Is Far Cry 6 like Far Cry 3? A Detailed Comparison per Reddit
As an avid Far Cry fan, this is a question I‘ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Far Cry 3, released in 2012, was a landmark entry in the series – critics praised its narratively driven open world and magnetic villain Vaas. Almost a decade later, 2021‘s Far Cry 6 aims to revolutionize the formula again. But does it live up to FC3‘s legacy based on reddit discussions? Let‘s dive deep into the key differences and similarities.
Gameplay – A Focus on Freedom vs Guidance
At their core, both Far Cry 3 and 6 are open world first person shooters. However, FC3 offers significantly more freedom and flexibility in its gameplay. As many redditors have pointed out, FC3‘s outpost system is a standout – letting you scout, stealthily infiltrate or loudly attack enemy camps. You choose the tactics. FC6 relies more heavily on scripted story missions and linear levels. One reddit user said FC6‘s "overreliance on scripted events was a huge letdown for me."
Mechanically, FC3 also has more RPG elements that diversify gameplay – you hunt wildlife for crafting materials, gather plants for syringes/potions, unlock new skills by leveling up. FC6 simplifies or removes many of these systems entirely. Overall, FC3‘s varied progression and unrestricted gameplay lend to greater emergent moments. As redditor godfatherinflux described, "In Far Cry 3 I felt like I was making the story. Like I was roleplaying. In FC6, I‘m along for the ride."
Far Cry 3 vs Far Cry 6 Key Gameplay Differences
| Feature | Far Cry 3 | Far Cry 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Open World Design | Freeform outposts and exploration | Heavily scripted missions |
| Progression | XP and skill trees for crafting/abilities | Simplified weapon gear system only |
| Stealth | Chain stealth takedowns, throwing rocks | Crouching and hiding bodies only |
| AI | More complex enemy behaviors and reactions | Basic direct combat behaviors |
| Activities | Hunting, crate/letter collection, racing | Barebones side content |
Now, FC6 does introduce some new gameplay innovations. Companions called Resolvers like the adorable dachshund Chorizo can assist you in the field. Unique Supremos backpacks give you special abilities. And you can craft throwable weapons from scattered junk. However, most redditors seem to agree these new mechanics don‘t make up for FC6‘s lack of complexity compared to FC3. As reddit user FrazzleBong said: "I got bored after like 15 hours. Runs shallow."
Storytelling – Personal Journey vs Political Drama
The narratives of FC3 and FC6 take very different approaches. Far Cry 3 is focused on a personal tale of transformation – as rich kid Jason Brody survives the odds and becomes a warrior. The game‘s writer Jeffrey Yohalem intentionally uses tropes and metaphors to tell this "coming of age" story. Far Cry 6 conversely tries to deliver a story of political revolution focused on toppling the fascist leader of Yara, Anton Castillo. It aims for emotional drama over subversive commentary.
Many players argue Far Cry 3‘s story is more impactful. As reddit user PaddyNMS says: "Jason Brody is a far more believable and likeable character than Dani is. Far Cry 3 has more charisma." The relationships Jason forms with friends and enemies like Vaas, Citra, and Buck drive his growth. Far Cry 6‘s large revolutionary army doesn‘t get this personal. While FC6 tackles some contemporary social issues, its characters and plotting are viewed as weaker. Redditor Commercial-Whole-3869 sums it up as: "I feel like the developers had a vision for FC6’s narrative but weren’t skilled enough to execute it properly.”
Villains – Unpredictable Psychopaths vs Military Dictator
Hands down the biggest advantage Far Cry 3 has over 6 is its iconic villains. Vaas Montenegro is one of the most memorable antagonists in FPS history thanks to his manic monologues. Hoyt Volker is terrifying as the dark force pulling the strings. Michael Mando‘s acting performance brings Vaas to life in thrilling ways. As reddit user Jeberani stated: "Vaas was a misunderstood multidimensional villain. While Anton is your typical stereotypical dictator.” FC6‘s Anton Castillo feels bland in comparison as the militant leader ruling Yara with oppression.
While Vaas has depth, Anton lacks complexity according to players. And the relationship built between Vaas and Jason overcatalyzes the latter‘s transformation. Redditor Commercial-Whole-3869 explained it well: "Castillo doesn’t challenge Dani. He talks down to Dani as opposed to Vaas who forms a pseudo bond with Jason." This complex dynamic makes the confrontation between Jason and Vaas riveting. Castillo fails to create these intimate stakes.
Open World Design – Vibrant Tropical Paradise vs Lifeless Tropics
The open world is another area where Far Cry 3 clearly beats out FC6 based on reddit opinions. Despite both being set in the tropics, FC3‘s fictional Rook Islands feel significantly more alive and reactive. The wildlife ecosystems produce dynamic encounters – like predators attacking enemies. The scattered survivor communities populate the space with unique NPCs. And the changing weather/day-night add unpredictability. As one redditor put it: "Far Cry 3‘s open world feels more immersive and alive than Far Cry 6’s world.”
Conversely, Yara in FC6 comes across as an empty picturesque backdrop rather than an active entity according to players. The sterile checkpoints and heartless military zones give the world a “fake” vibe for many. Without dynamic environments/AI, the potential for emergent moments suffers. Ultimately, Rook Island resonates as a more thrilling and alive place to explore. Redditor Commercial-Whole-3869 explained it as: “Yara looks nice but doesn’t feel lived in. Rook Island feels unpredictable and dangerous."
The Verdict – FC3 Is Still the Crowning Jewel
While there are some innovations like resolvers and makeshift weapons, the consensus on reddit seems to be that Far Cry 6 relies too heavily on streamlining at the cost of player freedom. The shift to a guided narrative experience from FC3‘s reactive open world is disappointing for veterans. Fewer gameplay systems and RPG mechanics make moment to moment actions less varied. The lack of multiplayer or competitive modes reduce replayability. And performance issues with choppy 30 FPS framerates on console (vs FC3‘s buttery 60 FPS) compound these problems for some players.
Most importantly, the game lacks a compelling villain that could rival Vaas. This exposes the weaknesses in characters and narrative compared to FC3‘s brilliant subversive storytelling. While FC6 brings next-gen visuals and new ideas to the table, it fails to capture the magic that made Far Cry 3 the standout of the franchise. For many reddit fans, FC3 remains the crown jewel of the series nearly a decade later for its best-in-class open world design, layered narrative, and all-time great antagonist.