Far Cry 4 vs. Far Cry 5: Which Open-World Adventure Reigns Supreme?

The question isn’t so simple, as the “best” Far Cry game is subjective and depends heavily on individual player preferences. However, analyzing the critical elements, including world-building, gameplay mechanics, story, and overall atmosphere, reveals a nuanced picture. While Far Cry 5 boasts refined gameplay and a captivating open world, Far Cry 4 excels with its immersive world-building and compelling narrative. Both games offer hours of addicting and thrilling gameplay, so the choice ultimately hinges on what aspects of an open-world shooter resonate most with you. If you favor a deeply immersive and culturally rich experience, Far Cry 4 might be your pick. If you prefer refined mechanics, a modern setting, and a disturbing yet compelling story, Far Cry 5 would likely be a better choice.

Diving Deeper: A Detailed Comparison

Let’s break down the key differences that make each game unique:

World and Atmosphere

• Far Cry 4: Transports players to Kyrat, a fictional Himalayan country steeped in rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. The environment feels incredibly alive, with vibrant colors, authentic architecture, and a palpable sense of history. The world-building is undeniably superior, drawing players into a deeply immersive experience that feels culturally authentic.
• Far Cry 5: Places you in Hope County, Montana, a contemporary American setting overrun by a religious cult. While the scenery is stunning, capturing the natural beauty of rural Montana, it lacks the cultural depth and exotic appeal of Kyrat. The atmosphere is undoubtedly unsettling, reflecting the game’s themes of fanaticism and paranoia.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Far Cry 4: Retains many of the core mechanics of its predecessor, Far Cry 3, while introducing new features like the gyrocopter and the ability to ride elephants. The radio tower system for unlocking the map is a classic Far Cry mechanic. While fun for some, it can feel repetitive for others.
• Far Cry 5: Streamlines the gameplay experience, removing the radio towers in favor of discovering points of interest through exploration and interacting with NPCs. It also introduces a squad-based system, allowing players to recruit companions with unique abilities to assist in combat. The gameplay feels more fluid and modern. The combat system in Far Cry 5 is often regarded as the best in the series.

Story and Characters

• Far Cry 4: Features a story centered around Ajay Ghale, who returns to Kyrat to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. He becomes embroiled in a civil war between the Golden Path, a rebel group, and the tyrannical ruler, Pagan Min. The narrative explores themes of identity, legacy, and the complexities of political conflict.
• Far Cry 5: Tells the story of a junior deputy sheriff tasked with arresting Joseph Seed, the leader of a doomsday cult known as Eden’s Gate. The story is disturbing and thought-provoking, exploring themes of religious extremism, free will, and the erosion of society. The antagonists are exceptionally memorable.

Difficulty

• Far Cry 4: Can feel somewhat easier than Far Cry 5 once the radio towers are unlocked and fast travel becomes readily available. However, playing without relying on fast travel offers a more challenging and immersive experience.
• Far Cry 5: Offers a more consistent level of challenge throughout the game, particularly in the early stages. The AI of the enemies can be more aggressive, requiring players to utilize stealth and tactical thinking to succeed.

Length

• Both Far Cry 4 and Far Cry 5 offer roughly the same playtime. Focusing on the main story takes around 17.5-18 hours, while achieving 100% completion requires approximately 46-47 hours. The total playtime for all Far Cry games can vary significantly.

Making the Choice: Consider Your Priorities

To make an informed decision, consider these factors:

• Setting: Do you prefer the exotic and culturally rich setting of the Himalayas (Far Cry 4) or the contemporary and unsettling atmosphere of rural Montana (Far Cry 5)?
• Gameplay: Do you enjoy the classic Far Cry mechanics, like radio towers and animal riding (Far Cry 4), or the more streamlined and squad-based gameplay of Far Cry 5?
• Story: Are you drawn to stories about political conflict and cultural identity (Far Cry 4) or narratives exploring religious extremism and societal breakdown (Far Cry 5)?

Ultimately, both Far Cry 4 and Far Cry 5 are excellent open-world shooters that offer hours of entertainment. The best choice for you depends on your personal preferences and what you value most in a gaming experience. Many argue that Far Cry 3 is a standout title as well, solidifying the Far Cry series. Learning more about gaming as a medium can also be explored through resources like the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.