Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon® Wildlands

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Tom Clancy vividly portrays a future Bolivia under the ruthless control of the Santa Blanca drug cartel in "Ghost Recon: Wildlands". As part of an elite Ghost unit, players can build a team of up to 3 friends to strategically dismantle the cartel in a vast, perilous, and reactive open world. Engage in both the main campaign and PVP Ghost War matches, utilizing fully customizable Ghosts, weapons, and gear to fit any playstyle.

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Play Modes

Reviews

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 32,342 reviews

story2,249 positive mentions

stability935 negative mentions

story
9,764 mentions
23 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The story of "Ghost Recon Wildlands" revolves around a team of elite operatives tasked with dismantling the Santa Blanca drug cartel in Bolivia. While the narrative provides a backdrop for the gameplay, many players find it to be clichéd and lacking depth, often overshadowed by repetitive mission structures that involve similar objectives such as killing targets or gathering intel. Despite its shortcomings, the game offers a vast open world and allows for varied approaches to missions, making it enjoyable, especially in cooperative play.
- “The game's storyline is engaging and keeps you invested.”
- “The story is good with lots of plot twists and plenty of cool cutscenes and dialogue.”
- “The story is captivating and doesn't feel like a burden.”
- “The story is pretty basic, nothing special.”
- “The gameplay loop is incredibly repetitive and drawn out, the mechanics pretty basic with little innovation, and the story as basic as they come.”
- “The story is meh; I'm generally more focused on being tactical and waxing cartel bad dudes - which this game gives ample chances.”
gameplay
3,740 mentions
36 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands" is characterized by its engaging tactical mechanics and expansive open-world design, allowing players to approach missions with a variety of strategies, including stealth and direct combat. However, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with similar mission structures and a lack of innovation in mechanics, particularly in driving and AI behavior. While the game offers a satisfying shooting experience and extensive customization options, its reliance on familiar Ubisoft formulas and occasional technical issues can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- “The gameplay in Ghost Recon Wildlands is engaging and challenging.”
- “The game's stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and variety of missions and activities make it a must-play for anyone looking for an immersive gaming experience.”
- “Great game mechanics, plenty of options for devastation at your fingertips to make you feel like you're actually a special forces operative.”
- “The gameplay loop is incredibly repetitive and drawn out, the mechanics pretty basic with little innovation, and the story as basic as they come.”
- “The overall game mechanics are beyond clunky and the driving and plane mechanics feel like a student project in game design that is just looking to get a passing grade and the AI is beyond braindead.”
- “The gameplay is mostly fine at the beginning, till you hit those really, really bad missions, but frankly it's mostly disappointing in almost every area.”
graphics
2,619 mentions
62 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Ghost Recon Wildlands" are widely praised for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of the Bolivian landscape. Many players note that the game holds up well even years after its release, with impressive environmental effects and character models, although some report occasional graphical glitches and performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the immersive experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “One of the standout features of Ghost Recon Wildlands is its stunning visuals.”
- “The graphics are awesome and the game was put together pretty well.”
- “The graphics in Ghost Recon Wildlands are visually impressive, with a wide variety of environments that look realistic and immersive.”
- “There are still graphical glitches.”
- “I feel like other Ubisoft games that came out around this time slacked on the graphics.”
- “The graphics and art direction are otherwise okay, except for showing their age in some circumstances, mostly when you're traversing the terrain from up high in the sky in a helicopter or when zooming in with the drone or binoculars - in those cases you see obvious details clearly missing or popping in as you move (even with max graphical settings).”
stability
971 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting a plethora of bugs, glitches, and connectivity issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many players experience frequent freezes, crashes, and game-breaking glitches, particularly in multiplayer modes, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the game without frustration. Despite some fun moments, the game's technical shortcomings have led to a consensus that it feels unfinished and poorly optimized, leaving many players disappointed.
- “It runs great!!”
- “It's stable, surprisingly bug free, runs smooth, and it's fun to infiltrate, assess, and execute with AI companions in my experience, but it's probably a fun (if chaotic) multiplayer experience too.”
- “While there were an irritating number of crash bugs initially, they worked hard to fix them and now it seems to be bug free.”
- “The game is a buggy mess that is absolutely great with friends!”
- “This game is a complete buggy mess, and for it being out this long, it's unacceptable.”
- “The game freezes every 10 minutes and is unplayable.”
optimization
819 mentions
20 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
32 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, with many citing severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Players have expressed frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly, often requiring significant tweaks to settings just to achieve playable frame rates. While some users report decent performance after adjustments, the consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly for PC, leading to a frustrating experience overall.
- “The game runs smoothly, and the graphics are visually stunning, showcasing the beauty of the environment and the detailed character models.”
- “Graphics and optimization are impeccable and easily rival releases of 2023 with no DLSS in terms of performance and graphical fidelity.”
- “It's a great game when you can get it to run smoothly, but thanks to the online only and Denuvo, it almost never will.”
- “Crazy how poorly optimized controller input is; 5% of the time you hit a button and instead it activates a different button.”
- “This game needs lots of optimizations; the minimum and recommended specs settings mentioned in the game info are not true.”
- “Performance is trash and the game has crashed several times.”
grinding
351 mentions
1 % positive mentions
19 % neutral mentions
80 % negative mentions
The reviews overwhelmingly highlight that the game involves extensive grinding, often described as tedious and repetitive, requiring significant time investment to progress. Many players express frustration with the monotonous nature of missions and resource collection, suggesting that the gameplay can feel like a chore rather than an engaging experience. While some find enjoyment in the grind, particularly in co-op play, the consensus is that the game could benefit from a reduction in grind-heavy mechanics to enhance overall enjoyment.
- “Not because the missions aren't grindy, because the whole game is.”
- “This lifetime won't be enough for grinding in this game.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Ai teammates are too inaccurate and unreliable without heavy, unnecessary grinding.”
- “The game itself is fine, but a bit grindy and repetitive.”
- “The map is unnecessarily huge, which imo is the source of this tedious grind.”
humor
338 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous bugs and glitches, which often lead to hilarious moments, especially when playing with friends. While some players appreciate the intentional comedic elements and character banter, others find the repetitive jokes and AI antics to be more annoying than funny. Overall, the game is best enjoyed in co-op mode, where the chaotic and unpredictable nature of gameplay can lead to memorable and amusing experiences.
- “The witty one-liners and hilarious exchanges between your ghost teammates are like a breath of fresh air in the midst of a bullet storm.”
- “The game is a beautiful, hilarious mess of bugs, definitely worth the laughs if you get it on sale.”
- “It's hilarious when things go pear-shaped and you all have to bolt to save your hides.”
- “At the same time, I have had to listen to the playable characters say the same terrible jokes that are just so unnecessary and unfunny every time they get into a situation or vehicle, which was driving me insane.”
- “They are constantly repeating the same boring dialogue and telling the same unfunny jokes over and over again.”
- “Frankly, it is okay but not funny enough for most players, so if you have enough free time, just give it a try.”
monetization
235 mentions
6 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
34 % negative mentions
The monetization in the game is heavily criticized, with many players noting the prevalence of microtransactions and loot boxes that often lock desirable content behind a paywall. While some users feel that these purchases do not significantly impact gameplay, others argue that they detract from the overall experience, labeling the system as a cash grab typical of Ubisoft's recent titles. Despite the presence of microtransactions, many players still find the base game enjoyable, though they express frustration over the aggressive monetization practices.
- “There are plenty of in-game purchases/unlockables, but they do not detract from the gameplay experience whatsoever if ignored.”
- “All in all, it's a good game and fun to play. Even with microtransactions in it, I don't feel like anything is missing from the game, as you get a lot of weapons and items to use in the base game from the weapon caches all over the map.”
- “The in-game purchases are for the most part aesthetic and are in no way necessary, which is a very welcome bonus after playing stuff like Siege where they force you into it.”
- “Lootboxes, microtransactions, half-baked DLC widely disliked by the community. I paid €5.99 on sale, and that is about the amount of money games such as this are worth to me.”
- “The reason I can't recommend this game is because of the outrageous amount of microtransactions present. They’ve stuffed nearly every new customization option behind loot crates, and padded that with useless emotes, poses, voice lines, and whatnot.”
- “Ubisoft is known for some underhanded tactics with microtransactions, but the Ghost Recon Wildlands store is the scummiest bullshit I've ever seen in a video game.”
replayability
187 mentions
36 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting the vast open world, diverse mission approaches, and cooperative gameplay as key factors that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some reviews mention a degree of repetitiveness, the ability to customize strategies and the dynamic nature of the game world contribute to a rich replay experience. Overall, players find that the game offers significant replay value, especially when played with friends.
- “The game's open-world setting allows for endless possibilities and replayability.”
- “Each mission can be approached in multiple ways, promoting creativity and replayability.”
- “The dynamic nature of the game world further enhances the replayability, as enemy patrols and encounters can vary in each playthrough, ensuring that no mission feels exactly the same.”
- “After beating the story, there is absolutely no replay value as the only thing you can do is kill some Santa Blanca and unlock the rest of the weapons and mods.”
- “The only things I don't like about the game are that you still can't customize your squad's weapons loadout, and that side missions are not replayable.”
- “So having played over 60 hours of this game (at least 2 hours of it was solely used troubleshooting), I can objectively state that this game, while very fun and addicting for the first 4 hours or so, loses its replay value pretty quickly.”
music
179 mentions
28 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its atmospheric qualities and cultural authenticity, particularly the integration of traditional Bolivian music that enhances immersion. However, others find the in-game radio options repetitive and annoying, leading to a preference for external music while playing. Overall, while the soundtrack can elevate the experience, it often lacks variety and can detract from gameplay for some players.
- “Good job ubi, and might I add the world is stunning, and the music is so beautiful and helps with immersion.”
- “The use of traditional Bolivian music and modern cinematic scores adds cultural authenticity and emotional weight to the gameplay.”
- “The soundtrack complements the gameplay, adding to the intensity of combat and moments of suspense.”
- “The music and in-game radio range from forgettable to annoying; I turned it off within 30 minutes of playing the game, although I guess there was at least some effort put in to make it match the setting, at least as far as I was willing to listen to it.”
- “The soundtrack is something that you turn off because it's the same kind of generic drivel that Ubisoft has in their games.”
- “The radio in the game plays the same three songs every single time; dialogue between characters is repeated to the point of being ridiculous.”
atmosphere
119 mentions
57 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Ghost Recon Wildlands" is widely praised for its immersive and detailed depiction of the Bolivian landscape, enhanced by stunning visuals, dynamic weather, and a compelling soundtrack that complements both action and quieter moments. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance tactical gameplay with a relaxed ambiance, creating a rich and engaging environment that feels alive and authentic. Despite some criticisms regarding the story, the overall atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making the game enjoyable both solo and in co-op play.
- “The game's atmosphere is incredible, the gunplay is fun, the story is intriguing, the sound design is excellent.”
- “The attention to detail brings the world to life, from bustling cities to remote villages, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience.”
- “The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle further enhance the immersive experience, adding an extra layer of depth to the game's atmosphere.”
- “It has no atmosphere.”
- “Also this game is silent as fuck no atmosphere music or anything no real combat music when shit hits the deck or anything, the only thing I can hear is fucking high peep birds that I want to shoot and the goddamn truck engine that is loud as fuck.”
- “For some reason the atmosphere and mood feels less grounded and serious than it should, but that's just being nitpicky.”
emotional
70 mentions
73 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many players finding the story and character development to be generic and unengaging. While some moments evoke feelings of connection or immersion, such as the interactions within the ghost recon team, the overall repetitive gameplay and uninspired narrative detract from any potential emotional impact. Players express frustration over the game's failure to deliver a compelling emotional experience, often feeling disconnected from the characters and story.
- “The interactions and relationships between characters also provide emotional depth and motivation for the missions.”
- “The use of traditional Bolivian music and modern cinematic scores adds cultural authenticity and emotional weight to the gameplay.”
- “Your character can be so brutal and at one point you're tailing a guy you're supposed to kill whilst he calls his daughter... kinda heartbreaking.”
- “I've really tried to like this game, but the amount of bugs I've run into that completely break immersion, along with the horrible voice acting, boring story, lacking AI control, and unengaging gameplay really makes me dislike this game.”
- “Yet unfortunately, an incredibly boring story, dull and repetitive tasks over and over again.”
- “Boring storyline, somewhat repetitive missions, cringey voice acting, occasionally horrendous controls, and rather bad vehicular handling.”
character development
28 mentions
25 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of depth and emotional connection to the characters. While some appreciate the character design and the potential for interesting narratives, the overall consensus is that the game fails to provide meaningful character arcs or development, leaving protagonists feeling flat and unmemorable. Additionally, AI squadmates are often criticized for their robotic behavior and lack of personality, further detracting from the experience.
- “While the plot may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, the character development within the Ghost Recon team adds depth and emotional investment to the experience.”
- “Good character development.”
- “It does leave some things to be desired, whether it be mechanics or even a little more variety in dialog and character development.”
- “No character development there and nothing makes them interesting or terribly likable.”
- “The character development lacks depth, making it difficult to form strong connections with the protagonists.”
- “Shitty, unoriginal story with no real content or character development.”