Why Did Far Cry 5 End Like That? Unpacking the Nuclear Fallout and Moral Ambiguity
Far Cry 5’s ending – or rather, endings – left many players scratching their heads, deeply disturbed, or even outright angry. The reason it ended the way it did boils down to a deliberate choice by the developers to explore themes of fanaticism, free will, and the futility of violence in the face of overwhelming ideological conviction. The game aimed to present a scenario where there were no easy answers, where even righteous resistance could lead to catastrophic consequences, and where the perceived villain might, in some twisted way, have been “right” all along. The endings, particularly the one where the nukes fall, force players to confront the unsettling notion that their actions, however justified, ultimately contributed to a far greater tragedy. The game wanted to make a statement beyond simple good versus evil, leaving a lasting, and uncomfortable, impression.
The Intentional Unsettling of Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 deliberately eschewed the typical video game power fantasy to delve into uncomfortable territory. Instead of a clear victory, players were presented with a range of outcomes, none of which offered a truly satisfying resolution. This narrative choice was not accidental; it stemmed from a desire to make players question their actions and the underlying motivations of both themselves and the game’s antagonists.
Exploring Moral Ambiguity
The Seeds are undeniably monstrous, yet Far Cry 5 hints that Joseph might have foreseen a coming catastrophe. Whether this was divine insight or manipulative paranoia is left deliberately ambiguous. The game wants us to consider if our actions, fueled by righteous anger, inadvertently validated his fears and accelerated the very apocalypse he prophesied. This ambiguity is crucial to understanding why the ending feels so jarring. It challenges the player’s assumptions about good and evil, right and wrong.
The Futility of Resistance
The “resist” ending is particularly bleak. Even after fighting tooth and nail against Joseph Seed and his cult, the world is plunged into nuclear war. The player, having resisted Joseph, is now trapped in his bunker, becoming a part of his twisted “family.” This ending underscores the idea that violence, even when justified, can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to unintended and devastating consequences. It highlights the powerlessness of the individual against larger forces, whether those forces are religious extremism, political instability, or simply the inevitability of human conflict.
A Critique of the Player’s Agency
The “walk away” ending, though seemingly offering a path to safety, is equally unsettling. The Deputy and his companions escape, but the seeds of paranoia and indoctrination have already been sown. The final moments, with the Deputy succumbing to Joseph’s conditioning triggered by the song “Only You,” suggest that the cult’s influence lingers, even beyond Hope County. This challenges the player’s sense of agency, implying that even by choosing to avoid conflict, they cannot escape the pervasive influence of Joseph Seed and his ideology.
The “True” Ending and Its Implications
According to the developers, the “resist” ending is considered the canon ending. This choice is significant. It reinforces the game’s central theme: the cyclical nature of violence and the difficulty of breaking free from ideological control. By making the most catastrophic ending the “true” one, the developers emphasize the tragic consequences of escalating conflict and the enduring power of extremist beliefs. This narrative decision ensures that Far Cry 5 is remembered not as a simple action game, but as a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of fanaticism and the limitations of human agency.
The themes explored in Far Cry 5 also resonate with discussions happening in academic circles. The Games Learning Society offers a venue for examining these complexities in gaming. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Far Cry 5’s Ending
1. Is Far Cry 5’s ending bad?
The ending isn’t objectively “bad,” but it is deliberately unsettling and divisive. It defies typical video game conventions by refusing to offer a clear-cut victory or a satisfying resolution. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to provoke thought and discussion, rather than providing a comfortable, escapist experience. Many players find it narratively unsatisfying due to the lack of closure and the seemingly random appearance of nuclear war.
2. What happened between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn?
Between Far Cry 5 and New Dawn, “The Collapse” occurred, a nuclear war that devastated the world. New Dawn takes place 17 years after this event, showing the rebuilding efforts and the rise of new factions in a post-apocalyptic Hope County.
3. Can you continue Far Cry 5 after the ending?
Yes, after completing the main story, you can continue exploring Hope County and completing any remaining side missions or collectible hunts. You can also start a New Game+, which allows you to replay the game with all your unlocked weapons and skills, and on a new, higher difficulty level called Infamous.
4. What is the secret ending of Joseph Seed?
The secret ending is more of a reference that ties the games together. In Far Cry 6, you get more information about his past, particularly his relationship with his wife, Faith.
5. What happens if you leave Joseph Seed alive?
If you choose the “walk away” option and leave Joseph Seed alive, you and your fellow deputies escape, but the ending is far from happy. As you drive away, the Deputy succumbs to Joseph’s mind control due to the song “Only You” playing on the radio, implying that the cult’s influence remains, even outside Hope County.
6. Did Joseph Seed cause the nukes?
The game leaves this intentionally ambiguous. It’s heavily implied that the Collapse was a global event triggered by escalating tensions between world powers. While Joseph Seed didn’t directly launch the nukes, his actions and rhetoric arguably contributed to the sense of impending doom and social breakdown that preceded the nuclear war. He successfully predicted it, which only strengthened his cult’s power.
7. Can you avoid killing Eli?
No, there is no way to save Eli in Far Cry 5. The game forces you to make a choice that ultimately leads to his death, either by shooting him yourself or allowing the clock to run down, resulting in a game over.
8. Which Far Cry 5 ending is canon?
The developers have confirmed that the “resist” ending, where you fight Joseph Seed and the nukes eventually fall, is the canon ending. This is the ending that Far Cry: New Dawn directly follows.
9. Why is Far Cry 5 controversial?
Far Cry 5 was controversial due to its setting in a fictionalized Montana, depicting a heavily armed, religious extremist cult. This proximity to real-world social and political issues, particularly the rise of right-wing movements in the United States, sparked debate about the game’s political commentary and its potential to be interpreted as either endorsing or criticizing these movements.
10. Are Far Cry 5 and New Dawn connected?
Yes, Far Cry: New Dawn is a direct sequel to Far Cry 5. It takes place in the same location, Hope County, 17 years after the nuclear apocalypse depicted in the “resist” ending of Far Cry 5.
11. Why did Vaas go insane?
Vaas’s descent into insanity in Far Cry 3 was a result of a complex interplay of factors, including drug abuse, manipulation by Hoyt Volker, and betrayal by his sister, Citra. The Rook Islands’ volatile environment also played a significant role in his psychological breakdown.
12. Should I resist or walk away in Far Cry 5?
The choice between resisting and walking away is a matter of personal preference, as neither option leads to a truly satisfying outcome. However, from a canon perspective, choosing to resist leads to the nuclear apocalypse, while walking away leads to a darker ending.
13. Did Far Cry 5 happen in Far Cry 6?
Yes, the events of Far Cry 5 are referenced in Far Cry 6. Although Yara, the setting of Far Cry 6, was not directly affected by the Collapse, the game acknowledges the global catastrophe that occurred in Far Cry 5’s timeline.
14. Is Faith alive in Far Cry 5?
Faith Seed, like her brothers, is ultimately killed by the player. Her presence lingers in the game through Bliss-induced hallucinations and memories, but she is deceased.
15. What happened to Rook after Far Cry 5?
Deputy Rook, the player character from Far Cry 5, is captured by the remnants of Eden’s Gate and subjected to torture and brainwashing. They are eventually transformed into the Judge, a masked enforcer serving Joseph Seed in Far Cry: New Dawn. This transformation highlights the lasting impact of trauma and indoctrination.