Just Cause 4 Gameplay Video
Just Cause 4 Key Specifications
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | Apex Engine (New Version) |
Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, Sandbox, Third-Person Shooter |
Initial Release | 2018-12-04 |
Developer | Avalanche Studios |
Publisher | Square Enix |
Setting | Solís (Fictional South American Nation) |
Perspective | Third-Person |
Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Multiplayer | Single-player Only (No official multiplayer modes) |
Unique Feature | Highly customizable Grappling Hook with Air Lifters, Retractors, & Boosters; dynamic Extreme Weather System (tornadoes, blizzards, etc.); vast sandbox environment encouraging creative destruction; signature Wingsuit and Parachute traversal. |
Just Cause 4 System Requirements
Minimum_1080p_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.
High_4K_Settings
tune 4K Requirements (Target: 2160p (4K), ~30-60 FPS, Tuned Settings) – Medium to High Preset, depending on target FPS. Upscaling might be beneficial if supported by user mods/drivers, though not a native primary feature.
Just Cause 4 Laptop Recommendations
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 7 SP1 with Platform Update for Windows 7 (64-bit versions only) or newer
A 64-bit version of Windows 7 SP1 (with Platform Update), Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 59 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is recommended for faster loading times and smoother asset streaming in the large open world of Solís.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, LOD Detail, Water Quality, Anti-Aliasing (FXAA, TAA), and Effects Quality significantly impact performance, especially during chaotic sequences with extreme weather.
Just Cause 4: Map Size and Regions
Solís is a massive open world (approximately 1024 square kilometers) featuring four distinct biomes: Rainforest (lush, dense jungles), Grasslands (rolling plains and farmlands), Alpine (snowy mountains and icy peaks), and Desert (arid landscapes and canyons). Each biome hosts unique weather patterns and points of interest. The world is divided into numerous regions that can be liberated by advancing the Army of Chaos's front line.
Just Cause 4: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The Expansion Pass included three major DLCs: 'Dare Devils of Destruction' (vehicle-centric challenges, races, and new weaponized vehicles), 'Los Demonios' (a supernatural horror-themed expansion with demonic enemies and a new crossbow weapon), and 'Danger Rising' (missions against The Agency, introducing a hoverboard, new Agency weapons, and missions on a submarine). Numerous smaller cosmetic and gear packs (e.g., Neon Racer, Deathstalker Scorpion, Golden Gear, The Dragon weapon) were also released.
Just Cause 4: Game Editions
Just Cause 4 was released in several editions: Standard Edition (base game), Digital Deluxe Edition (base game, Black Hand Stealth Microjet, Black Hand Weaponized Wingsuit), Gold Edition (Digital Deluxe content + Expansion Pass + Golden Gear Pack), and Complete Edition (Gold Edition content + all Black Market items). The 'Reloaded' version, often seen on digital stores, includes the base game and several cosmetic/gear packs.
Just Cause 4: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Just Cause 4 is a single-player game, so cross-platform play or cross-progression features are not applicable.
Just Cause 4 Specific Game Elements
Just Cause 4 Weapons
- securityAT3-X RPG (Heavy Weapon (Explosive))
A powerful rocket-propelled grenade launcher, capable of burst-fire. Effective against vehicles and structures. Secondary fire allows for target locking.
- securityDA 9.3 "Lightning Gun" (Experimental Weapon)
An experimental weapon that can call down lightning strikes or fire concentrated electrical blasts. Its secondary fire often launches storm grenades, creating localized thunderstorms.
- securityGrappling Hook (Customizable) (Traversal, Utility, Combat Tool)
Rico's signature gadget, heavily upgraded. Can be customized with multiple loadouts featuring Air Lifter (attaches balloons), Retractor (pulls tethered objects), and Booster (miniature rockets) mods, each with their own upgradeable properties like strength, speed, and behavior.
- securityLRD-3 Sniper Rifle (Sniper Rifle)
A long-range, high-precision rifle for engaging distant targets. Often includes a secondary short-range explosive shell launcher.
- securityPBX Auto-Slug 4 (Shotgun (Automatic))
A fully automatic shotgun effective at close range. Its secondary fire often unleashes a spread of ricocheting projectiles, devastating in enclosed spaces.
- securityPWC V4.2 "Wind Gun" (Experimental Weapon)
An experimental weapon that fires powerful blasts of wind, capable of sending enemies, vehicles, and objects flying. Its secondary fire typically unleashes a more focused and powerful gust.
- securityRG-PBA 9 Railgun (Heavy Weapon / Sniper)
A handheld railgun that fires high-velocity projectiles, dealing significant damage. Can be charged for increased power. Its secondary fire often deploys a combat drone.
- securitySW9 Assault Rifle (Primary Firearm (Automatic/Burst))
A versatile assault rifle with good damage and rate of fire. Often features an underslung grenade launcher as its secondary fire mode, useful against infantry and light vehicles.
- securityThe Dragon (DLC Weapon) (Heavy Weapon (Explosive/Incendiary))
A unique rocket launcher shaped like a dragon's head that fires fireworks, stunning enemies before exploding. Part of a DLC pack.
- securityWingsuit (Weaponized Variants) (Traversal / Light Weapon Platform)
While primarily for traversal, some wingsuits (e.g., 'Skystriker' or Black Hand Prototype from DLC/Deluxe Editions) are equipped with boosters and missile weaponry.
Just Cause 4 Vehicles
- directions_carBoats & Naval Craft (Water Vehicle (Transport / Combat))
Various watercraft for navigating Solís's rivers, lakes, and coastline, including small speedboats, patrol boats (often armed), and larger vessels like the Thunderbarge (a Black Hand warship).
- directions_carCivilian & Military Cars/Trucks (Land Vehicle (Transport / Light Combat))
A wide variety of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and larger trucks. Many can be found driven by civilians or Black Hand forces. Some military trucks are armored and may have mounted weapons.
- directions_carDLC Vehicles (e.g., Hoverboard, Dare Devils Cars) (Special / DLC Specific)
Downloadable content introduced unique vehicles, such as the agile Hoverboard (Danger Rising DLC) and various heavily modified and weaponized cars for the Dare Devils of Destruction challenges.
- directions_carFighter Jets & Planes (Air Vehicle (Fast Combat / Traversal))
Fixed-wing aircraft ranging from fighter jets (e.g., Fellhawk Jet Fighter) with advanced weaponry to cargo planes and smaller prop planes. Used for high-speed travel and air-to-ground attacks.
- directions_carHelicopters (Attack & Transport) (Air Vehicle (Combat / Traversal))
Includes attack helicopters armed with missiles and machine guns (e.g., Spectre Attack Heli), as well as transport helicopters. Essential for aerial combat and rapid deployment.
- directions_carIndustrial & Specialized Vehicles (Utility / Unique)
Includes vehicles like cranes, forklifts, airport tugs, and unique mission-specific vehicles like Stormchasers (designed to withstand extreme weather). Many can be used creatively with the grappling hook.
- directions_carMotorcycles & ATVs (Land Vehicle (Fast Traversal))
Includes various motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs for fast and agile ground travel, especially off-road.
- directions_carTanks & Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) (Land Vehicle (Heavy Combat))
Heavily armored and armed vehicles like tanks (e.g., Warchief Assault Tank) and APCs, primarily used by The Black Hand. Rico can hijack and operate these.
Just Cause 4 Characters
- personGabriela Morales - Main Antagonist / Leader of The Black Hand
The ruthless and intelligent leader of The Black Hand, the most powerful private military in the world. She controls Solís and Project Illapa, and has a personal history with Rico's father. Serves as Rico's primary adversary.
- personGarland King - Ally / Film Director
A film director shooting a movie in Solís. She tasks Rico with performing various dangerous stunts (vehicle, wingsuit, speed) for her film, rewarding him for his efforts.
- personJavi Huerta - Ally / Archaeologist
An archaeologist obsessed with the ancient history of Solís and the mystery of the Tomba de la Esposa. He provides Rico with side missions related to finding ancient statues and uncovering lore.
- personMira Morales - Ally / Rebel Scientist / Leader in Army of Chaos
A native Solino and brilliant scientist who opposes The Black Hand. She is Gabriela's cousin and becomes a key ally to Rico, helping him understand and fight against Project Illapa. She plays a significant role in guiding the rebellion.
- personOscar Espinosa - Antagonist / Dictator of Solís (Figurehead)
The oppressive dictator of Solís, largely a puppet figure propped up by The Black Hand and Gabriela Morales. While a target, the true power lies with Gabriela and Project Illapa.
- personRico Rodriguez - Protagonist / Rogue Agent / 'The Scorpion' (playable)
The main playable character, a highly skilled operative known for his expertise in demolition, vehicular mayhem, and use of the grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute. He arrives in Solís to uncover his father's connection to The Black Hand and Project Illapa.
- personSargento (Luis 'Che' Guerra) - Ally / Rebel Commander in Army of Chaos
A charismatic and determined commander in the Army of Chaos. He helps Rico organize rebel forces, provides tactical support, and offers missions related to training rebels and disrupting Black Hand operations.
- personTom Sheldon - Ally (Reluctant) / Former Agency Handler
Rico's former handler from The Agency, who appears in Solís with his own agenda, often providing missions and information, though his allegiances can be murky. A recurring character in the Just Cause series.
Top 3 Characters:
Rodriguez: The charismatic and destructive protagonist, an expert in mayhem and an agent of chaos. 2. Gabriela Morales: The intelligent and ruthless leader of The Black Hand, serving as the primary antagonist with a personal connection to Rico's past. 3. Mira Morales: A brilliant rebel scientist and cousin to Gabriela, who becomes Rico's key ally in understanding and fighting Project Illapa and liberating Solís.
Just Cause 4 Missions / Objectives
- flagAncient Mysteries (Javi Huerta)
Objective: Finding and activating 12 hidden Ancient Statues scattered across Solís by solving environmental puzzles, often involving the grappling hook's Retractor mod. This questline delves into the ancient history of Solís and rewards Retractor Mod Points.
- flagArmy of Chaos Operations (Mira, Sargento)
Objective: Side missions provided by key rebel allies. Mira's missions often involve investigating Black Hand technology or Project Illapa. Sargento's missions focus on training rebel squads, disrupting Black Hand logistics, and bolstering the Army of Chaos's strength.
- flagDanger Rising DLC Campaign
Objective: Rico confronts his former employers, The Agency, who have arrived in Solís with advanced technology and a hidden agenda. This DLC introduces the Hoverboard, new Agency enemies, powerful new weapons, and missions aboard a massive submarine.
- flagDare Devils of Destruction DLC Campaign
Objective: Participating in various vehicle-based destruction derbies, races, and survival challenges against three rival gangs in new arenas, utilizing unique weaponized vehicles provided in the DLC.
- flagLos Demonios DLC Campaign
Objective: Combating a supernatural demonic infestation that has been unleashed upon Solís. Involves fighting new parasitic enemy types, cleansing infected areas, and utilizing new gear like a demonic crossbow.
- flagMain Story Campaign (Project Illapa & The Black Hand)
Objective: A series of narrative missions following Rico Rodriguez as he investigates his father's past involvement with The Black Hand and their weather-manipulation weapon, Project Illapa. This involves operations against The Black Hand, disabling components of Project Illapa, and confronting Gabriela Morales.
- flagRegion Strikes & Advancing the Front Line
Objective: Specific missions within each region of Solís that, once completed, allow the Army of Chaos to secure that territory. This pushes back The Black Hand's control and is essential for unlocking further story missions and expanding rebel influence.
- flagStunt Challenges (Garland King)
Objective: Completing various stunt challenges for the film director Garland King. These involve performing specific actions using vehicles (cars, bikes, boats, helicopters), the wingsuit, or achieving high speeds, rewarding Chaos and unlocking pilot upgrades for supply drops.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Conceptual based on game structure):
Whiteout / Thunderbarge Takedown: Key early-to-mid game story operations involving disabling a major weather weapon (Blizzard or Storm Core) and taking down a significant Black Hand aerial command vessel, showcasing the extreme weather and large-scale combat. 2. Securing a Key Region (e.g., Wachikuni or Qachas): Involves completing a series of Region Strike missions, culminating in pushing the front line and liberating a strategically important area, demonstrating the core liberation loop. 3. 'Danger Rising' DLC Finale (Showdown with The Agency): The final missions of the 'Danger Rising' DLC, where Rico, equipped with the hoverboard, confronts The Agency and their advanced technology, often involving intense battles and use of new gadgets.
Just Cause 4 Companions / Summons
- groupArmy of Chaos Soldiers (Human (AI-Controlled Rebels))
Ability: As Rico liberates regions and pushes the front line, AI-controlled rebel soldiers from the Army of Chaos will spawn and engage Black Hand forces. They act independently but contribute to the overall battle and can provide covering fire or draw enemy attention. Rico cannot directly command them.
- groupMission-Specific Allies (Mira, Sargento, Sheldon, etc.) (Human (Key NPCs))
Ability: During specific story missions or side quests, key characters like Mira Morales, Sargento, Tom Sheldon, Javi Huerta, or Garland King may accompany Rico or provide direct support (e.g., hacking, intel, objectives). They are not persistent companions but play roles in dedicated mission sequences.
- groupSupply Drop Pilots (Implied) (Human (AI-Controlled Rebels))
Ability: Though not visible companions in the traditional sense, pilots from the Army of Chaos deliver requested vehicles, weapons, and gear to Rico's location via supply drops. Their efficiency and the range of available items can be improved by completing tasks for specific characters (Javi, Garland, Sargento).
Just Cause 4 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAncient Statues
Location/Use: 12 hidden Ancient Statues scattered across Solís. Finding and activating them (often by solving a grapple-based lever puzzle) for Javi Huerta rewards Retractor Mod Points and contributes to the 'Show Me the Way' trophy/achievement.
- collections_bookmarkStunt Locations (Speed, Wingsuit, Vehicle)
Location/Use: Numerous designated locations across Solís where Rico must perform specific stunts for the film director Garland King. These are categorized into Speed Stunts, Wingsuit Stunts, and Vehicle Stunts (car, bike, boat, helicopter). Completing these earns Chaos and unlocks pilot upgrades.
- collections_bookmarkSupply Drop Blueprints (Implied)
Location/Use: While not direct collectibles, discovering and completing certain missions or activities unlocks new weapons, vehicles, and gear (their 'blueprints') that can then be requested via Supply Drops. This forms a collection aspect of available equipment.
- collections_bookmarkSurveillance Airships
Location/Use: 24 Black Hand surveillance airships floating above various key locations. Destroying them reduces Black Hand presence and contributes to regional liberation and Chaos generation.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Statues: Finding and activating 12 hidden statues for Javi Huerta, involving grappling hook puzzles, to unlock Retractor Mod Points and an achievement. 2. Surveillance Airships: Destroying 24 Black Hand surveillance airships found floating above various locations, contributing to regional liberation and Chaos. 3. Stunt Locations: Completing numerous Speed, Wingsuit, and Vehicle Stunts for Garland King, rewarding Chaos and unlocking new pilot skills/gear.
Just Cause 4 Armor
- shieldGolden Gear Pack Items (Gold/Complete Edition)
Focus/Stats: Includes a golden shotgun, a golden wingsuit, and a golden parachute. These are primarily cosmetic, offering a distinct visual style for these items without significantly altering gameplay statistics beyond their base item functions.
- shieldOther DLC Cosmetic Outfits/Skins
Focus/Stats: Various DLC packs like the 'Neon Racer Pack,' 'Deathstalker Scorpion Pack,' and 'Renegade Pack' include themed skins for Rico's wingsuit and parachute, and sometimes themed vehicle skins. These are visual customizations.
- shieldRico's Tactical Outfit
Focus/Stats: Rico's default attire offers no specific numerical armor rating but represents his general resilience. Cosmetic variations are available through DLC, providing visual changes to his jacket, pants, and gear.
- shieldWeaponized Wingsuits (e.g., Skystriker, Black Hand Prototype)
Focus/Stats: These are not traditional armor but traversal tools with offensive capabilities. The 'Skystriker' (often part of Reloaded/Gold editions) and the Black Hand Prototype Wingsuit (Digital Deluxe) feature built-in missile launchers and boost technology, offering a form of mobile firepower rather than passive damage resistance.
Just Cause 4 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroom'Skystriker' Weaponized Wingsuit (Reloaded/Gold Editions)
Details: Another specialized wingsuit with a unique appearance and weaponry, often included in the Reloaded and Gold Editions of the game.
- checkroomBlack Hand Weaponized Wingsuit (Digital Deluxe Edition)
Details: A specific wingsuit with a distinct Black Hand design, equipped with offensive capabilities. Included in the Digital Deluxe Edition and often part of higher-tier editions.
- checkroomJust Cause 2 & 3 Rico Skins (Free DLC)
Details: Free cosmetic DLCs were released post-launch, allowing players to equip Rico's character models from Just Cause 2 and Just Cause 3 for a nostalgic look.
- checkroomParachute Skins (via DLC/Editions)
Details: Similar to wingsuits, parachute skins provide visual customization and are included in DLC packs and special editions (e.g., Neon Racer Parachute, Deathstalker Scorpion Parachute, Renegade Parachute, Golden Gear Parachute).
- checkroomRico's Default Tactical Outfit
Details: Rico's signature look, typically a leather jacket, tactical pants, and boots. The base game offers limited direct customization of this outfit.
- checkroomWingsuit Skins (via DLC/Editions)
Details: Multiple cosmetic skins for the wingsuit are available through various DLC packs (e.g., Neon Racer Wingsuit, Deathstalker Scorpion Wingsuit, Renegade Wingsuit, Golden Gear Wingsuit) and special editions, altering its appearance.
Just Cause 4 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Just Cause 4 is a strictly single-player experience. It does not feature any official cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
The UI is generally minimalist, focusing on Rico's actions. Key elements include a map for navigation and mission tracking, objective markers, a grappling hook mod selection interface (quick-switch via D-pad), weapon wheel, ammo/health indicators, and contextual prompts. The 'AR Scan' feature highlights interactive objects and mission objectives.
- labelSound and Music
The game features an orchestral and electronic hybrid score that adapts to the on-screen action, composed by Zach Abramson. Sound design emphasizes explosions, vehicle engines, weapon effects, and the powerful sounds of the extreme weather phenomena. Features a dynamic music system that escalates with the level of chaos.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by the Apex Engine, Just Cause 4 showcases large-scale environments with diverse biomes and impressive draw distances. The visuals focus on physics-based destruction and spectacular extreme weather effects like tornadoes and lightning storms. While graphical fidelity on release was met with mixed reception by some for certain aspects (e.g., water, character models), the overall spectacle and scale are significant.
- labelAccessibility Features
Just Cause 4 includes options for subtitles (on/off, size not typically detailed), remappable controls for keyboard/mouse (though UI keys often cannot be changed), controller remapping support, separate volume controls (Sound Effects, Voice, Music, Car Radio), and mouse Y-axis inversion. Specific features like colorblind modes or extensive UI customization are generally not prominent.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in the fictional South American country of Solís, a vast land of diverse biomes and extreme weather conditions. Rico Rodriguez arrives to investigate his late father's connection to The Black Hand, a powerful private military organization led by the ruthless Gabriela Morales. Morales controls Project Illapa, a weather-manipulation superweapon. Rico allies with Mira Morales (Gabriela's cousin and a rebel scientist), Sargento, and other members of the Army of Chaos to liberate Solís and stop The Black Hand.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Rico's Abilities/Gadgets)
Rico's primary progression involves upgrading his grappling hook with mods (Air Lifter, Retractor, Booster) by earning Mod Points from missions and activities. Each mod has multiple sub-options to customize its behavior (e.g., balloon strength, retraction speed, booster power, auto-trigger vs manual). Pilots for supply drops can also be leveled up by completing their specific mission types (stunts for Garland, ancient statues for Javi), unlocking more items and faster delivery. Weapon proficiency increases through use, and squad reserves for the Army of Chaos are earned by causing chaos and completing objectives.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Customizable Grappling Hook: The star of the show, with Air Lifter, Retractor, and Booster mods allowing for immense creativity in destruction and traversal. 2. Wingsuit: Essential for high-speed aerial traversal, often combined with the grappling hook and parachute. Some DLC versions are weaponized. 3. Parachute: Provides controlled descent, aerial combat positioning, and quick altitude changes. 4. RG-PBA 9 Railgun: A powerful sniper rifle that can charge shots for devastating impact and has a drone secondary fire. 5. PWC V4.2 "Wind Gun": An experimental weapon that fires powerful gusts of wind, capable of sending enemies and vehicles flying.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Advanced Grappling Hook & Tether Customization: The ability to deploy multiple tethers with customizable Air Lifter, Retractor, and Booster mods, enabling unparalleled creative destruction and physics-based emergent gameplay. 2. Wingsuit & Parachute Traversal Dynamics: Seamlessly combining the wingsuit for high-speed flight, the parachute for precision landing and aerial combat, and the grappling hook for momentum and tethering creates a unique and fluid movement system. 3. Extreme Weather System Interaction: Dynamic tornadoes, blizzards, sandstorms, and lightning storms that actively impact the game world, presenting both threats and opportunities to weaponize the environment against enemies.
Just Cause 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline When was Just Cause 4 released?Just Cause 4 was released on December 4, 2018, for PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
- help_outline Who is the main character in Just Cause 4?The protagonist is Rico Rodriguez, the series' recurring hero, known for his expertise with the grappling hook, wingsuit, parachute, and causing widespread destruction.
- help_outline What is the setting of Just Cause 4?The game is set in the fictional South American nation of Solís, which features diverse biomes like rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and alpine mountains, and is plagued by extreme weather conditions controlled by Project Illapa.
- help_outline What are the new features in Just Cause 4's grappling hook?The grappling hook is highly customizable with new mods: Air Lifters (attach inflatable balloons to objects), Retractors (pull tethered objects together forcefully), and Boosters (attach small rocket engines). Players can use and customize multiple tethers simultaneously.
- help_outline What are the Extreme Weather events in Just Cause 4?Just Cause 4 introduces dynamic extreme weather like massive tornadoes, blizzards in alpine regions, sandstorms in deserts, and tropical lightning storms. These phenomena physically interact with the game world and can be both a threat and a tool.
- help_outline Does Just Cause 4 have multiplayer?No, Just Cause 4 is a single-player only experience. There are no official co-op or competitive multiplayer modes.
- help_outline What major DLCs are available for Just Cause 4?The Expansion Pass included three major DLCs: 'Dare Devils of Destruction' (vehicle combat focused), 'Los Demonios' (supernatural demonic invasion), and 'Danger Rising' (missions against The Agency, introducing a hoverboard).
- help_outline How does liberation work in Just Cause 4?Liberation involves completing 'Region Strike' missions to secure territories for the Army of Chaos. This advances a 'front line' across the map, rather than liberating individual settlements as in Just Cause 3. Causing general chaos also contributes to earning squad reserves to deploy more rebels.