Highlights
- Far Cry 5's open-world design and extensive player customization set it apart from other games in the franchise, making it a standout installment.
- The return of Drew Holmes, the lead writer for Far Cry 5, suggests that Far Cry 7 could follow a non-linear storyline approach, giving players more freedom.
- Far Cry 7 is rumored to feature a terror-inducing cult theme similar to its predecessor, but in a different setting, with in-game consequences and multiple endings being possible.
When a game's features resonate with fans, it will most likely be passed down to subsequent titles, all while being tweaked and refined to keep fans invested. This trend is evident in franchises like God of War, where Ragnarok stuck with most of its predecessors' combat and role-playing elements to give fans one of the best games of 2022. Similarly, Far Cry 5 stands out as a commercial success and holds the title of the fastest-selling installment in the Ubisoft icon, and in light of recent developments, it wouldn't be surprising to see the developer toeing the same line. Judging by current rumors and leaks, Far Cry 7 looks poised for a revamp to offer gamers a unique experience, and Far Cry 5 may have the most significant influence on the franchise's latest project.
With numerous overarching storylines and a touch of finesse with sidequests, Far Cry 5 employs the same pattern that many modern role-playing games use. However, what truly set Far Cry 5 apart was its open-world design; with its journey unfolding in the cult-infested Hope County, challenging players to topple the rule of Eden's Gate's notorious Leader, Joseph Seed. Far Cry 5 also introduced groundbreaking features in the franchise, with its extensive player customization and diverse array of close combat weapons. As Far Cry 7's silhouette forms on the horizon, and with an interesting detail in its developmental personnel, it appears Far Cry 5 could influence FC7 more than any other title in the franchise's discography.
Far Cry's New Director Could Restore Dynamics From FC5
Gaming storylines are born from distinctly creative minds, and fans can usually tell when an installment deviates from the usual plot lines they are used to. That's going to be the case with Far Cry 7, as a personnel announcement gives insight into what the latest edition would look like. While leaks have flown about concerning Far Cry 7's gameplay, rumors of the overarching plot are just as interesting, and there's a reason it appears a little different from other games. Drew Holmes has made his return to the franchise, as the former Saints Row co-writer takes the position of Far Cry's IP director.
Holmes' role as the Far Cry 5 lead writer yielded massive dividends for Ubisoft, as many fans argue that the series' fifth installment was one of the best Far Cry games. Drew Holmes' presence seems to have had an immediate effect on Far Cry 7, as according to leaks, the upcoming title is following a non-linear approach to its storyline by giving players an increased degree of freedom within its rumored rescue mission. This detail contrasts that of Far Cry 6, which had a relatively linear narrative, and the similar storytelling mechanism to Far Cry 5 is indicative of the direction the upcoming title seems to be taking.
The terror-inducing cult trope is a core part of the Far Cry experience, and this theme will once again form the backdrop of the storyline in Far Cry 7, although in an entirely different setting. In this installment, The Sons of Truth cult is the main antagonist as players embark on a quest to rescue their family from the cult's clutches, albeit in a timed atmosphere. The game is also reportedly featuring in-game consequences for decisions made during playthroughs, with Far Cry 5's choice mechanism potentially serving as a blueprint.
As a result, players can expect different endings in Far Cry 7, just like in games like The Witcher 3, with only small margins separating the safe return or tragic demise of the kidnapped household. Far Cry 7 may have a few tricks up its sleeve to distinguish it from previous franchise installments, but its leaked features indicate that Far Cry 5 will have plenty of influence on the upcoming title.
Far Cry 7 is rumored to be in development.