The Far Cry series has gained a loyal following due to its unique approach in each game. Each new title builds upon the core features of previous games but in a completely different setting and environment. This allows players to choose any game based on their preference without the fear of missing out on important plot points.
Furthermore, the franchise's ability to put its own twist on the open-world genre results in certain games featuring challenging mechanics and features that significantly raise the difficulty level. As a result, gunfights become much more intense but also offer greater rewards.
8 Far Cry 4
While the series is known for being highly accessible and easy to grasp, players will quickly realize the brutal difficulty of these games if they fail to adequately prepare for the challenges that await them in Hope County, Yara, Kyrat, and other breathtaking locations.
While Far Cry 4 can be completed quite easily, it is still a highly recommended game to play, mainly due to the breathtaking Nepal-inspired landscape of Kyrat. Despite the availability of new skills and powerful weapons that add chaos and enjoyment to gunfights, the game becomes significantly easier when players employ stealth and invest their points in that particular set of abilities.
7 Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
In previous installments of the Far Cry series, the player would become visible to the enemies after eliminating just two or three adversaries simultaneously. However, in Far Cry 4, it is remarkably effortless to single-handedly eliminate entire outposts without raising any suspicions by simply utilizing the bow. This is further amplified by the inclusion of ferocious animals that can swiftly decimate groups of enemies within seconds, often disregarding the player entirely. Consequently, even when playing on the Hard Mode, the game could be considered somewhat excessively easy.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon presents a thrilling experience, particularly in its opening hour, where players face challenging combat situations that demand precise coordination and accurate shooting skills. However, the game overall follows a more straightforward progression, with the most significant challenges arising during the intense Blood Dragon battles.
If the player puts in extra effort to engage in and successfully complete the side missions, they will attain the maximum level around three-quarters of their progress through the game, empowering them to effortlessly overcome hordes of adversaries with a collection of boosted firearms and abilities. Moreover, numerous exceptional and mind-boggling weapons scattered throughout the expansion pack are excessively potent, like the immensely destructive quad-barrel shotgun capable of unleashing flames or even explosive projectiles.
6 Far Cry 3
Mastering the fan-favorite third installment in the series becomes a breeze if gamers heed the fundamental mechanics, particularly the hunting system. Neglecting to stock up on animal skins and resources for gear upgrades through hunting leads to swift annihilation when besieging outposts.
5 Far Cry 6
The radio towers serve a vital purpose in this game as they enable Jason to acquire superior firearms, many of which possess significantly greater stopping power compared to standard or enemy weapons. Opting to overlook these towers can make Far Cry 3 a relatively straightforward and manageable game, with its true difficulty only becoming apparent to those who fail to exploit the game's full potential.
Upon starting Far Cry 6 for the first time, players will be presented with the option to embark on either Story Mode or Action Mode, allowing them to tailor the difficulty level to their preferences. Opting for the exhilarating Action Mode sets them on a demanding and extensive path to unshackle Antón Castillo's oppressive grasp on the captivating island of Yara. Spanning across the vast expanse of the map, numerous challenging outposts are scattered throughout, necessitating players to employ strategic thinking and meticulous planning in order to conquer them.
Admittedly, if players invest a significant amount of time in crafting the Resolver weapons, which are readily available early on, they can effortlessly create formidable weapons capable of decimating groups of enemies, vehicles, and aircraft. Weapons such as the powerful La Varita, with its ability to penetrate through walls, or the stealthy El Susurro nail gun, can trivialize the game if the player heavily relies on them.
4 Far Cry 5
The true test in Far Cry 5 lies not in the actual gameplay itself. Surprisingly, once players have recruited a handful of comrades and honed their skills, engaging in gunfights against the heavily armed cultists becomes quite manageable. Instead, the real hurdle surfaces in the form of countless, unpredictable encounters the player stumbles upon while navigating through the vast expanse of Hope County.
When journeying between missions, it is a constant struggle for the player to avoid frequent encounters with aggressive cultists, who either attack them, abduct them, or unleash gunfire at them from a helicopter. Additionally, the wilderness is populated by formidable beasts like bears and bison, always ready to knock the player over upon spotting their presence in the open world. Throughout Far Cry 5, this relentless onslaught and looming threat contribute to the unsettling ambiance that the developers aimed to achieve.
3 Far Cry: Primal
Given the prehistoric backdrop of Far Cry Primal, players face the unavailability of hyper-powered automatic weapons, a departure from their familiarity in prior games. This necessitates an adaptation in playstyle to effectively confront the game's challenges.
No armor means adopting a stealthy playstyle and seeking cover in Far Cry Primal. To successfully conquer outposts without succumbing to death, players must familiarize themselves with the strengths and weaknesses of each enemy archetype and animal. While investing heavily in health and stamina upgrades can significantly enhance combat prowess, spreading skills and experimenting as the game intended adds an immersive and challenging element to the experience that truly complements its context.
2 Far Cry
Regarded as a standout title in the FPS genre, the original Far Cry consistently earns acclaim for its influential gameplay. Often drawing comparisons to iconic titles like Halo and Doom, the game impresses players with its remarkably intelligent AI, even after all these years. These foes prove to be highly aggressive and frequently appear in sizable numbers, relentlessly charging at the player.
1 Far Cry 2
To maximize success in each of the 20 missions, it is advisable to prioritize taking cover and utilizing the fast-firing M4 Carbine to eliminate enemies. The absence of overpowering upgrades or destructive weapons necessitates a cautious approach, only engaging in combat when absolutely necessary. However, as the game progresses, the appearance of the AW50 sniper rifle provides a slight advantage and simplifies gameplay to some extent.
Far Cry 2 deliberately removed many features that open-world game enthusiasts now consider standard, resulting in one of the most immersive games ever created. From the moment the protagonist embarks on a quest to find the enigmatic arms dealer known as the Jackal, they are plagued by Malaria. Throughout the entire game, players must constantly manage their health by taking medicine to combat this debilitating disease.
In addition, the guns in Far Cry 2 have a degradation system that causes them to eventually jam if not repaired, making them highly unreliable. The healing animations in the game are also exceptionally detailed, but they take a significant amount of time to perform. Players must rely on an in-game handheld map and GPS to navigate the world. Combined with challenging AI and unexpected encounters with animals, these elements create an immersive gaming experience that effectively trains players to become resourceful survivors, staying true to the essence of the Far Cry series.