The Optimal Sequence for Playing the Far Cry Games

For more than two decades, the Far Cry series has managed to maintain its appeal, drawing in both long-time fans and newcomers. With its origins tracing back to 2004, the series is reportedly gearing up for its seventh main entry, anticipated in 2026. Players have adventured across diverse landscapes such as Rook Island, Hope County, Kyrat, and Yara through six main games and spin-offs like Primal and Blood Dragon. With a rich catalog available, it offers newcomers plenty to dive into to grasp the essence of this enduring series.

Navigating where to begin with Far Cry can be daunting given its numerous entries. Unlike many series where starting from the first game and proceeding chronologically makes sense, Far Cry doesn’t follow a strict narrative continuity. It primarily offers standalone experiences with minimal character or story overlap between games. For those new to the series, there are a few recommended approaches that can help them experience the series comprehensively, reflecting on its past, present, and potential future.

The Best Order to Play the Far Cry Series

Release Order

Starting with the release order is the most straightforward approach, enabling players to witness the evolution of Far Cry over time. Watching the series transform in gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling reflects how each title built upon its predecessor as they came out in real-time.

• Far Cry
• Far Cry 2
• Far Cry 3
• Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
• Far Cry 4
• Far Cry Primal
• Far Cry 5
• Far Cry: New Dawn
• Far Cry 6

However, playing in this sequence has its downsides. The older entries, while foundational, differ significantly from what the series became with Far Cry 3 onwards. They might feel outdated for players used to modern gaming standards, offering a nostalgic but potentially jarring experience for newcomers.

Other Ways to Experience the Far Cry Series

Machete Order

Borrowing its name from a popular Star Wars viewing method, the Machete Order skips the initial two games, focusing instead on the more contemporary releases.

Generally, removing early entries might harm a series, but Far Cry benefits due to its distinct self-contained plots and settings. Skipping the first two allows players to dodge outdated gameplay and dive right into the celebrated era starting with Far Cry 3. This entry, with its memorable antagonist Vaas Montenegro and the iconic “insanity” speech, remains a high point and is often recommended as a starting point for its captivating gameplay and storytelling.

Modern Era Only

Some players might prefer streamlined playthroughs by focusing on the most recent installments for a quick sense of the series’ contemporary direction.

• Far Cry 5
• Far Cry New Dawn
• Far Cry 6

These games illustrate the series’ current state with their modern approach and dark humor, differing from earlier overly serious tones. It emphasizes the franchise’s evolution towards integrating more satirical and absurd elements while maintaining the core action-adventure experience.

Skip The Spin-Offs

Choosing to bypass the spin-offs might be contentious due to the excellence these games offer. Blood Dragon, Primal, and New Dawn are beloved for their unique flavor. Yet, they diverge from the classic Far Cry formula focused on contemporary settings and themes. While skipping them helps maintain a cohesive storyline through the main titles, they remain tempting side dishes for those seeking more of Far Cry’s distinct gameplay with an unconventional twist.

Whether players follow the traditional release order, experiment with the Machete Order, stick to modern entries, or bypass spin-offs, the Far Cry series remains a rich tapestry of adventures perfect for tailoring to individual gaming preferences.