Far Cry 4

81%
Game Brain Score Based on 19,982 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Far Cry 4 Game Cover
Far Cry 4 is a blast of a game no matter what mode you play!
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In Far Cry 4, players explore the fictional country of Kyrat, located in the Himalayas, as they fight against a despotic king. The game features an open world environment with a variety of weapons and vehicles to use. Players can complete missions, explore the wilderness, and take on side quests to progress through the game's story. The game also includes a multiplayer mode and a map editor for creating custom game modes.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Uplay
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 19,982 reviews
story2,482 positive mentions
stability464 negative mentions
  • story8,422 mentions

    The story of Far Cry 4 is often described as engaging yet flawed, with many players noting its similarities to Far Cry 3. While the main antagonist, Pagan Min, is praised for his charisma and depth, the supporting characters and overall narrative are seen as less compelling, leading to a mixed reception. Many reviews highlight the game's moral ambiguity and the impact of player choices on the storyline, but some players feel that the story lacks urgency and coherence, making it feel repetitive and predictable at times. Overall, while the gameplay and visuals are well-received, the story is considered a weaker aspect of the game, with some players expressing disappointment compared to its predecessor.

    • “The story packs a little depth, especially when comparing to Far Cry 3, but still solid all around, plus co-op!”
    • “The story is engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns, making for an exciting and captivating gameplay experience.”
    • “The story is well-thought out and is interwoven very nicely between the main storyline and the side stories.”
    • “The Yogi and Reggie missions were completely pointless Ubisoft filler; how does your character let these two morons drug you four times?”
    • “The story is a joke, the characters are boring, and the gameplay is mediocre.”
    • “The story is weak and at times kind of dumb. The missions are pretty awful.”
  • gameplay2,646 mentions

    The gameplay of "Far Cry 4" is largely seen as an evolution of its predecessor, "Far Cry 3," retaining familiar mechanics such as outpost liberations and radio tower climbs while introducing new features like grappling hooks and the ability to ride elephants. Players appreciate the engaging combat, diverse environments, and the freedom to approach missions in various ways, although some criticize the repetitiveness of the gameplay loop and the lack of significant innovation. Overall, while the story may not be as compelling, the gameplay remains enjoyable and immersive, making it a solid entry in the series.

    • “The gameplay is fun and immersive, with ambushing royal army patrols from the shadows or raining destruction with the grenade launcher being some of the most satisfying moments.”
    • “Far Cry 4 is an exceptional open-world action-adventure game that masterfully blends stunning visuals, a rich storyline, and dynamic gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is dynamic and engaging, offering a wide range of weapons and vehicles to use, as well as the ability to approach missions and objectives in multiple ways.”
    • “Gameplay is exactly the same as Far Cry 3, with little to no upgrades or downgrades, which felt very repetitive as I attempted to play FC3, FC Primal, and FC4 back to back - not a good idea in the slightest.”
    • “The gameplay loop is much more tight, the levels and open world activities are actually built without the 'one size fits all' mentality that plagued FC3's early game with the added benefit that it ties into the game's narrative.”
    • “Gameplay is repetitive, with the same mechanics as Far Cry 3, and the story is boring as hell.”
  • graphics2,181 mentions

    The graphics in Far Cry 4 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and optimization, with many players noting that the game still holds up impressively well even years after its release. The detailed environments, particularly the mountainous landscapes of Kyrat, are frequently highlighted as breathtaking, and the game is praised for its vibrant color palette and realistic textures. However, some users have reported performance issues and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating that while the graphics are generally excellent, they can be demanding on hardware.

    • “The graphics are stunning, the wildlife is vicious, and the explosions are bigger than your uncle's BBQ mishap last summer.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, with breathtaking vistas, detailed character models, and impressive lighting effects.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and the gameplay, mostly smooth, adds to the immersive experience.”
    • “The graphics are the same, yet have somehow gotten a little worse.”
    • “Gameplay, graphics quite outdated for 2023.”
    • “The graphics are messed up and I can't understand why.”
  • stability486 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, glitches, and performance issues that significantly disrupt gameplay. While some users noted that the game runs well on certain hardware configurations, many others experienced severe bugs, particularly in co-op mode, making it nearly unplayable for them. Overall, the game's stability is considered a major drawback, overshadowing its otherwise enjoyable aspects.

    • “It's only in the game: my mouse works fine and if I play another game at the same time, the latter doesn't glitch.”
    • “The environment is amazing, the graphics still hold up and the game isn't too buggy.”
    • “Also, I've been 100% bug free so far.”
    • “This game is so buggy and glitchy, which was a surprise to me as I never had any issue with the previous games.”
    • “The game is buggy as hell with a Xbox 360 controller plugged in - but I refuse to learn all the commands to play keyboard and mouse, that is not my style.”
    • “This is one of the most buggy and broken games I have ever purchased; to think this is a full release game is a joke. This feels more like something you buy on early access... please do not waste your money, go buy Far Cry 3 instead.”
  • optimization397 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, particularly on high-end systems. While some users noted improvements over previous titles like Far Cry 3, others described it as one of the most poorly optimized AAA games they've encountered, often requiring extensive tweaks to achieve stable performance. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be inconsistent, with a notable divide between user experiences based on hardware configurations.

    • “The game is very well optimized for most PCs that are mid-high end.”
    • “Not only is it a beautiful game, but it also is quite well optimized.”
    • “This game is smooth as a baby's bottom in performance.”
    • “One of the most poorly optimized AAA mainline titles I've ever played.”
    • “The game has so many game-breaking bugs and horrible optimization.”
    • “God awful optimization in general on PC, and even worse for ultrawide monitors.”
  • music318 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric quality and cultural relevance, particularly the blend of traditional Nepalese and modern tracks that enhance the immersive experience. However, some players found the radio music repetitive and annoying, especially due to the intrusive commentary from radio hosts. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered good and fitting for the game's setting, there are complaints about the lack of volume control options and the removal of ambient music in recent updates.

    • “The game's soundtrack, featuring a mix of traditional Nepalese music and modern tracks, adds to the immersive experience, complementing the action on screen perfectly.”
    • “From ancient Indian music and melodious, atmospheric flutes in the Shangri-La missions, to local licensed tracks during driving vehicles, to intense, captivating music during fights and stealth missions, Far Cry 4 keeps your interest intact through its music.”
    • “The atmosphere you get when standing on the top of a mountain, gazing upon the beautifully created landscape while listening to the excellent in-game ambient music just makes you find your inner peace.”
    • “The music mutes when you enter the cut scene and when you pull the trigger the sound of the gunshot is louder than normal.”
    • “This once excellent game has been vandalized by the removal of the background music when free-roaming, which extracts a huge amount of the enjoyment that there was to be had from exploring Kyrat in between missions.”
    • “The map is a bit repetitive and the music is boring after 10 hours of gameplay but you can turn it off.”
  • humor317 mentions

    The humor in "Far Cry 4" is a standout feature, characterized by witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a blend of dark and absurd comedy. Players frequently highlight the comedic brilliance of the villain, Pagan Min, and the entertaining side characters like Yogi and Reggie, whose antics provide a refreshing contrast to the game's serious themes. While some found the humor repetitive or hit-or-miss, many appreciated the game's ability to deliver laugh-out-loud moments amidst its chaotic gameplay.

    • “I appreciated how, even when doing side-quests, he would periodically radio you and tell you funny things.”
    • “Yogi and Reggie are really funny and a fun way to incorporate the 'you're about to get drugged' without making it feel forced.”
    • “The dialogue from the side missions is humorous and very enjoyable.”
    • “Not funny and boring game, repetitive mechanics and a boring story.”
    • “Indeed, one character was hugely uncomfortable to watch as he bigoted his way through a small unskippable and unfunny sequence.”
    • “Overall, the plot and character development in FC4 was a far cry less satisfying (harr harr, I know I'm not funny).”
  • grinding208 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in relation to side quests, collectibles, and crafting systems. While some enjoy the grind for better weapons and skills, others feel that the excessive fetch quests and lack of variety in missions detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration and boredom. Overall, the game is described as having enjoyable moments, but the grinding can become overwhelming and detracts from the fun.

    • “Economy is relatively balanced, not too grindy.”
    • “The game isn't exactly difficult, but it wasn't grindy and painful as Far Cry 3 could be at times.”
    • “The scenery is beautiful, the story you actually care about, and the missions aren't tedious and rage-inducing.”
    • “For me, no amount of gloomy tone and good worldbuilding will ever account for the grindy nature of the game's collectibles, and sluggish/shoddy movement.”
    • “The abandoned gold mine mission in northern Kyrat has got me so frustrated I'm on the cusp of uninstalling the game because it's just so damned tedious, tedious, tedious.”
    • “This game is tedious, repetitive, and easily twice as long as it should be.”
  • replayability156 mentions

    Overall, the game exhibits high replayability due to its open-world design, multiple mission approaches, and player choices that affect outcomes. Many players appreciate the variety of side quests, collectibles, and the ability to reset outposts for repeated challenges, contributing to a rich gameplay experience. However, some reviews note that the linear storyline and unskippable cutscenes can detract from replay value for certain players.

    • “The choices you can make between Sabal and Amita are also very interesting and add a ton of replayability to the game, something FC3 was missing.”
    • “The freedom to approach missions in multiple ways also enhances the game's replayability, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique and personal.”
    • “This game is easily replayable, having multiple different endings and a split in the campaign based on choices you make.”
    • “Very short, anticlimactic campaign, no replay value.”
    • “The game has very little replay value and the characters are very, very hard to form a bond with.”
    • “Unfortunately doesn't have that much replayability for me like the way FC3 did.”
  • atmosphere120 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning landscapes, dynamic weather, and immersive sound design, which together create a vibrant and captivating world to explore. Players appreciate the blend of cultural elements, atmospheric music, and memorable missions that enhance the overall experience, making it one of the standout features of the game. Many reviews highlight the unique setting of Kyrat, with its picturesque environments and engaging atmosphere, as a key factor in the game's appeal.

    • “From the snow-capped peaks to the dense forests and ancient ruins, the landscape feels both vibrant and remote, creating an atmosphere that pulls you in immediately.”
    • “The game's weather system adds to the immersion, with dynamic changes that affect both the gameplay and the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere in this game is simply unparalleled, compared to any other Far Cry game out there.”
    • “The fourth part of Far Cry felt most boring for me, maybe because of the setting or atmosphere.”
    • “The map really has no atmosphere and I didn't feel like being part of the map.”
    • “I played many games which tried to create an atmosphere of India but were not able to fulfill it.”
  • emotional79 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its immersive storytelling and character depth, particularly in relation to the protagonist's journey and the complex antagonist, Pagan Min. However, many critics argue that it lacks the emotional resonance and character investment found in its predecessor, Far Cry 3, describing the story as boring and the characters as unengaging. Overall, while some players found moments of emotional connection and impactful decisions, others felt detached and dissatisfied with the narrative experience.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack complements the Himalayan setting, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the emotional beats of the narrative.”
    • “I cried in joy as if I just lived my life in a video game.”
    • “The complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Pagan Min, add depth to the storyline, leaving players emotionally invested in the outcome.”
    • “Terribly boring story (or lack of) and characters.”
    • “Boring story, boring characters, boring world, nice combat.”
    • “Game is boring, storyline is also stupid. Graphics are bad, crafting items are boring. Overall, the game is not worth buying. Save your money; don't buy this game.”
  • character development63 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant lack of depth compared to its predecessor, Far Cry 3. While some characters are described as compelling and complex, others, particularly the protagonist Ajay and various antagonists, are criticized for their minimal development and lack of emotional investment. Overall, the game features vibrant character designs but falls short in providing meaningful character arcs and motivations, leaving players feeling disconnected from the story.

    • “I'm really enjoying the characters and the voice artistry as well-- the character designs are detailed, the characters are compelling whether they're likeable or not, and I feel like the writers have allowed for some complexity within them: while some of them are over the top, they don't feel like comic book villain/hero caricatures, but individuals doing their best to survive in a brutal environment where the tough and the strong are the ones who thrive, and everyone else is at the mercy of the predators and the elements.”
    • “Pagan Min's character development is masterfully executed, leaving players with a sense of empathy and understanding for the man behind the crown.”
    • “👉 Wow, I simply loved it, great story, great character development with deep backstories, amazing antagonist and the plot twist is just incredible.”
    • “The antagonists die the second time you meet them in case of every antagonist and there wasn't much character development for them at all.”
    • “Very little thought went into the character development.”
    • “Character development is non-existent.”
  • monetization28 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players highlighting intrusive ads, unskippable loading screens, and a general feeling of being bombarded by microtransactions. While some users appreciate that certain titles in the series do not feature microtransactions, many still perceive the overall experience as a cash grab, marred by a cluttered interface and misleading advertising. Overall, the monetization strategy has left a negative impression, detracting from the gameplay experience.

    • “Most importantly, there are no microtransactions to speak of.”
    • “Great open world game that can be completed without microtransactions whatsoever.”
    • “It's free, but has microtransactions.”
    • “Video games aren't a billboard to display ads on.”
    • “This series just feels like a cash grab to me.”
    • “Tack on all of the mandatory Uplay bullshit and the ads for a season pass that they shove up your ass every moment of play and you get yourself a game that isn't worth looking at until it's at a much lower price.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy Far Cry 4

Play time

27hMedian play time
40hAverage play time
18hMain story
46hCompletionist
10-57hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 136 analyzed playthroughs

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