[h1]My Favorite Far Cry[/h1]
I've played every mainline Far Cry game, and while I completely understand why people put Far Cry 3 or Far Cry 4 at the top of their lists, Far Cry 5 has always been my favorite. It isn't flawless, but it's the one I find myself reinstalling over and over again.
Hope County is easily one of Ubisoft's best open worlds. It's the kind of place that's just fun to exist in. One minute you're clearing an outpost without being seen, the next you're fishing by a river, chasing down a prepper stash, or getting into a firefight after spotting a random cult convoy. Even after multiple playthroughs, I still find myself getting distracted from the main story because I simply enjoy being in the world.
The atmosphere is what ties everything together. Driving through Montana while the radio plays, hearing wildlife in the distance, watching the sun set over the mountains, then suddenly getting ambushed by peggies never really gets old. Add in the incredible soundtrack, especially the cult hymns and Hope County becomes one of the most memorable settings Ubisoft has ever created.
The gameplay is exactly what I want from Far Cry. The gunplay feels satisfying, stealth is rewarding, and when everything inevitably falls apart, the chaos is usually even more fun. The Guns for Hire system was also a fantastic addition. Boomer is still one of my favorite companions in the series, and watching Cheeseburger charge into an outpost never stops being entertaining.
Then there's Joseph Seed.
He's easily my favorite Far Cry villain. He isn't loud or over-the-top, he's calm, charismatic, and genuinely believes everything he's preaching. I enjoyed his character so much that I actually bought Far Cry 6 specifically to play the Joseph: Collapse DLC... and somehow ended up putting over 200 hours into the game because of it.
That isn't to say Far Cry 5 doesn't have problems.
The forced capture sequences absolutely destroy the pacing, especially on repeat playthroughs. The Resistance Point system can push the story forward before you're ready, and the AI has moments where it's either terrifyingly accurate or completely oblivious. Also... the cult pilots have a personal vendetta against anyone trying to enjoy a peaceful drive.
Even with those flaws, Far Cry 5 is the game I always come back to. The world, the atmosphere, the soundtrack, the gameplay and especially Joseph Seed make it an experience that still feels unique years later.
It may not be the best Far Cry to everyone.
But for me, Hope County will always feel like home.
