depicted in Far Cry New Dawn.
6. Does Far Cry New Dawn require playing Far Cry 5 to understand the story?
While not strictly necessary, playing Far Cry 5 enhances the experience of New Dawn. Knowing the characters, locations, and history of Hope County provides a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
7. What are the main differences between Far Cry 5 and Far Cry New Dawn?
Besides the setting and story, New Dawn introduces light RPG elements like tiered enemies and weapons, as well as expeditions to new locations outside of Hope County. The overall tone is also more vibrant and colorful compared to Far Cry 5’s more grounded approach.
8. Is Joseph Seed the villain in Far Cry New Dawn?
While Joseph Seed was the primary antagonist in Far Cry 5, his role in New Dawn is more complex. He acts as an important part of the storyline.
9. Who are the Highwaymen in Far Cry New Dawn?
The Highwaymen, led by the twins Mickey and Lou, are the main antagonists in Far Cry New Dawn. They are a brutal gang of raiders who seek to dominate the post-apocalyptic world.
10. Do any characters from Far Cry 5 appear in New Dawn?
Yes, several characters from Far Cry 5, including Joseph Seed, Nick Rye, and Grace Armstrong, reappear in Far Cry New Dawn. The protagonist from Far Cry 5, the Deputy, does not appear, but is stated to be dead.
11. Is Far Cry New Dawn considered canon to the Far Cry series as a whole?
Yes, Far Cry New Dawn is considered canon, but only to the specific timeline established by the “Resist” ending of Far Cry 5. It doesn’t necessarily affect the events or timelines of other Far Cry games.
12. What is the relationship between Far Cry New Dawn and the other Far Cry DLCs (Dead Living Zombies, Hours of Darkness, Lost on Mars)?
Far Cry 5’s DLCs are generally considered non-canon, existing outside the main timeline. Far Cry New Dawn, however, is a full-fledged sequel and thus considered canon to its specific Far Cry 5 timeline.
13. Where does Far Cry Primal fit into the overall Far Cry timeline?
Far Cry Primal is so far removed in time from the other Far Cry games (set in the Mesolithic era) that it’s effectively on its own separate timeline, sharing only the branding and gameplay mechanics of the series.
14. With the different timelines, is it possible for characters from different Far Cry games to ever meet?
While not explicitly ruled out, the different timeline approach makes it unlikely for characters from different Far Cry games to directly interact within the main narrative.
15. Where can I learn more about the Far Cry Universe and game design?
For insights into the broader Far Cry universe and the educational aspects of game design, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This platform offers valuable information on how games like Far Cry can be used as learning tools and how game design principles impact player engagement.
Final Thoughts
Far Cry New Dawn is a direct sequel to Far Cry 5 and operates within the “Resist” ending timeline. The post-apocalyptic nature of the setting distinguishes it from other Far Cry games that exist on separate timelines. Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the often-complex world of the Far Cry universe. While each game is a separate story, it is important to understand the interconnectedness of each game.