Just Cause 3 Gameplay Video
Just Cause 3 Key Specifications
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | Apex Engine (Avalanche Engine) |
Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, Sandbox, Third-Person Shooter |
Initial Release | 2015-12-01 |
Developer | Avalanche Studios |
Publisher | Square Enix |
Setting | Medici (Fictional Mediterranean Island Republic) |
Perspective | Third-Person |
Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Multiplayer | Single-player Only (Fan-made multiplayer mod for PC) |
Unique Feature | Signature Grappling Hook, Wingsuit, and Parachute traversal; massive physics-based destruction sandbox; liberation of a vast Mediterranean archipelago; Gear Mod system for customizing abilities. |
Just Cause 3 System Requirements
Minimum_720p_Low_Medium
tune Minimum (Target: 720p-1080p, Low-Medium settings, ~30 FPS) – Low to Medium Preset.
Recommended_1080p_High
tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset.
Just Cause 3 Laptop Recommendations
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows Vista SP2 / Windows 7 SP1 / Windows 8.1 (64-bit Operating System Required)
A 64-bit version of Windows Vista SP2, 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, or 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 54 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is recommended for faster loading times, particularly when fast-traveling or respawning in the large world.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, LOD Detail, Water Quality, Anti-Aliasing, and Effects Quality (especially particles and explosions) significantly impact performance.
Just Cause 3: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The primary post-launch content was the 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass,' which included three major story-driven DLCs: 'Sky Fortress' (introducing a jet-powered, weaponized Bavarium Wingsuit and missions against aerial Sky Sentinels), 'Mech Land Assault' (allowing players to pilot powerful Mechs equipped with gravity guns on the new island of Lacrima), and 'Bavarium Sea Heist' (featuring a heavily armed rocket boat, the 'Loochador,' the Eden Spark lightning gun, and missions against Di Ravello's offshore Bavarium research facility, The Stingray).
Just Cause 3: Game Editions
Just Cause 3 was released with a Standard Edition and a Day One Edition (included Weaponized Vehicle Pack). The XL Edition bundled the base game with the 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass.' The XXL Edition (often available digitally) typically includes the base game, the Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass, the Weaponized Vehicle Pack, and the Explosive Weapon Pack.
Just Cause 3: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Just Cause 3 is a single-player game, so cross-platform play features are not applicable.
Just Cause 3 Specific Game Elements
Just Cause 3 Weapons
- securityBavarium Wingsuit (Sky Fortress DLC) (Weaponized Traversal Gear)
An upgraded, jet-powered wingsuit equipped with shoulder-mounted machine guns and missiles. Acquired in the 'Sky Fortress' DLC.
- securityEden Spark (Bavarium Sea Heist DLC) (Energy Weapon)
A powerful Bavarium-powered lightning gun acquired in the 'Bavarium Sea Heist' DLC, capable of chain lightning attacks.
- securityFirearms (Assorted) (Pistols, SMGs, Assault Rifles, Shotguns, Sniper Rifles, LMGs)
A wide variety of conventional firearms. Rico can dual-wield one-handed weapons. Examples: CS Negotiator (Grenade Launcher), UPU-210 (Rocket Launcher), Capstone Hydra (Rocket Launcher), Fire Leech (Homing Cluster Rocket), M488 (Multi-Lock Missile Launcher).
- securityGE-64 (Remote/Proximity Explosive) (Throwable Explosive)
Versatile C4-like explosives that can be planted on surfaces, vehicles, or enemies and detonated remotely. Can be upgraded to have proximity triggers or increased explosive yield via Gear Mods.
- securityGrappling Hook & Tethers (Traversal, Utility, Combat Tool)
Rico's primary tool. Can attach to surfaces for traversal, tether multiple objects/enemies together (up to 6 tethers simultaneously with upgrades), and retract tethers remotely. Upgradable via Gear Mods for strength, speed, and number of tethers.
- securityGrenades (Throwable Explosive)
Standard fragmentation grenades. Capacity can be upgraded via Gear Mods.
- securityGRIP (Mech Gravity Gun - Mech Land Assault DLC) (Mech Weapon / Utility)
The 'Gravitational Remote Influence Projector' (GRIP) equipped on controllable Mechs in the 'Mech Land Assault' DLC, allowing players to pick up and throw objects (including enemies and vehicles) with powerful force.
- securitySpecial Weapons (e.g., M488, Fire Leech) (Heavy / Unique Firearm)
Powerful weapons often found in military bases or unlocked through progression, offering significant destructive capability, such as multi-lock missile launchers or homing rockets.
Just Cause 3 Vehicles
- directions_carBavarium Wingsuit (Sky Fortress DLC) (Personal Aerial Vehicle / Weapon Platform)
A heavily upgraded, jet-powered and weaponized wingsuit equipped with Bavarium machine guns and missiles. Allows for sustained flight and aerial combat. Acquired in the 'Sky Fortress' DLC.
- directions_carBoats & Naval Craft (Water Vehicle (Transport / Combat))
Various watercraft for navigating Medici's extensive coastlines and seas, including small fishing boats, speedboats (e.g., Pescatore GSL), patrol boats (often armed), and larger military vessels like destroyers (e.g., CS Powerrunner 77).
- directions_carCivilian & Military Cars/Trucks/Bikes (Land Vehicle (Transport / Light Combat / Utility))
A vast array of cars (sports cars, sedans, beaters), pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and larger trucks. Military versions are often armored and may have mounted weapons. Can be hijacked or called in via Rebel Drop.
- directions_carFighter Jets & Planes (Air Vehicle (Fast Combat / Traversal))
Fixed-wing aircraft ranging from fighter jets (e.g., CS7 Thunderhawk, U-24 Zabijak - also a weapon) with advanced weaponry to cargo planes (e.g., CS Peregrine) and smaller prop planes. Used for high-speed travel and air-to-ground/air-to-air attacks.
- directions_carHelicopters (Attack & Transport) (Air Vehicle (Combat / Traversal))
Includes attack helicopters armed with missiles and machine guns (e.g., U-7 Dravec, CS Navajo), as well as transport helicopters (e.g., Mugello Pescespada SX). Essential for aerial combat and rapid deployment across Medici's islands.
- directions_carLoochador Rocket Boat (Bavarium Sea Heist DLC) (Weaponized Speedboat)
A heavily armed speedboat featured in the 'Bavarium Sea Heist' DLC, equipped with multi-lock missiles and machine guns, designed for naval combat.
- directions_carMechs (Mech Land Assault DLC) (Bipedal Combat Walker)
Controllable Mechs introduced in the 'Mech Land Assault' DLC. Equipped with powerful weapons including the GRIP (gravity gun) for manipulating objects and enemies, and other energy weapons or machine guns.
- directions_carSpecialized Vehicles (e.g., FOWs, Construction) (Utility / Unique)
Includes unique or specialized vehicles like Formula 1 cars (Mugello Vistosa), monster trucks (Urga Pocomotive X), construction vehicles, and the massive land-based 'FOWs' (Forward Operating Bases) which are more like mobile fortresses than simple vehicles.
- directions_carTanks & Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) (Land Vehicle (Heavy Combat))
Heavily armored and armed vehicles like tanks (e.g., CS Odjur, Urga Mstitel) and APCs, primarily used by Di Ravello's forces. Rico can hijack and operate these for immense destructive power.
Just Cause 3 Characters
- personAnnika Svensson - Ally / Rebel Smuggler (Sky Fortress DLC)
A rebellious smuggler and pilot who assists Rico in the 'Sky Fortress' DLC against the eDEN Corporation and their Sky Sentinels.
- personDimah al-Masri - Ally / Scientist
A brilliant scientist who was forced to work for Di Ravello on Bavarium weapons. She defects and aids Rico and the rebellion with her technical expertise and knowledge of Bavarium.
- personGeneral Sebastiano Di Ravello - Main Antagonist / Dictator of Medici
The brutal military dictator of Medici who rules with an iron fist and exploits the island's Bavarium resources for his own nefarious purposes. He is Rico's primary target.
- personMario Frigo - Ally / Rebel Leader / Rico's Childhood Friend
Rico's best friend from childhood and a key figure in the Medician rebellion against Di Ravello. Provides Rico with missions and support.
- personRico Rodriguez - Protagonist / Former Agency Operative / 'The Dictator Removal Specialist' (playable)
The main playable character. A highly skilled operative with expertise in demolition, combat, and extreme traversal using his grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute. Returns to his homeland of Medici to liberate it from General Di Ravello.
- personRosa Manuela - Ally / Rebel Propagandist
A voice for the rebellion, often heard on radio broadcasts, inspiring the people of Medici to rise up against Di Ravello.
- personTom Sheldon - Ally (Ambiguous) / Former Agency Handler
Rico's former Agency handler who appears in Medici with his own agenda, often assisting Rico but with questionable motives. A recurring character in the Just Cause series.
- personZeno Antithikara (Mentioned) - Scientist / Creator of Bavarium tech (Deceased)
A scientist who pioneered Bavarium technology and was Dimah's mentor. His work was twisted by Di Ravello.
Top 3 Characters:
Rodriguez: The iconic protagonist, a master of chaos and liberation, equipped with his signature grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute. 2. General Sebastiano Di Ravello: The charismatic but ruthless dictator of Medici, serving as the primary antagonist with vast military resources and control over Bavarium. 3. Dimah al-Masri: A brilliant scientist and key rebel ally who provides Rico with technological support and insights into Di Ravello's Bavarium weapons program.
Just Cause 3 Missions / Objectives
- flagAncient Tomb Exploration
Objective: Finding and exploring 23 hidden Ancient Tombs. Activating the altar in each tomb lights a candle, and lighting all of them unlocks the U-24 Zabijak, a unique mortar-like shotgun.
- flagBavarium Sea Heist DLC Campaign
Objective: Rico infiltrates Di Ravello's secret offshore Bavarium research facility, 'The Stingray,' utilizing a new heavily armed rocket boat ('Loochador') and acquiring the Eden Spark lightning gun.
- flagChallenges (Various Types)
Objective: Completing numerous optional challenges scattered across Medici. These include: Destruction Frenzies (cause as much damage as possible with a specific weapon/vehicle), Races (car, boat, plane), Wingsuit Courses, Scrapyard Scrambles (collecting Bavarium), Crash Bomb challenges, and Shooting Galleries. Achieving high scores (gears) unlocks Gear Mods.
- flagMain Story Campaign (Liberating Medici)
Objective: A series of narrative missions following Rico Rodriguez's efforts to overthrow General Di Ravello and free his homeland of Medici. This involves destabilizing Di Ravello's regime by destroying his military infrastructure, rescuing key allies like Dimah al-Masri, and ultimately confronting the General himself.
- flagMech Land Assault DLC Campaign
Objective: Rico travels to the new island of Lacrima to liberate it from The Black Hand, who are harvesting Bavarium with powerful Mechs. Players can pilot these Mechs, equipped with GRIP gravity guns and other weapons.
- flagProvince Liberation
Objective: Systematically liberating all settlements and military bases within each province of Medici's three main regions (Insula Fonte, Insula Dracon, Insula Striate). This is achieved by destroying all designated "Chaos Objects" (e.g., propaganda speakers, statues, fuel tanks, military hardware) in each location. Liberating provinces unlocks new missions, challenges, Rebel Drops, and fast travel points.
- flagRandom Encounters / Encounters of Chance
Objective: Dynamic, short events that occur as Rico explores Medici, such as helping stranded rebels, defending rebel outposts, or intercepting Di Ravello's couriers. These provide small rewards and Chaos points.
- flagSky Fortress DLC Campaign
Objective: A new storyline where Rico, with the help of Annika Svensson, infiltrates the massive Sky Fortress airship and battles the eDEN Corporation's forces and their advanced drone technology, utilizing the new Bavarium Wingsuit.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Conceptual based on game structure):
a Key Province Capital: Involves systematically destroying all Chaos Objects in a major, heavily defended town or city (e.g., Citate Di Ravello) to seize control for the rebellion, often culminating in raising the rebel flag. 2. Destroying a Major Bavarium Facility: Missions focused on infiltrating and annihilating one of Di Ravello's primary Bavarium mining, processing, or weaponization plants, showcasing large-scale destruction. 3. Completing a DLC Finale: Such as the assault on the Sky Fortress in the 'Sky Fortress' DLC, which involves intense aerial combat with the Bavarium Wingsuit against a massive, heavily armed airship.
Just Cause 3 Companions / Summons
- groupMission-Specific Allies (Mario, Dimah, Sheldon, Annika) (Human (Key NPCs))
Ability: Key story characters like Mario Frigo, Dimah al-Masri, Tom Sheldon, and Annika Svensson (in DLC) will accompany or assist Rico during specific story missions or provide objectives and intel. They are not persistent controllable companions but play roles in dedicated mission sequences.
- groupRebel Drop Pilots (Implied) (Human (AI-Controlled Rebels))
Ability: Though not visible companions in the traditional sense, pilots from the rebellion deliver requested vehicles, weapons, and gear to Rico's location via Rebel Drops (supply drops). Their efficiency and the range of available items can be improved by collecting Vintage Parts.
- groupRebel Fighters (Army of Liberation) (Human (AI-Controlled Rebels))
Ability: As Rico liberates settlements and military bases, AI-controlled rebel fighters will spawn and engage Di Ravello's forces. They act independently but contribute to the chaotic battles and can provide covering fire or draw enemy attention. Rico can sometimes find rebel squads to assist in specific encounters, but he cannot directly command them.
Just Cause 3 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAncient Tombs
Location/Use: Hidden tombs found in various locations. Each tomb contains a switch that, when activated, contributes to unlocking the U-24 Zabijak, a unique shotgun. There are 23 tombs.
- collections_bookmarkDaredevil Jumps
Location/Use: Specific ramps or locations designed for performing vehicle jumps. Completing all 30 Daredevil Jumps is required for an achievement/trophy.
- collections_bookmarkDi Ravello Tapes
Location/Use: Audio logs recorded by General Di Ravello, scattered across Medici. Collecting these reveals more about his backstory, motivations, and personality. There are 71 tapes in total.
- collections_bookmarkRebel Shrines (Virgin Mary Shrines)
Location/Use: Small shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary, scattered across Medici. Lighting all 49 shrines is part of a side activity and unlocks an achievement/trophy.
- collections_bookmarkTomb Raider Relics (Easter Egg - from 'Lost Explorer' mission)
Location/Use: Specific relics found during 'The Lost Explorer' side mission series, referencing the Tomb Raider franchise.
- collections_bookmarkVintage Parts
Location/Use: Collectible parts for various weapons and vehicles, found by searching specific locations marked on the map (often after liberating areas or finding intel). Collecting all parts for an item unlocks it for Rebel Drops. There are 79 unique items to collect parts for (weapons, land vehicles, sea vehicles, air vehicles).
Top 3 Collectibles:
Just Cause 3 Armor
- shieldBavarium Wingsuit (Sky Fortress DLC)
Focus/Stats: The Bavarium Wingsuit itself offers no direct damage resistance but provides enhanced mobility and offensive capabilities which contribute to survivability by allowing Rico to evade attacks and quickly dispatch enemies. It's more of an offensive/traversal tool.
- shieldGear Mods (Defensive)
Focus/Stats: While not visible armor, certain Gear Mods can enhance Rico's resilience, such as those that increase his resistance to damage or improve health regeneration, effectively acting as an armor system.
- shieldMech Armor (Mech Land Assault DLC)
Focus/Stats: When piloting Mechs in the 'Mech Land Assault' DLC, the Mech itself provides significant protection and firepower. The Mech acts as Rico's temporary armor and weapon platform.
- shieldRico's Default Outfit
Focus/Stats: Rico's signature attire (leather jacket, jeans) doesn't provide specific numerical armor values. Player survivability is based on health and regeneration, which isn't directly tied to equippable armor pieces in the traditional RPG sense.
Just Cause 3 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomBavarium Wingsuit (Sky Fortress DLC)
Details: A unique, jet-powered and weaponized wingsuit acquired in the 'Sky Fortress' DLC. It has a distinct appearance and functionality, effectively acting as a new 'outfit' for aerial traversal and combat.
- checkroomDLC & Special Edition Skins (Wingsuit & Parachute)
Details: Various DLC packs (e.g., 'Kousavá KēRaras • Stealth Wingsuit & Parachute Skin') and special editions (like the Day One Edition's Weaponized Vehicle Pack which might include themed skins) provided cosmetic skins for Rico's wingsuit and parachute, allowing for visual personalization of these traversal tools.
- checkroomRico's Default Outfit
Details: Rico's iconic attire, typically a leather jacket, jeans, and boots. The base game does not feature extensive customization options for this outfit itself, beyond it getting progressively more worn as he takes damage (cosmetic effect).
Just Cause 3 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Just Cause 3 is officially a single-player only experience. While Avalanche Studios did not develop official multiplayer, a popular fan-made multiplayer mod was created and released for the PC version by the modding community, enabling unofficial online experiences.
- labelUser Interface
The UI features a minimalist design to keep the focus on the action. Key elements include a map of Medici, objective markers, ammo/health indicators, a gear mod selection interface, and contextual prompts for grappling, parachuting, and wingsuiting. A 'Chaos' meter tracks destruction, unlocking missions and items.
- labelSound and Music
Features an orchestral score composed by Henry Jackman, with additional music by Just Cause series composers. The music dynamically adapts to the on-screen chaos and action. Sound design emphasizes large-scale explosions, vehicle sounds, and weapon effects fitting the game's destructive nature.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Utilizes the Apex Engine (Avalanche Engine) to render the large Mediterranean archipelago of Medici with diverse environments, from sunny beaches to snowy mountains. Known for its impressive physics-based destruction, allowing for creative demolition of structures and military assets. Visuals focus on vibrant colors and spectacular explosive effects.
- labelAccessibility Features
Just Cause 3 includes standard accessibility options for its time, such as subtitle display (on/off), remappable controls (keyboard & mouse, controller support), separate volume controls for master audio, music, SFX, and voice. Options like aim assist toggle and adjustable sensitivity are also present. Advanced features like colorblind modes or extensive UI scaling were not prominent.
- labelStory and Setting
Set on the fictional Mediterranean island republic of Medici, Rico Rodriguez's homeland. Rico returns to find Medici under the brutal dictatorship of General Sebastiano Di Ravello, who is exploiting a powerful, volatile mineral called Bavarium for world domination. Rico joins forces with a rebel movement led by his childhood friend Mario Frigo and scientist Dimah al-Masri to overthrow Di Ravello and liberate Medici.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Medici)
Medici is a vast open world (approximately 1000 km² / 400 sq mi) consisting of three main island regions: Insula Fonte (southern, lush farmlands, quaint towns, and vineyards), Insula Dracon (western, rugged mountains, coastal villages, military bases, and ancient ruins), and Insula Striate (northern, heavily industrialized, Di Ravello's main stronghold, rich in Bavarium mines, and featuring large military installations). Each region contains numerous provinces, settlements, and military bases that must be liberated.
- labelCore Gameplay Mechanics (Grapple, Wingsuit, Parachute)
Traversal and combat are built around Rico's signature tools: the Grappling Hook (can tether multiple objects/enemies together, retract tethers remotely), an improved Wingsuit (for high-speed gliding), and a steerable Parachute. These tools allow for extreme mobility and creative destruction in the sandbox environment. Rico can seamlessly switch between these tools.
- labelLiberation System & Chaos
Players liberate Medici province by province by destroying "Chaos Objects" within enemy-controlled settlements and military bases. These objects include propaganda billboards, statues of Di Ravello, fuel tanks, transformers, satellite dishes, and military hardware. Destroying these objects generates Chaos points, which unlocks new missions, challenges, and rebel support. Once enough Chaos Objects are destroyed in a settlement/base, it is liberated.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Gear Mods)
Rico's abilities are enhanced through 'Gear Mods,' unlocked by earning 'Gears' from completing various challenges (e.g., destruction frenzies, races, wingsuit courses). Mods are categorized: Tethers (strength, number, remote options), Traversal (wingsuit agility, parachute control, grapple speed), Destruction (grenade capacity, explosive power), Weapons (accuracy, ammo), and Vehicles. Players can activate a limited number of mods from each category to suit their playstyle.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Grappling Hook & Tethers: Essential for traversal and creative destruction, allowing Rico to pull objects, enemies, and himself around. Upgradable with multiple tethers and remote retraction. 2. Wingsuit: For high-speed aerial traversal across Medici's vast landscape. Can be combined with the grappling hook for sustained flight. 3. Parachute: Provides controlled descent, a stable platform for aerial combat, and quick altitude changes. 4. GE-64 (Remote/Proximity Explosive): Versatile C4-like charges that can be planted on almost anything and detonated remotely or set as proximity mines. 5. M488 (Multi-Lock Missile Launcher): A heavy weapon capable of locking onto multiple targets simultaneously, perfect for taking down convoys or groups of military hardware.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Grappling Hook & Tether Physics: The ability to attach multiple tethers between objects, enemies, and vehicles, then retract them to create chaotic, physics-based destruction and emergent gameplay scenarios. 2. Wingsuit & Parachute Traversal: Seamlessly combining the wingsuit for high-speed gliding, the parachute for controlled descent and aerial combat, and the grappling hook for momentum, creating an unparalleled sense of freedom and mobility. 3. Large-Scale Destruction & Liberation: The core gameplay loop of liberating Medici by systematically destroying Di Ravello's military assets and propaganda using a vast arsenal of weapons, explosives, and vehicles in a highly destructible sandbox environment.
Just Cause 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline When was Just Cause 3 released?Just Cause 3 was released on December 1, 2015, for PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
- help_outline Who is the main character in Just Cause 3?The protagonist is Rico Rodriguez, the series' recurring hero, known for his expertise with the grappling hook, wingsuit, parachute, and causing spectacular destruction.
- help_outline What is the setting of Just Cause 3?The game is set in Medici, a fictional Mediterranean island republic, Rico's homeland, which is under the oppressive rule of dictator General Sebastiano Di Ravello.
- help_outline What are the key traversal tools in Just Cause 3?Rico's signature tools are the Grappling Hook (for tethering objects and quick movement), the Wingsuit (for high-speed gliding), and the Parachute (for controlled descent and aerial combat). These can be used in combination for dynamic traversal.
- help_outline How does liberation work in Just Cause 3?Players liberate provinces by destroying specific "Chaos Objects" (e.g., propaganda billboards, statues, fuel tanks, military installations) within enemy-controlled settlements and military bases. This inspires the local population to join the rebellion.
- help_outline Does Just Cause 3 have multiplayer?Officially, Just Cause 3 is a single-player game. However, a popular fan-made multiplayer mod was developed for the PC version, allowing for unofficial online experiences.
- help_outline What major DLCs are available for Just Cause 3?The 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass' included three major DLCs: 'Sky Fortress' (introducing a jet-powered, weaponized Bavarium Wingsuit and missions against Sky Sentinels), 'Mech Land Assault' (allowing players to pilot powerful Mechs on the new island of Lacrima), and 'Bavarium Sea Heist' (featuring a rocket boat, the Eden Spark lightning gun, and missions against The Stingray battleship).
- help_outline What are Gear Mods in Just Cause 3?Gear Mods are upgrades for Rico's abilities and equipment, unlocked by completing various challenges throughout Medici. They are categorized into Tethers, Traversal, Destruction, Weapons, and Vehicles, allowing players to customize aspects like tether strength, grenade capacity, or wingsuit agility.