Should you play the Far Cry games in order?
The Far Cry series has gained massive popularity over the years, with each game receiving critical acclaim and praise from players around the world. With five main installment games and multiple spin-offs and mods, it can be overwhelming for new and veteran players alike to decide which game to start with. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of playing the Far Cry games in order, exploring the chronological order, storyline connections, and unique features of each game.
Chronological Order
The Far Cry series does not necessarily follow a strict chronological order. The games have different settings, protagonists, and villains, making it easy to jump from one game to another without feeling lost or disrupted. However, there is a general direction to the series:
- Far Cry Primal (10,000 BCE)
- Far Cry (2007, an alternate universe)
- Far Cry 2 (2008)
- Far Cry 3 (2012)
- Far Cry 4 (2014)
- Far Cry 5 (2018)
Note that Far Cry Primal is a prehistoric spin-off, while Far Cry Blood Dragon (an alternate universe) takes place 2007.
Storyline Connections
While the games do share some common themes, characters, and antagonist groups, they do not have a complex, interconnected storyline. Each game has a separate narrative, with minimal connections to one another. This allows players to join the series at any point without having played the previous games.
Unique Features
Each Far Cry game builds upon the successes of its predecessor, introducing new features, gameplay mechanics, and gameplay styles. Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect from each game:
- Far Cry 1: The original Far Cry had a strong focus on single-player storyline, with a rich narrative and strong protagonist.
- Far Cry 3: Introduced co-op multiplayer and significant improvements to the open-world sandbox experience.
- Far Cry 4: Added new vehicles and military units, as well as a deep storyline with memorable characters.
- Far Cry 5: Revamped the game engine, providing improved graphics and a greater emphasis on crafting and exploration.
Conclusion
Play the Far Cry games in order?
- If you appreciate a strong narrative and character development: Play the games in chronological order for a more immersive storyline and character exploration.
- If you enjoy exploring the open-world sandbox experience: Try the games in any order, as they maintain their unique features and gameplay styles.
- If you’re new to the series: Don’t worry about the order; every game is designed to be standalone, making it easy to join the series at any point.
Recommendation
Based on the unique features and storylines, Far Cry 3 remains a fan favorite for its engaging gameplay mechanics and memorable storyline. Far Cry 4 is also praised for its improved co-op feature and deep storyline. However, Far Cry 5 is the current flagship game, with improved graphics, added crafting mechanics, and a fresh direction.
Table Comparison
To help you decide, here is a brief comparison of the games:
| Game | Narrative | Co-op Multiplayer | Gameplay Mechanic | Pacing |
| Far Cry 1 | ||||
| Far Cry 2 | ||||
| Far Cry 3 | ||||
| Far Cry 4 | ||||
| Far Cry 5 |