The sixth mainline entry in Ubisoft's bombastic open-world series, Far Cry 6, received a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. While many enjoyed the frantic playground of opportunities that Yara presents, many complained about Far Cry 6's repetitive direction.
Far Cry 6 follows the Ubisoft open-world formula to a tee, and in many ways feels like a predictable sequel. However, there are some small, effective changes that set up a promising foundation for a live-service Far Cry 7, something that Ubisoft is pushing for with many of its existing franchises.
Far Cry 6 Elements that Makes for a Good Live-Service Game
While it's structurally reminiscent of earlier Far Cry games, some of these changes in Far Cry 6 could compel players to keep on juumping in. One of these interesting changes comes from removing a dedicated skill tree in favor of weapon and gear mods.
In Far Cry 6, players are always clamoring for unique weapons and gears with mods that better suit their style. Some enemies are weak to specific weapon mods, meanwhile some gear mods give players a tactical advantage over their enemies. For example, a head gear called "Hazmat Mask" offers protection from poison damage. Similarly, a wrist gear called "Fuego Mitts" puts out flames automatically when on fire. Unlike in previous Far Cry games, loot in Far Cry 6 offers meaningful buffs that alter gameplay.
Far Cry 6 has eight types of weapons, though there are plenty of each scattered around Yara's map to pursue. Some weapons are unlocked through Far Cry 6's story missions that come loaded with mods not found in other weapons. There are also several "unique" weapons of each type that have an additional mod. Every weapon has several attachment mods, from changing the ammo type to the suppressor. Attachment mods cost crafting materials and are installed on workbenches found all over the map.
These little gameplay changes in Far Cry 6 are not groundbreaking, but make up for a rewarding gameplay loop. Ditching skill tree in favor of loot-based progression is addictive and makes gameplay more satisfying than in some of the recent Far Cry games. It's through this progression system that Far Cry 6 sets up a strong foundation for a live-service Far Cry 7. Popular live-service games like Destiny 2 are built on this idea, and Far Cry 6 struck that formula to some extent.
Ubisoft games are infamous for their checklist open worlds where players are chasing markers for side missions and collectibles. Far Cry 6 was never going to reinvent the wheel, and as such features a traditional Ubisoft open world. However, with its new progression system, there's a newfound motive for chasing these icons. For instance, supply drops occur that have crafting materials required to upgrade and apply weapon mods. In a live-service Far Cry game, a supply drop could be a PvPvE public event where players are chasing those unique crafting materials in abundance. Upgrading and applying unique mods in Far Cry 6 is essential because while the enemy AI remains clumsy, it hits hard.
Far Cry 6 amps up the difficulty in its Special Operations. It is essentially endgame content in which players navigate through an enemy-infested sandbox location that is different from the areas found in the open world. Special Operations reward players with unique gear and currency used to purchase gear and weapons from the black market. Players can venture Special Operations alone, though it feels like it's designed for co-op play. As of this writing there are three Special Operations available, with three more coming. Special Operations are yet another gameplay attribute fit for a live-service Far Cry 7.
Like Far Cry 4 and Far Cry 5 before it, Far Cry 6 doesn't quite deliver on the story and narrative fronts. In fact, Far Cry 6's ending is bad for Anton and Diego, two characters who showed much potential. Subtle progression tweaks make up for this by creating an addictive gameplay loop that is a strong foundation for the alleged live-service direction the next Far Cry game may be taking.
Far Cry 6 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.