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The Far Cry franchise stands out as one of the most significant genre-defining franchises to date. It played a pivotal role in introducing countless gamers to the first-person open-world genre, essentially pioneering this specific genre. While it’s evident that the most recent two installments in the series have been, at most, satisfactory,, they have nonetheless provided numerous players with a memorable FPS shooter experience. In celebration of the Far Cry franchise, we have made a list that ranks Far Cry titles from worst to best. Let’s dive right in and take a look at them.
Far Cry Titles Ranked From Worst to Best
Far Cry New Dawn
Following the success of Far Cry 5, Ubisoft released Far Cry New Dawn which would feature Hope County in a post-apocalyptic setting. The game set a lot of expectations for hardcore fans with its promotions. But upon its release in 2019, the game turned out to be a sheer disappointment. Apart from its vivid color palette, the game felt like it did not use the full potential of a post-nuclear setting. The story as cool as it sounds, featured a lot of forgettable characters as well.
Far Cry 1
This is the game that kicked off the entire franchise by merging FPS mechanics with an open-world sandbox setting. This 2004 classic was created by the German studio Crytek and featured the Cryengine which would eventually be used in the Crysis series. The game offered a lot of new features such which were not seen in a shooter such as the addition of diverse vehicles, optional pathways, and a huge map to explore. Unfortunately, the game has not aged very well and it certainly feels outdated. Regardless of that, the game has cemented its place among the best titles of the early 2000s, right up there with Half-Life, Grand Theft Auto, and the Diablo series.
Far Cry Primal
This installment in the franchise has unique mechanics and it is the furthest from feeling like a traditional Far Cry game. Released in 2016, the game takes players back to the Stone Age where you play the role of Takkar who must climb up the ranks from being a regular hunter to leading his entire tribe. The game allows players to use ancient weapons and also command feral beasts to defeat their enemies. It is definitely a great choice for players who are looking for a unique Far Cry experience.
Far Cry 6
This is the latest iteration of the series where players are put on a tropical Island called Yara which resembles the Republic of Cuba. it is undoubtedly the best-looking Far Cry game in the series with its beautiful mountain views and pleasant orange sunsets. It aims to go back to the roots of Far Cry 3 by re-introducing elements to the game such as the brutal healing animations seen in the earlier game. However, the gameplay and storyline is a letdown for most fans.
Far Cry 6 also allows players the option to choose a voiced male or a female protagonist which is an improvement from the previous title. It is rumored that the next title in the series will also contain similar features to this game.
Far Cry 4
Featuring the towering sight of the Himalayas, players are put in the shoes of Ajay Ghale who visits Kyrat, a country that has an ongoing civil war against its evil dictator Pagan Min. Ajay visits the country to fulfill his mother’s dying wish but the sentimental aspect is soon lost as he immediately gets involved in all of its chaos. Far Cry 4 also features slightly improved graphics from its predecessor.
It’s incredible story and unique setting sets it apart from previous iterations and earned it a positive reception from fans of the franchise.
Far Cry 2
This 2008 FPS shooter has a cult-like following among Far Cry fans and for good reason. This game can be considered as the most realistic and challenging titles in the series. It features the Dunia engine which was built from the Cry engine as part of the licensing deal made between Ubisoft and Crytek.
While Far Cry set the foundations for the series, Far Cry 2 was the game that cemented the series’ place in gaming history. You play the role of one of the mercenaries who must stop Jackal, a weapons dealer who provokes the conflict between the United Front for Liberation and Labour (UFLL) and the Alliance for Popular Resistance (APR). The game pioneered many new mechanics that would go on to become a staple of the series. The game pioneered dynamic fire and weapon systems, open-world gameplay, non-linear storytelling, and realistic environmental interactions. Its innovative features included real-time map movement, a malaria mechanic, and a diverse ecosystem. These advancements influenced the game design and emphasized immersion, impacting the FPS genre's evolution.
Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 has to be one of the most profitable titles for Ubisoft selling a massive 25 million copies worldwide. The game puts players in a fictional American setting called Hope County based in Montana. Unlike the previous titles, players can create their own customized character who joins the resistance fighting against the Seed family.
Its open-world design, set in a fictional rural Montana, offered players a visually appealing and dynamic environment. The compelling storyline involving a cult and charismatic antagonist, coupled with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, attracted players. Co-op multiplayer and robust customization options also contributed to its popularity, enhancing player engagement and replayability.
Far Cry 3
This has to be one of the most critically acclaimed Ubisoft titles to ever come out. The game is considered a cult classic due to its lush tropical setting, engaging storyline, and charismatic villain, Vaas Montenegro, leaving a lasting impression on players. The freedom to explore and engage in various activities, coupled with its skill progression system and stealth mechanics, created a captivating gameplay experience. These factors, along with its cultural impact and nostalgic value for players, have solidified Far Cry 3's status as a beloved and enduring classic in gaming history.
Far Cry 3 is set in the fictional Rook Islands characters are put in the shoes of Jason Brody who must save his friends and his brother captured by pirates. Along your journey, you will meet several memorable characters like Dennis Rogers, Citra, and Buck Hughes who aid you in your quest. If you haven't played Far Cry 3 you are certainly missing out.
