Is it worth playing Far Cry 5 in 2025?

If you're considering diving into Far Cry 5 in 2025, you're probably wondering whether it’s still worth your time. Despite its release way back in 2018, Far Cry 5 remains a good open-world shooter, offering players the chance to take on a doomsday cult in the scenic but eerie Hope County, Montana.

Does it still hold up after all these years? It does, but the game has its flaws as well. Let’s break down what makes this cult-centered Ubisoft adventure unique and what aspects might give you pause.

Disclaimer: The author has shared their personal opinions in this article.

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What makes Far Cry 5 worth playing in 2025?

1) The setting and storyline: A slice of dark rural America

Far Cry 5 grossed over $310 million in sales in its first week of release (Image via Ubisoft)

Far Cry 5 is set in the fictional Hope County, Montana — a sprawling open world filled with serene forests, rocky mountains, and eerie small towns. The game dives headfirst into the world of a doomsday cult, The Project at Eden’s Gate, led by the chilling Joseph Seed. You play as a sheriff’s deputy tasked with dismantling the cult’s grip on the region.

The narrative is where this game stands out. The title boldly explores themes rarely touched in mainstream gaming, such as blind faith, manipulation, and the human cost of power. While it’s not without pacing issues — some story beats feel dragged out — the unique premise and well-developed characters, particularly the cult leaders, keep you hooked.

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2) Gameplay: The Good, the Bad, and the Freedom

Joseph Seed was portrayed by Greg Bryk in Far Cry 5 (Image via Ubisoft)

Far Cry 5’s gameplay offers you a good amount of freedom. Missions can be approached in multiple ways — stealth, guns blazing, or even using your surroundings creatively. The Guns for Hire system lets you recruit AI companions, each with unique abilities.

Whether it’s a sniper covering you from a distance, a pilot raining down airstrikes, or even an animal companion marking enemies for you, the system adds a strategic layer that keeps gameplay fresh.

But not everything about the gameplay is perfect. While the main story missions are engaging, side quests can get repetitive. Liberating outposts and fetching items start to feel like the same grind after a while, especially if you’re a completionist. The AI can also be hit or miss as enemies sometimes behave unpredictably, and companions might be more of a hindrance than help in certain situations.

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3) Progression and customization

Far Cry 5 has three DLCs - Hours of Darkness, Lost on Mars, and Dead Living Zombies (Image via Ubisoft)

The game’s progression system revolves around liberating Hope County’s regions. You’ll fill up a Resistance Meter by completing missions, destroying cult properties, and liberating outposts. As the meter increases, the cult pushes back harder, leading to more intense encounters and eventually, boss battles with regional leaders.

Customizing your experience is another strong suit the game possesses. With an arsenal of weapons ranging from rifles and shotguns to bows and melee tools, you can tailor your loadout to fit your style. Vehicles, be they cars, boats, or planes, offer exciting ways to explore the massive map. You can medkits, explosives, and bait with the crafting system, which adds another layer of depth to the gameplay.

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The Pros and Cons

A still from Far Cry 5 (Image via Ubisoft)

Pros

• Intriguing plot and characters: The cult-related storyline is innovative and moving.
• Diverse gameplay: The presence of combat, exploration, decent stealth and numerous approaches to complete missions ensures a varied gameplay experience.
• Interactive world: It's well detailed open world, exactly capturing rural America.

Cons

• Repetitive side missions: Liberating outposts may become quite repetitive.
• Poor pacing: The story may stall in certain parts as it's filled with stretches without major developments.
• Inconsistent AI: Sometimes enemy and companion AI are frustratingly unpredictable.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a game with a rich narrative, immersive open world, and flexible gameplay, Far Cry 5 is definitely worth your time in 2025. Despite some repetitive missions, unpredictable AI, and pacing issues, the core experience, i.e. fighting a doomsday cult in a vast and varied landscape, is still a fun ride for fans of the genre.

Also check out: Should you play No Man's Sky in 2025?