Far Cry Primal

81%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,772 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Far Cry Primal Game Cover
The last four installments of Far Cry have been annual-ish, and whenever that happens two concerns spring to mind: innovation and bug testing.
Starting at $8.05Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on Epic Games Store

Far Cry Primal is a prehistoric-themed action adventure game where players control Takkar, a huntley in the Stone Age era, fighting to survive against dangerous wildlife and rival tribes. The Digital Apex Edition includes the base game with three additional missions called "Legend of the Mammoth," early access to unique customization options and weapons, and rare resources. Fight for survival and dominance in the brutal and untamed world of Oros.

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

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,772 reviews
story973 positive mentions
grinding202 negative mentions
  • story3,467 mentions

    The story in "Far Cry Primal" is generally perceived as simplistic and lacking depth compared to other entries in the series, focusing primarily on the survival of the Wenja tribe against rival factions. While some players appreciate the unique prehistoric setting and the straightforward narrative, many criticize the repetitive mission structure and the absence of compelling character development, leading to a less engaging experience overall. Despite these shortcomings, the game offers enjoyable gameplay mechanics and a vibrant open world that can keep players entertained, even if the story itself feels underwhelming.

    • “The storyline of Far Cry Primal is certainly engaging, immersing players in a world of primal conflict and survival.”
    • “The story is well-crafted and keeps players invested.”
    • “With its breathtaking graphics, immersive gameplay mechanics, and a captivating storyline, this game truly stands out as a unique and thrilling experience.”
    • “The story is horrible, you're going to be reading subtitles while characters spit some random gibberish using some cartoonish intonation to 'convey' the emotion.”
    • “There is a huge disproportion in quality of the main story and side quests, and that is the saddest part.”
    • “If there were less side quests and more to the main story it would be a legendary game, this way main story feels very short and diluted in boring side missions.”
  • gameplay1,515 mentions

    The gameplay of *Far Cry Primal* has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its familiar mechanics from previous entries in the series, leading to a sense of repetition. While the introduction of unique features like animal taming and a prehistoric setting adds some freshness, the core gameplay loop—focused on hunting, gathering, and conquering outposts—can feel monotonous over time. Additionally, performance issues and a lack of innovation in combat mechanics have been highlighted as drawbacks, though the game's graphics and immersive world have been praised.

    • “The gameplay is great and the story is very good.”
    • “The ability to exploit the environment and engage in combat with various enemies adds depth to the gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth and the story...well, we're cavemen, so don't expect something like 3 or 4.”
    • “Despite its unique setting, Far Cry Primal's gameplay loop becomes repetitive quickly.”
    • “The game fails to introduce any truly groundbreaking mechanics or features, relying heavily on established Far Cry gameplay elements.”
    • “The gameplay gets dull and repetitive after a while; long story short, I expected better from this game yet it fails to deliver.”
  • graphics1,115 mentions

    The graphics in "Far Cry Primal" are widely praised for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, effectively bringing the prehistoric setting to life with lush environments and realistic wildlife. Many players note that the game maintains impressive graphical fidelity even years after its release, with beautiful landscapes and atmospheric effects that enhance immersion. However, some critiques mention that certain elements can blend together visually, making it challenging to identify useful items in the environment. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature of the game, contributing significantly to the player's experience.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with vibrant landscapes, detailed environments, and lifelike animals that bring the world to life.”
    • “Beautiful graphics and world, fresh and innovative gameplay for the Far Cry series, and just overall really immersive.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is tons of fun so far, can't go wrong for less than the price of a good beer.”
    • “Sadly, graphically everything blends in with each other and it's very problematic to see what's useful.”
    • “Limited settings customization, sloppy visuals, extremely simple and broken AI.”
    • “The graphics are lame and the gameplay is repetitive.”
  • grinding229 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a prevalent and often tedious aspect, with many players finding the resource gathering, crafting, and side quests repetitive and monotonous. While some enjoy the grind as part of the gameplay experience, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a loss of interest after the initial hours. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant element that can either enhance or diminish the game's appeal, depending on the player's tolerance for repetitive tasks.

    • “It's not grindy survival like some of the survival sims out there; rather, it's just a nice consistent challenge with strategic thinking.”
    • “Weapon upgrades aren't too grindy, are effective and visual, which makes it satisfying.”
    • “Has a good pace on leveling up, gathering materials, and it's not too grindy. The only problem I ever encountered with grinding for hides was to find badgers, but I was most likely in the wrong place for it.”
    • “However, in true Ubisoft fashion, these things become tedious and mindless, and the map is overly crowded with so much useless stuff.”
    • “The slow, plodding nature of the game's general traversal, progression, and combat just doesn't work well when you factor in the sheer magnitude of grindy content there is.”
    • “Easily the worst game I've played in a long time; even if you like Far Cry and survival games, you still probably won't like this game. It's just poorly designed in every way—boring, tedious, and repetitive.”
  • optimization187 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players praising its solid performance and smooth gameplay on various systems, while others report frequent frame drops and loading issues, particularly on consoles. Although many users found it well-optimized for PC, especially compared to previous titles in the series, initial launch problems and ongoing performance concerns have led to a divided reception. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others struggle with significant performance issues that detract from gameplay.

    • “Overall, it's a great game with good optimization and a beautiful primal world you can get lost in.”
    • “The game is beautiful, and runs smoothly on my computer (consistent 60 fps).”
    • “It's incredibly well optimized, with a couple of funny bugs and ragdoll effects freaking out, but mostly the experience was very fluid.”
    • “At launch in 2016, this game received mixed reviews due to widespread performance issues on PC, as well as reusing a gameplay formula too similar to that of Far Cry 4.”
    • “The performance isn't great with frequent drops, and the graphics aren't anything to rave about either.”
    • “A lot of the initial reviews of this game were negative due to the poor PC optimization.”
  • atmosphere163 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Far Cry Primal" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic depiction of the prehistoric world, enhanced by a unique primal language, stunning graphics, and a rich sound design that captures the essence of the era. Players appreciate the lush environments, dynamic weather, and the tension of being a small human in a dangerous landscape filled with wildlife, which collectively create a captivating experience. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetition, the overall atmosphere is considered the game's standout feature, making it a compelling choice for those who value exploration and environmental storytelling.

    • “The lush and vibrant landscapes of Oros, teeming with wildlife and dense vegetation, create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience.”
    • “The atmosphere just envelopes you, and every time you go to do a mission, you get sidetracked for like 30 minutes before actually doing the task.”
    • “The atmosphere is inviting, and the sound design is top-notch, enhancing the overall experience of the game.”
    • “This game has nothing of the survival depth or the atmosphere you would expect from a game set in the Stone Age.”
    • “The atmosphere just envelopes you, and every time you have to do a mission, you get sidetracked for like 30 minutes before actually doing the damn thing.”
    • “Playing Far Cry Primal feels like you are playing Batman at times once you are fully upgraded, which is not a bad thing; however, it also feels like a missed opportunity when it comes to gameplay because the primal setting is full of atmosphere but resorts to the standard staple of FPS.”
  • stability134 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a variety of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, such as freezing, character control issues, and enemy AI problems. While some users have experienced minimal issues and found the game runs well on their systems, others have faced significant frustrations, including game-breaking bugs and a problematic save system that exacerbates the impact of these glitches. Overall, the game's stability is a notable concern, particularly for those seeking a smooth and reliable gaming experience.

    • “Overall, the game ran well with no glitches, and gave me a good fps with graphics turned up.”
    • “Gameplay is smooth, no glitches or issues so far.”
    • “No errors, no DRM issues, no glitches, no random FPS drops.”
    • “This game has been out for three years and still has consistent game freezes and crashes to desktop.”
    • “The game crashes/freezes constantly, requiring a hard reset of my PC.”
    • “I would recommend this game if it was not for the extreme lighting glitches I am experiencing as I have enjoyed my time with it so far, glitches aside that is.”
  • music126 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its tribal and atmospheric qualities that enhance the prehistoric setting. While some found the soundtrack immersive and fitting, others criticized it for being repetitive or lacking in variety, with a few suggesting that turning off the music could improve the overall experience. Overall, the sound design, including ambient noises and sound effects, is often highlighted as a strong point, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.

    • “The game's soundtrack is fitting, featuring a mix of tribal and atmospheric tracks that suit the game's setting and atmosphere.”
    • “The music is fantastic; the best part is at the last level with the ending credits also playing the song.”
    • “The music differs from tribes with the horns and guttural noises, along with the natural animal sounds.”
    • “The soundtrack is dreadfully bland.”
    • “Music did not please, very little music, and the one that is, too, is not particularly happy.”
    • “The music is not something that I would ever listen to on my own time, as the only memorable tracks are annoying screams and moaning horns.”
  • humor125 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it amusing due to quirky characters, funny interactions, and absurd situations, such as witnessing unexpected events during missions. However, some critiques point out that the humor can feel juvenile or repetitive, appealing more to younger audiences or lacking the depth of previous titles in the series. Overall, while there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and comedic elements, the effectiveness of the humor varies significantly among players.

    • “Fun game with some humorous and interesting characters.”
    • “The story was intriguing and well executed, and the characters were interesting and funny.”
    • “The environment is amazing, characters are funny and interesting, and the gameplay is flawless.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “That's not funny though.”
    • “Funny bugs.”
  • replayability56 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players finding value in its open-world exploration, varied gameplay styles, and engaging story, while others criticize its repetitive missions and lack of multiplayer options. Although there are elements that encourage replay, such as different combat approaches and crafting, many feel that once the main story and side quests are completed, the game lacks significant replay value. Overall, it offers a decent experience for those who enjoy collecting and upgrading, but may not satisfy players seeking extensive replayability.

    • “The game's fast-paced combat, wide range of weapons and abilities, and varied open world offer a good deal of variety and replay value, and the game's engaging story and compelling characters keep players invested in the game's world and events.”
    • “I have put over 110 hours on each of my playthroughs and with its replayability it is a no-brainer to pick up, especially on sale.”
    • “Immersive, endless replay value, innovative and shouldn't be judged by the associated franchise.”
    • “Some of the repeatable missions can get repetitive after a while, but overall still has a lot of replay value if you get a kick out of Tomb Raider-like hunting, gathering, and upgrading gameplay.”
    • “My only grievances are that the missions aren't replayable without starting the whole campaign over from scratch, and you can't have multiple save files.”
    • “It lacks replayability, but is superior in every other way.”
  • emotional55 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Far Cry Primal" elicits mixed responses from players. While some reviewers appreciate the game's ability to immerse them in a prehistoric setting and evoke feelings of nostalgia and connection to the characters, others criticize the lack of depth in the storyline and character development, leading to a diminished emotional investment. Overall, the game is noted for its stunning visuals and a few touching moments, but many feel that repetitive gameplay and a weak narrative detract from a truly impactful emotional experience.

    • “In conclusion, Far Cry Primal is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating experience that transports players to a prehistoric world like no other.”
    • “The most emotional game I have ever played, being a fan of prehistoric living and first humans, this really brings you there.”
    • “I have to admit, this is one of the most emotionally compelling and vibrant games I have ever played; right up there with The Witcher 3.”
    • “Lame characters, boring story, most repetitive content of all Far Cry I've ever played.”
    • “Boring story, I didn't even know that I had finished it until there were no more missions because I accidentally killed the final boss too soon. The villagers do practically nothing and make you go out and find some random exotic plant so you can look at a pretty little hut. The weapons were really hard to upgrade and not worth it at all, and finally, the random language makes you stare at the little white text rather than what's actually going on.”
    • “Extremely repetitive gameplay, dreadfully boring story, plastic and uninteresting characters, and the exact same map as Far Cry 4, just with a red-orange filter.”
  • character development21 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking depth and complexity, with many reviewers noting a failure to create compelling relationships between the player and key characters. While some NPCs exhibit good development, the overall narrative is criticized for being basic and not providing a satisfying sense of progression. Despite some positive mentions of character design and dynamic elements, the consensus is that the game does not deliver the rich character experiences found in other titles.

    • “The well-crafted plot keeps you engaged throughout, offering a perfect blend of action, exploration, and character development.”
    • “Base building along with character development make this game one of my favorites to date.”
    • “Where Far Cry Primal lacks in its storyline (unlike its predecessors), it makes up for with significant attention to character development.”
    • “A mention-worthy attempt at prehistoric role-play, but unbalanced focus on childish entertainment rather than rewarding tribe management and/or character development.”
    • “The story is lackluster, lacking motive and character development.”
    • “There's very little sense of progression/character development; the collectables are just there to annoy my completionist mind, and there are a few bugs.”
  • monetization15 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players expressing disappointment over microtransactions and DLCs that offer little value. Many reviews highlight a lack of passion in the game's development, suggesting that it prioritizes profit over quality, leading to a frustrating experience that feels more like a grind than an engaging adventure. Overall, the monetization strategy has left players feeling exploited and dissatisfied.

    • “A more serious case was that of Might & Magic: Duel of Champions, a free-to-play game with microtransactions, whose closure not only removed the game from stores but also erased achievements and statistics from accounts, rendering important player information inaccessible.”
    • “My biggest problem, also connected with the ones above, is that this game feels like a cash grab; I don't feel like there is a lot of passion and work behind it.”
    • “I was a little disappointed in the game because there was certainly potential for something amazing, but it settled for what strikes me as a subpar cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

Buy Far Cry Primal

Play time

15hMedian play time
21hAverage play time
15hMain story
36hCompletionist
6-36hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 100 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News