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 aboutFar Cry 6’s repetitive direction.
Far Cry 6follows the Ubisoft open-world formula to a tee, and in many ways feels like apredictable sequel. However, there are some small, effective changes that set up a promising foundation for a live-serviceFar Cry 7, something that Ubisoft is pushing for with many of its existing franchises.
RELATED:Rumor: Far Cry 7 Could Have Online Focus
Far Cry 6 Elements that Makes for a Good Live-Service Game
While it’s structurally reminiscent of earlierFar Crygames, 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.
InFar Cry 6, players are always clamoring forunique weaponsand 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 previousFar Crygames, loot inFar Cry 6offers meaningful buffs that alter gameplay.
Far Cry 6has eight types of weapons, though there are plenty of each scattered around Yara’s map to pursue. Some weapons are unlocked throughFar Cry 6’s story missionsthat 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 inFar Cry 6are 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 recentFar Crygames. It’s through this progression system thatFar Cry 6sets up a strong foundation for a live-serviceFar Cry 7.Popular live-service gameslikeDestiny 2are built on this idea, andFar Cry6 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 6was 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-serviceFar Crygame, a supply drop could be a PvPvE public event where players are chasing those unique crafting materials in abundance. Upgrading and applying unique mods inFar Cry 6is essential because while the enemy AI remains clumsy, it hits hard.
Far Cry 6amps 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’sdesigned for co-opplay. 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-serviceFar Cry 7.
LikeFar Cry 4andFar Cry 5before it,Far Cry 6doesn’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 nextFar Crygame may be taking.
Far Cry 6is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Far Cry 7 May Walk the Same Road as Assassin’s Creed Infinity
