Highlights

  • Far Cry 7 may introduce a new time limit mechanic, shaking up the franchise's formula for a fresh experience.
  • The rumored time limit could help Far Cry evolve and distinguish itself in the crowded FPS market.
  • However, the potential drawback is that the time limiter might alienate fans used to the series' traditional freedom.

At this point, Ubisoft's longtime globe-trotting FPS franchise Far Cry finds itself at something of a crossroads. Far Cry has had its highs and lows throughout its now 20-year history, with some entries being regarded as classic experiences and making a mark on the industry at large, while others were less well-received. As the series went on, perception increasingly leaned towards the idea that it seemed to be retreading old ground too often without introducing anything new or innovative enough to warrant another full game.

Following 2021's sixth mainline entry, Far Cry has been largely incommunicado about what may be in store for it next. Last year, ​​​​​an Insider Gaming leak pointed towards the next Far Cry allegedly planning to incorporate an in-game timer mechanic, allowing players only a certain amount of in-game time to complete missions. While the exact details of this aren't fully known yet as Ubisoft has not commented on it if taken to be accurate to some degree, it certainly would be a big change in direction for the series, but one that could yet still prove divisive among new and returning players alike for a number of reasons.

While not officially confirmed, Far Cry 7 has been heavily rumored , and a new mainline entry in some form is assumed to be in development, along with another possible spin-off.

Far Cry 6
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The rumored time limit that may come into play in Far Cry 7 could shake up the established formula, which could be great for the franchise's future.

The Pros and Cons of Far Cry 7's Rumored Time Limit Mechanic

Far Cry 7 Needs to Inject Fresh Ideas, and the Time Limiter Could Help

Far Cry needs to evolve or refresh its approach ever since the series started to feel stale and uninspired around the fourth release in 2014. Far Cry 5 did attempt to shake things up in 2018 with its ensemble family of villains heading an extremist religious cult, with each character presiding over their domain of a portion of its open world. This did breathe some new life into the formula, though it was ultimately short-lived.

However, if integrated in a well-thought-out and designed manner, the limiter mechanic/loop might be the kick that Far Cry needs to distinguish itself again from the field of big-budget AAA FPS, one that has become more crowded than ever since the last release. While Far Cry is also known for its compelling villains, the meat and bones of its gameplay are what the characters and narrative are built upon, and forcing players to rethink their approach and habits via a timer mechanic could go a long way towards putting it back on track as a premier FPS franchise.

Far Cry 7's Rumored Time Limiter Could Alienate Fans

Far Cry 3 is largely regarded as the series' best entry, and Ubisoft attempted to replicate its strengths and success variously in subsequent releases. FC4 was closest to doing so in many respects, and while not as highly received, still performed well and was overall a satisfying entry. Far Cry 5 proved somewhat divisive in its design, as players could be interrupted mid-activity when enough "plot points" were acquired to trigger the next major narrative moment, which could easily break immersion and gameplay flow.

Far Cry 7 's rumored limiter has a similar possible drawback of being too intrusive or restricting, and in a series that is traditionally about giving players the freedom to tackle it in multiple ways, it may be walking a razor's edge in this instance.

Far Cry 6 returned to a more familiar loop of unlocking increasingly difficult sections of its world map while doling out upgrades and abilities to help players keep pace. If Far Cry 7 hopes to step out of the shadow of the negative perception that Ubisoft's open-world design has developed, it needs to ensure that its rumored time limiter is well-balanced and doesn't impede or erode its other aspects, and instead creates a coherent and enjoyable experience.