Who Kills Joseph Seed? Unraveling the Fate of the Father
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Ultimately, Joseph Seed’s death is determined by the player in Far Cry 5. There isn’t a single, pre-determined antagonist who ends his life. Instead, the game culminates in a choice for the player-controlled character, the Deputy, that dictates Joseph’s final moments. You, as the player, decide whether Joseph Seed lives or dies in the final confrontation of Far Cry 5. This pivotal decision shapes the end of his story in that game, though his impact and narrative continue into the subsequent game Far Cry New Dawn and further are explored in the Far Cry 6 DLC, Joseph: Collapse. Let’s explore the nuances of this controversial character’s end.
The Final Showdown in Far Cry 5
The core of this dilemma lies in the final moments of Far Cry 5. After an intense and traumatic campaign against Joseph Seed and his cult, the player is presented with a profound choice: kill him or let him live. This choice isn’t a passive moment in a cutscene; it is an active decision that you, as the player, make.
The Choice: Pull the Trigger or Walk Away
- The Option to Kill: If you choose to kill Joseph, you literally do so by aiming your gun at him and pulling the trigger. He doesn’t fight back; he pleads with you, even pressing your gun against his chest and whispering “release me”. The act of you pulling the trigger results in Joseph being shot directly in the chest and instantly dying. His body will fall to the ground, marking the end of his life in Far Cry 5.
- The Option to Let Live: Opting not to kill Joseph leaves him kneeling on the ground, repeatedly crying out for release. This decision, while seemingly merciful, is far from a happy ending. He is left to live with the weight of his crimes, haunted by his actions, yet alive. In this ending, he does not die in Far Cry 5.
The Aftermath of Both Choices
Regardless of which decision is made, the broader narrative of Far Cry 5 ends the same, and the game proceeds to the nuclear fallout ending. In the “kill” choice, if you return to the tree where Joseph Seed is left later, you will find that Ethan’s body is burned and merged with the tree, however, Joseph’s body is gone. This indicates that the cult members are still operating in a manner that respects their leader’s wishes and in a way they think will honor him, even in death. By leaving him alive, he will also eventually vanish and find his way north to the secluded sanctuary he later establishes in Far Cry New Dawn.
Joseph Seed’s Legacy Beyond Far Cry 5
While Joseph’s fate in Far Cry 5 is ultimately in the player’s hands, his story doesn’t conclude there. He reappears in Far Cry New Dawn, albeit in a different capacity, as the story explores his legacy and the impact his actions had on the world. It is revealed that he left his son, Ethan, in charge of New Eden, while he withdrew to a secluded sanctuary. In Far Cry New Dawn, the player does not kill Joseph Seed.
Furthermore, the Far Cry 6 DLC, Joseph: Collapse, delves into his psyche, offering further insight into his character and motivations. It shows the depths of his psychological and spiritual trauma. Through flashbacks, we witness the moment he loses his wife and child, and understand the true motivations behind the creation of Eden’s Gate. This DLC explores his internal struggles, blurring the lines between villainy and tragedy, demonstrating that even after his death, his legacy continues to challenge the player.
Is Joseph Seed Truly Evil?
The question of whether Joseph is truly evil is complex. While the game positions him as the primary antagonist, the narrative suggests a deeper and more nuanced picture. He is shown to be a violent and ruthless leader, but also a man consumed by his own distorted faith. His cult’s actions are devastating, yet he displays moments of mercy and even offers the player an opportunity to walk away. Joseph’s motivations are arguably more rooted in a twisted form of “saving” humanity than an outright desire to inflict harm, which is shown to be true by his own account in his personal journal. This complexity makes him a more intriguing villain and the decision of whether to kill him, more difficult for players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Joseph Seed and his fate, designed to provide further clarification and context:
What are the different endings of Far Cry 5?
Far Cry 5 has multiple endings, including the “resist” ending where the nukes fall and you are captured by Joseph in Dutch’s bunker, and the “walk away” ending where you and your fellow deputies plan to call the National Guard. There is also the ending where the player chooses to kill Joseph or let him live.
What happens if you cuff Joseph Seed?
Cuffing Joseph Seed in the game progresses the story normally and allows you to continue playing. This is not a final ending and leads to the player making a choice whether or not to kill him.
Did Joseph Seed nuke the world?
The nuke ending in Far Cry 5 is real, and although it is implied that Joseph himself did set off the nukes by using the cult’s control of three missile silos, it is not a result of a nuclear war.
What is the significance of Faith Seed in Joseph’s life?
Faith Seed is an adopted member of the Seed family, also known as Rachel Jessop. Joseph sees her as a replacement for his deceased wife, adding a disturbing element to his character.
Did Jacob Seed eat his friend?
Yes, Jacob Seed implies he had to eat his combat partner, Miller, when they ran out of food and water, showing the severity of their situation at the time.
What is Joseph Seed’s mental illness?
Joseph Seed is shown to be a psychopath who has no problem killing, torturing, and looting. However, he displays mercy to the player on multiple occasions.
Who is Joseph Seed’s son?
Ethan Seed is Joseph’s estranged son and the secondary antagonist of Far Cry New Dawn, where he leads New Eden after his father retreats. He also appears in Far Cry 6’s DLC Joseph: Collapse.
Why is the ending of Far Cry 5 considered bad?
The endings in Far Cry 5 are considered bad by many because they don’t make much narrative sense, often appearing abrupt and leaving many questions unanswered. They often fail to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Can you beat Jacob Seed without killing Eli?
No, if you fail to shoot Eli in the challenge with Jacob, the timer will just run out and you will fail, making it impossible to beat him without killing Eli.
Does Joseph Seed regret his actions?
According to Joseph’s diary, he regretted being tolerant of his siblings’ sinful ways, and in the Joseph: Collapse DLC, he realizes he was not God’s shepherd but caused much death and suffering.
Where is Faith Seed’s body located after her death?
While Faith’s body is not found after her death, her boss fight area and the pond in which she died are located near Faith’s Gate.
What happens if you leave Mickey alive in Far Cry 6?
If you leave Mickey alive in Far Cry 6, the ending of her mission is still the same. However, when you return to where her sister died, you will find her helmet and a note left at the same location.
Can you destroy the Joseph Seed statue?
Yes, you can destroy the Joseph Seed statue by shooting the main body on 3 sides and both arms. There are rocket launcher ammo located nearby on the cliffside.
What is the secret ending of the Joseph Seed DLC?
The secret ending references Joseph’s final call to his wife before realizing he’s lost her and his child. This is an emotional moment and reveals his wife’s name was also Faith.
Should I let Joseph Seed live?
Whether you choose to let Joseph Seed live or kill him is a personal choice, and the ending of Far Cry 5 is the same regardless. By letting him live, you leave him to suffer, while killing him provides a definite end to his immediate threat.
In conclusion, the fate of Joseph Seed is placed firmly in the player’s hands, providing a unique, albeit controversial, ending to the Far Cry 5 narrative. His story, however, extends beyond this game, ensuring that his impact is felt throughout the series. The ambiguity of his character allows players to question the nature of his actions and their own role in the narrative’s conclusion.