Even though Ubisoft will see the release of another highly anticipated franchise this year in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, there's another series fans are still waiting on. Just like seemingly every other Ubisoft franchise currently, it seems an entry in the Far Cry series will be on the way in the near future. Major delays aside, the fever dream shooter series is purported to be one of the many confirmed titles coming in Ubisoft's upcoming fiscal year.
There aren't too many rumors for the game considering Far Cry 6 is likely very far away, but some interesting tidbits have come out detailing some of the things to expect from the next entry.
Ubisoft's Release Slate for 2020-2021
While there were some rumors about a potential new Splinter Cell entry coming in the next fiscal year, the leaks were corroborated to be the now-confirmed Assassin's Creed Valhalla and the still unconfirmed Far Cry 6. Earlier this year, during a Ubisoft earnings call, it was confirmed that the company would be publishing five of its AAA titles for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. As of this publishing, four of those five titles have been revealed and confirmed: Watch Dogs: Legion, Gods & Monsters, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and now Assassin's Creed Valhalla. And with Splinter Cell not seeing a new entry anytime soon, all fingers are pointing to their last gigantic AAA franchise.
Obviously there's other examples like Ghost Recon or Just Dance that are powerhouse franchises for Ubisoft, but they're unlikely to take their place. Additionally, Jason Schreier from Kotaku chimed in to confirm that fifth game was not Beyond Good & Evil 2 or Skull & Bones. Schreier cited some development troubles for Skull Bones delaying the game severely, as well as Beyond Good & Evil 2 still not being far enough in development.
Possible Return of Vaas
Perhaps the most interesting rumor thus far comes from a Reddit AMA with the franchise's most iconic villain. Earlier in April, Vaas actor Michael Mando was answering fan questions regarding both Far Cry 3 as well as his role in AMC's Better Call Saul as Nacho Varga. One of the questions asked of Mando was "Do you still get recognized as Vaas or do more people see you as Nacho now?" Mando responded in general his love for the character Vaas that he co-created during Far Cry 3's development, but also went on to mention that he may be able to reprise the role "very soon," seemingly as a joke.
Vaas represented a pivotal shift in Far Cry's narrative structure that served to transform the series into something much more insane. Actors often like to have fun with AMAs and interviews as such, but occasionally tease things that could be true. The way its written seems more of a joke than anything, but it wouldn't be the first time an actor has hinted at a possible return. Vaas returning to Far Cry 6 may even mean the next game is a sequel to Far Cry 3 as well. Considering how iconic Vaas has become for the franchise since its third iteration, his return would be interesting considering he presumably died at the end of Far Cry 3.
Gameplay Leaks
Here's where the leaks get a little shaky, but nevertheless there are plenty of rumors surrounding the next Far Cry title out on the internet. The franchise's track record has shown it's not afraid to experiment with the game's themes or settings, either through DLC or with entirely new games. Far Cry: Primal and Far Cry: Blood Dragon are prime examples of this, based in prehistoric times as well as a retro-inspired sci-fi future. One of the most popular theories linked to Far Cry 6 states it will allegedly take place within either a North Korea setting or Jurassic-style setting.
Much of the backing of these "leaks" lines up with some of the information that Ubisoft sent out as part of a Far Cry feedback survey to players after the release of Far Cry 5. One question in particular asked players where they would like to see a new Far Cry game take place, which then proceeded to list around 15 regions and time periods. These choices ranged from different regions like South America or North Korea, or even went as far as going to another planet like the Far Cry 5: Lost on Mars DLC.
Overall, it seems Ubisoft has been casting a wide net to determine where the Far Cry franchise could go next. That being said, the next entry may be coming within the next year, as late as spring of 2021 according to Ubisoft's fiscal year release schedule. Far Cry 6 may even be a potential sequel or set in the same universe as Far Cry 3 assuming Michael Mando is being more coy than playful. Or the game may go even further outside the box than usual and explore something completely new. Summer's gaming events should give us some more concrete info.
Far Cry 6 is reportedly in development.