Far Cry 3 Gameplay Video
Far Cry 3 Key Specifications
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | Dunia Engine 2 |
Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, First-Person Shooter |
Initial Release | 2012-11-29 |
Developer | Ubisoft Montreal (Lead) |
Publisher | Ubisoft |
Setting | Rook Islands (Fictional Tropical Archipelago) |
Perspective | First-Person |
Platforms | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Later Classic Edition on PS4, Xbox One) |
Multiplayer | Cooperative Campaign (4 players), Competitive PvP, Map Editor |
Unique Feature | Tatau Skill System, Iconic Villain (Vaas), Descent into Madness Theme, Comprehensive Crafting. |
Far Cry 3 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (DX9, Low Settings, ~720p/1080p Low) – Low Preset, DirectX 9
tune Recommended (DX11, High Settings, 1080p ~30-60 FPS) – High Preset, DirectX 11
1440p
tune High Performance (DX11, Ultra Settings, 1080p/1440p 60 FPS+) – Ultra Preset, DirectX 11
2160p
tune Ultra 4K (DX11, High/Ultra Preset, Likely 30-60 FPS with modern high-end) – High/Ultra Preset, DirectX 11
Far Cry 3 Laptop Recommendations
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista (SP2), Windows 7 (SP1), Windows 8 (Both 32-bit & 64-bit)
Original release supported older OS. Windows 10/11 64-bit recommended for modern hardware and the Classic Edition.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 9.0c (DirectX 11 supported & recommended for best visuals)
DirectX 9.0c is minimum, with DX11 features available for enhanced graphics.
- save_altStorage Note: 15 GB available space (SSD Recommended for modern play).
SSD is recommended for faster load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Ambient Occlusion (HDAO/HBAO), Anti-Aliasing (MSAA on DX11 can be demanding), Water Quality, Post FX, and Geometry Detail heavily impact performance.
Far Cry 3: Map Size and Regions
The Rook Islands consist of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island. The North Island, where the game primarily begins, is controlled by Vaas's pirates and is characterized by lush jungles, beaches, and pirate outposts. The South Island, unlocked later, is controlled by Hoyt Volker's private military company and features more rugged terrain, savannahs, and heavily fortified bases. The total map size is substantial, offering diverse environments for exploration and combat.
Far Cry 3: Post-Launch Content / DLC
DLC included the 'Monkey Business' pack (4 missions with Hurk and unique monkeys), 'The Lost Expeditions' (2 missions), and various 'Warrior,' 'Hunter,' and 'Predator' packs which offered unique weapons, animal skins for crafting, or multiplayer content. A free 'High Tides' co-op DLC added two new chapters to the cooperative campaign.
Far Cry 3 Skills & Upgrades Overview
Jason Brody's progression is tied to the Tatau, a series of mystical tattoos that expand as he gains experience and unlocks skills. Skills are divided into three trees: The Heron (long-range combat, mobility, stealth), The Shark (assault tactics, takedowns, health), and The Spider (survival, crafting, hunting). Skill points are earned by gaining XP from missions, liberating outposts, hunting, and finding collectibles. Crafting is vital for upgrading gear capacity (weapon holsters, ammo pouches, loot rucksacks, syringe kits, etc.) using animal skins hunted from the islands' diverse wildlife. Syringes can also be crafted from plants to provide healing or temporary combat buffs.
Far Cry 3: Game Editions
Far Cry 3 had several editions: Standard Edition, The Lost Expeditions Edition (included 2 bonus missions and a Japanese Type 10 flare gun), Insane Edition (Collector's Edition with a Vaas Wahine bobblehead, survival guide, digital content including 'Monkey Business' pack, Lost Expeditions, Hunter Pack, Warrior Pack, Predator Pack). Far Cry 3 Classic Edition was later released for PS4/Xbox One and given free to Far Cry 5 Season Pass holders, featuring enhanced graphics for consoles.
Far Cry 3: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Far Cry 3 featured a separate 4-player online cooperative campaign with its own story and characters, distinct from Jason Brody's main campaign. It also had a competitive multiplayer mode. There was no cross-platform play between PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
Far Cry 3: Top 5 Weapons (Subjective)
- 1. Recurve Bow: Silent, deadly, and versatile with craftable special arrows (fire, explosive). 2. Z93 Sniper Rifle (or AMR Signature Version): Essential for long-range engagements and taking out heavily armored enemies. 3. Vector .45 ACP (Shredder Signature Version): Extremely high rate of fire, devastating at close range. 4. AK-47: A reliable and common assault rifle, effective in most situations. 5. M-79 Grenade Launcher: Powerful sidearm for dealing with groups or vehicles.
Far Cry 3 Specific Game Elements
Far Cry 3 Weapons
- securityAssault Rifles (Automatic/Semi-Auto (Versatile))
Staple weapons like the AK-47, P416 (HK416), STG-90 (SIG SG 550), ACE (Galil ACE), F1 (FAMAS). Good all-rounders for various engagement distances.
- securityBows (Recurve Bow) (Silent Ranged)
A powerful and silent weapon. Can use standard, fire, or explosive arrows, which are craftable. Ideal for stealthy approaches and hunting.
- securityExplosives & Throwables (Tactical/Area Denial)
Frag Grenades, Molotov Cocktails, C4 (remote detonation), Proximity Mines.
- securityLaunchers (Explosive (Anti-Vehicle/Crowd Control))
RPG-7 rocket launcher and GL-94 grenade launcher. Effective against vehicles and enemy encampments.
- securityLight Machine Guns (LMGs) (Automatic (Suppressive Fire))
Weapons like the PKM, U100 (Ultimax 100), MKG. Large magazine capacity for sustained fire, good against groups or vehicles.
- securityMelee Weapons (Close Quarters (Takedowns))
Primarily the Machete for standard melee attacks and a variety of brutal takedown animations. Throwing knives are also available.
- securityPistols (Sidearm (Semi-Auto, Revolver))
Includes models like the 1911, .44 Magnum, D50, and the flare gun. Customizable with suppressors, sights, and extended magazines. Essential backup weapons.
- securityShotguns (Close Quarters (High Damage))
Includes pump-action (M133) and semi-auto (SPAS-12) shotguns. Devastating at close range.
- securitySignature Weapons (Unique Pre-Modded)
Special, enhanced versions of standard weapons with unique names, appearances, and superior stats (e.g., The Shredder, The Bull, AMR, Shadow). Unlocked by completing specific objectives like liberating radio towers or finding relics.
- securitySniper Rifles (Long Range (Precision))
Bolt-action (SVD, M-700) and semi-auto (.Z93) sniper rifles for taking out targets from a distance. Customizable with high-powered scopes and suppressors.
- securitySubmachine Guns (SMGs) (Automatic (Close Quarters))
High rate-of-fire weapons like the Skorpion, A2000 (P90), Vector .45 ACP, MP5. Effective in close-quarters combat, customizable.
Far Cry 3 Vehicles
- directions_carAircraft (Hang Gliders) (Air Vehicle (Light/Gliding))
Hang gliders are found at specific elevated locations across the islands. They allow Jason to glide silently over large distances, useful for stealthy infiltration or quick descents from mountains.
- directions_carLand Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Jeeps, ATVs) (Ground Vehicle)
A variety of land vehicles including civilian cars (like sedans and hatchbacks), rugged pickup trucks, open-top jeeps (some with mounted machine guns), and agile ATVs/quad bikes. Used for traversing the islands' road networks and off-road terrain.
- directions_carWatercraft (Patrol Boats, Jet Skis, Inflatable Rafts) (Water Vehicle)
Used for navigating the waters surrounding and within the Rook Islands. Includes armed patrol boats, fast jet skis for quick traversal, and basic inflatable rafts.
- directions_carWingsuit (Personal Traversal (Gliding))
Unlocked via the skill tree, the Wingsuit allows Jason to perform high-speed glides after jumping from significant heights (cliffs, radio towers, hang gliders). Essential for rapid traversal and accessing remote areas. Requires a parachute (also an unlock) for safe landings.
- directions_carZiplines (Fixed Traversal)
Found throughout the Rook Islands, ziplines allow for quick descents between elevated points or across gaps.
Far Cry 3 Animals / Creatures
- petsBears (Asiatic Black Bear) (Ursidae)
Role: Hostile Predator, Hunting Resource (Bear Skin)
- petsCassowaries (Casuariidae)
Role: Hostile Flightless Bird (Aggressive Kicks), Hunting Resource (Cassowary Leather)
- petsCrocodiles (Saltwater Crocodile) (Crocodylidae)
Role: Hostile Ambush Predator (Waterways), Hunting Resource (Crocodile Leather)
- petsKomodo Dragons (Varanidae)
Role: Hostile Predator (Venomous Bite), Hunting Resource (Komodo Dragon Skin)
- petsLeopards & Panthers (Clouded Leopard, Black Panther) (Felidae)
Role: Hostile Stealth Predator, Hunting Resource (Leopard Skin)
- petsSharks (Bull Shark, Reef Shark) (Selachimorpha)
Role: Hostile Marine Predator, Hunting Resource (Shark Skin)
- petsSpecial Animals (Golden Tiger, Undying Bear, One Horn Buffalo, Black Panther, White Belly Tapir, Yellow Neck Cassowary, Maneater Shark, Blood Komodo) (Rare Variants)
Role: Targets for 'Path of the Hunter' side quests, provide unique skins for crafting top-tier gear upgrades.
- petsTigers (Bengal Tiger) (Felidae)
Role: Hostile Apex Predator, Hunting Resource (Tiger Skin)
- petsWild Boars, Deer (Sambar Deer), Tapirs, Buffalo (Water Buffalo), Goats, Dogs (Feral/Pirate Dogs), Snakes (Pythons), Birds (Various), Monitor Lizards, Rabid Dogs (Various)
Role: Hostile (Dogs, Rabid Dogs, some Snakes) or Neutral/Prey, Hunting Resource (Skins, Feathers for crafting various gear upgrades).
Far Cry 3 Characters
- personBuck Hughes - Minor Antagonist / Mercenary
A sadistic Australian mercenary working for Hoyt, known for his depraved tastes. Jason is forced to deal with him to rescue one of his friends.
- personCitra Talugmai - Rakyat Leader / Potential Ally & Antagonist
The enigmatic and beautiful priestess leader of the indigenous Rakyat tribe and Vaas's sister. She sees potential in Jason and guides him through the trials of the Tatau, grooming him to be the ultimate warrior for her cause. Her motives are complex and manipulative.
- personDennis Rogers - Ally / Rakyat Mentor
A Liberian immigrant who has integrated into the Rakyat tribe. He rescues Jason after his initial escape and serves as his first guide and mentor, teaching him basic survival skills and introducing him to the Rakyat's customs and Citra.
- personDr. Alec Earnhardt - Ally (Eccentric Doctor)
An eccentric, drug-addicted doctor living on the islands who provides shelter and medical aid to Jason and his friends. He has a tragic past and offers philosophical, albeit often drug-fueled, insights.
- personHoyt Volker - Main Antagonist / Human Trafficker & Drug Lord
A cold, calculating, and ruthless South African warlord who controls the South Island. He runs a vast operation involving slavery, drug trafficking, and commands a well-equipped private military. He is the ultimate target of Jason's revenge.
- personJason Brody - Protagonist (playable)
An American tourist on vacation with his friends and brothers who gets captured by pirates. Initially an ordinary young man, he is forced to adapt and become a warrior to survive, rescue his friends, and exact revenge. His journey explores his descent into violence and potential madness as he embraces the Rakyat's ways and the power of the Tatau.
- personLiza Snow, Oliver Carswell, Keith Ramsay, Daisy Lee, Riley Brody, Grant Brody - Supporting Characters / Hostages
The group of friends and Jason's brothers who were captured alongside him. Rescuing them is Jason's primary motivation for much of the game. Their reactions to Jason's transformation are a key part of the story.
- personSam Becker - Ally / Undercover Agent
A German-born, American-raised CIA operative working undercover within Hoyt Volker's private military. He befriends Jason and provides crucial intelligence and assistance in infiltrating Hoyt's operations on the South Island.
- personVaas Montenegro - Secondary Antagonist / Pirate Leader
The psychopathic, charismatic, and unpredictable leader of the pirates on the North Island. He is Citra's brother. Vaas is known for his iconic 'Definition of Insanity' monologue and serves as Jason's primary tormentor in the early to mid-game. Voiced by Michael Mando.
Top 3 Characters:
Montenegro: The charismatic, unhinged, and terrifying secondary antagonist whose monologues and unpredictable nature made him an instant icon in video game history. 2. Jason Brody: The protagonist whose transformation from a privileged tourist into a hardened warrior and his struggle with sanity form the core of the narrative. 3. Citra Talugmai: The enigmatic and manipulative leader of the Rakyat tribe and Vaas's sister. She guides Jason on his warrior path but has her own dark agenda.
Far Cry 3 Missions / Objectives
- flagCooperative Campaign Missions (Online)
Objective: A separate 6-chapter story campaign for up to 4 players online, following four new characters (Callum, Leonard, Mikhail, Tisha) as they seek revenge on their former ship captain. Missions involve objective-based combat scenarios.
- flagMain Story Campaign (Jason Brody's Journey)
Objective: A series of narrative missions following Jason Brody's transformation from a captured tourist to a hardened warrior. Objectives include rescuing his kidnapped friends, allying with the Rakyat tribe, confronting Vaas Montenegro and his pirates, and eventually taking on Hoyt Volker and his private military to dismantle their operations on the Rook Islands.
- flagOutpost Liberation
Objective: Clear out pirate or privateer controlled outposts. This involves eliminating all enemies within the outpost, ideally stealthily for bonus XP. Liberating an outpost turns it into a Rakyat safe zone, unlocks fast travel, provides new side missions, and reduces enemy presence in the surrounding area. Outposts can be reset via game options to be replayed.
- flagPath of the Hunter Quests
Objective: Side missions that task Jason with hunting specific, often rare or dangerous, animals using a designated weapon (e.g., hunt a Golden Tiger with a bow). Completing these quests rewards Jason with unique animal skins required to craft the highest-tier gear upgrades.
- flagRadio Tower Activation
Objective: Climb and activate dilapidated radio towers scattered across the Rook Islands. Activating a tower de-jammers a section of the world map, revealing nearby points of interest, collectibles, and outposts. It also makes weapons from the local gun shops available for free.
- flagStory of the Rakyat (Trials of the Rakyat)
Objective: Side missions given by Citra or other Rakyat members that often involve spiritual trials, tests of skill, or tasks related to Rakyat traditions. These can reward unique skills or insights into the local culture.
- flagSupply Drop Quests
Objective: Timed vehicle-based missions where Jason must race to a designated location to collect a supply drop before time runs out, often navigating difficult terrain and avoiding enemies.
- flagWanted Dead Quests
Objective: Bounty hunting missions where Jason must track down and eliminate specific pirate or privateer leaders using a designated weapon (often a Machete for a stealth kill). Provides XP and money.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
the Hornet's Nest': An iconic mission where Jason Brody destroys drug fields with a flamethrower, set to Skrillex's 'Make It Bun Dem.' 2. Liberating Radio Towers & Outposts: Climbing radio towers reveals portions of the map and unlocks free weapons at shops. Liberating pirate/privateer outposts creates safe zones, fast travel points, and unlocks side missions. 3. Confrontations with Vaas Montenegro: The missions involving direct interaction and conflict with Vaas are highlights due to his memorable character and intense dialogues, particularly the 'Definition of Insanity' sequence.
Far Cry 3 Companions / Summons
- groupCo-op Campaign Teammates (Online) (Human (Player Characters))
Ability: In the separate 4-player online cooperative campaign, players team up as four distinct characters (Callum, Leonard, Mikhail, Tisha) each with some unique dialogue, but functionally similar gameplay abilities based on shared progression within co-op.
- groupTemporary AI Allies (Rakyat Warriors) (Human)
Ability: During certain missions, outpost liberations, or if Jason helps Rakyat patrols, they will fight alongside him. They are not controllable and their effectiveness varies. Far Cry 3 does not feature persistent, commandable companions like in later titles (e.g., Guns for Hire or Fangs for Hire).
Far Cry 3 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkLetters of the Lost
Location/Use: Notes written by Japanese soldiers who were stranded on the Rook Islands during World War II. They tell a grim story of their survival attempts and descent into madness. Collecting them provides lore and XP.
- collections_bookmarkMemory Cards
Location/Use: SD cards dropped by deceased tourists or pirates. Collecting them unlocks data logs (audio or text) that offer small, often dark or humorous, vignettes about other people's experiences on the islands. Grants XP.
- collections_bookmarkRelics (Spider, Heron, Shark, Boar Statues)
Location/Use: Small, ancient idols hidden throughout the Rook Islands in caves, underwater, or remote locations. Each relic type corresponds to a Tatau skill tree. Collecting them grants XP, and finding all of certain types can unlock Signature Weapons.
Top 3 Collectibles:
(Statues): Hidden idols scattered across the islands. Finding them grants XP and contributes to 100% completion, with unique relics unlocking signature weapons. 2. Letters of the Lost: Notes left by Japanese soldiers from WWII, telling a tragic story of their time stranded on the Rook Islands. 3. Memory Cards: SD cards from lost tourists containing data logs, offering glimpses into other unfortunate visitors' experiences.
Far Cry 3 Armor
- shieldBody Armor (Consumable)
Focus/Stats: Players can purchase Body Armor from shops or find it in the environment. This provides an additional, non-regenerating health bar (typically blue) that absorbs damage before Jason's actual health. It needs to be replenished after taking damage. It's a crucial consumable for survivability in tougher fights.
- shieldCrafted Gear Upgrades (Capacity)
Focus/Stats: Jason Brody does not equip traditional armor pieces for direct damage reduction. Instead, he crafts upgrades to his equipment using animal skins obtained from hunting. This includes: Weapon Holsters (to carry more weapons), Ammo Pouches (for specific ammo types), Wallet (to carry more money), Loot Rucksack, Syringe Kit, Grenade Pouch, Molotov Pouch, C4 Pouch, Mine Pouch, and Arrow Quiver. These upgrades are crucial for increasing combat readiness and carrying capacity.
Far Cry 3 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomDefault Outfit
Details: Jason Brody wears a consistent outfit throughout most of the game (a t-shirt, cargo pants). His physical appearance, particularly the Tatau (tattoos) on his arm, evolves as he gains skills, visually representing his progression and transformation into a warrior. There are no significant clothing customization options for Jason in the main campaign.
- checkroomMultiplayer/Co-op Outfits
Details: In the competitive multiplayer and cooperative campaign modes, players could customize their character's appearance with different outfits, headgear, and body paint, unlocked through progression or DLC packs.
Far Cry 3 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
1. Cooperative Campaign (4 Players): A distinct story campaign following four new characters (Callum, Leonard, Mikhail, Tisha) seeking revenge against their former captain who sold them into slavery. 2. Competitive Multiplayer (up to 14 players): Featured modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Firestorm (capture points and ignite enemy fuel depots), and Transmission (capture radio transmitters). Players could use battle cries for temporary team buffs. A Map Editor was also included, allowing players to create and share their own multiplayer maps.
- labelUser Interface
Standard first-person HUD with a mini-map, health (regenerating segments), ammo count, and objective markers. The Tatau on Jason's arm visually represents his skill progression. A radial menu is used for weapon selection and syringe use. The world map allows for waypoint placement and tracking of discovered locations and collectibles.
- labelSound and Music
The original score by Brian Tyler features a mix of orchestral, electronic, and tribal elements, reflecting the game's tropical setting and Jason's psychological transformation. The licensed track 'Make It Bun Dem' by Skrillex & Damian Marley is famously used in the 'Kick the Hornet's Nest' mission. Sound design effectively captures the dense jungle atmosphere, wildlife sounds, and intense combat audio. Vaas Montenegro's voice acting by Michael Mando is iconic and widely praised.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by the Dunia Engine 2, Far Cry 3 was praised for its stunning visuals at the time of release, depicting lush tropical jungles, vibrant coral reefs, sandy beaches, and detailed character models. It featured advanced lighting, water effects, and dense foliage. DirectX 11 support on PC allowed for enhanced features like HDAO (High Definition Ambient Occlusion) and MSAA (Multisample Anti-Aliasing).
- labelAccessibility Features
Accessibility options were more limited compared to modern titles but included subtitle display, customizable controls (key remapping, sensitivity), and aim assist. The game's design, with clear objective markers and a mini-map, aided general playability.
- labelStory and Setting
Set on the fictional Rook Islands, a tropical archipelago. Jason Brody, his brothers, and friends are on vacation when they are captured by pirates led by the unhinged Vaas Montenegro. Jason escapes and is aided by Dennis Rogers, a member of the indigenous Rakyat tribe. To save his friends, Jason must embrace the warrior's path, learning the ways of the Rakyat, getting mystical tattoos (the Tatau) from their priestess leader Citra, and gradually descending into violence and madness. The story explores themes of survival, revenge, the corrupting nature of power, and the definition of insanity.
- labelTop 3 Allies/Key NPCs
- 1. Dennis Rogers: A Liberian immigrant who rescues Jason and introduces him to the ways of the Rakyat, acting as an early mentor. 2. Sam Becker: An undercover CIA agent embedded with Hoyt Volker's privateers. He provides Jason with crucial intelligence and assistance in the later stages of the game. 3. Dr. Alec Earnhardt: An eccentric, drug-addled doctor living on the islands who provides shelter and medical aid to Jason and his friends. He has a tragic past and offers philosophical, albeit often drug-fueled, insights.
Far Cry 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Far Cry 3 considered one of the best in the series?Yes, Far Cry 3 is widely acclaimed and often cited as one of the best games in the Far Cry series, and even one of the best open-world FPS games of its generation. It's particularly praised for its compelling story, iconic villain (Vaas Montenegro), lush open world, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
- help_outline What is the 'Definition of Insanity' speech?It's a famous monologue delivered by Vaas Montenegro in Far Cry 3. In it, Vaas defines insanity as 'doing the exact... same fucking thing... over and over again expecting... shit to change.' This speech has become iconic in video game culture.
- help_outline Can I play the main story of Far Cry 3 in co-op?No, Jason Brody's main single-player campaign is a solo experience. Far Cry 3 features a separate 4-player online cooperative campaign with its own unique story and characters that runs parallel to Jason's.
- help_outline How does crafting work in Far Cry 3?Crafting is essential for progression. Players hunt animals to collect their skins, which are then used to craft upgrades for gear like weapon holsters (to carry more weapons), ammo pouches, wallets (to carry more money), syringe kits, and more. Plants are also gathered to craft syringes for healing or temporary combat buffs (e.g., enhanced senses, fire resistance).
- help_outline What is the Tatau?The Tatau is a mystical set of tattoos that Jason Brody receives from the Rakyat tribe. As Jason gains experience and completes missions, new parts of the Tatau are inked onto his arm, visually representing his unlocked skills and his transformation into a warrior. Each segment of the tattoo corresponds to a skill in one of the three skill trees (Heron, Shark, Spider).