Every Far Cry game, ranked
All 10 Far Cry games we hold, spanning 2004 to 2021: 9 ranked by the GamingPickz Score and plotted below, the rest listed in release order so nothing in the series is missing. Together they carry 557,421 Steam reviews.
Where to start
- For the best-reviewed: Far Cry 3 (GamingPickz Score 8.1), the highest-rated entry we can score.
- For canon order: begin with Far Cry (2004) and follow the release-order timeline below.
- For the money: Far Cry gives the most score per dollar right now.
The Far Cry games on the grid
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 9 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
9 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 9 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
Every game by critic score
The grid above is built from Steam data, so it can only place the Far Cry games that were on Steam. This one uses the Metacritic critic aggregate, which the older console-only entries have too, so the whole series lands on a single chart: critic score against release year.
On Steam (also has a GamingPickz Score) Console-only (Metacritic only)
9 best Far Cry games, ranked
Ordered by GamingPickz Score. Every figure links back to the source that produced it.
Far Cry 3 at a glance Released 2012 Studio Red Storm Entertainment Player sentiment 88% positive of 133,189 Critics 88/100 Price $19.99 Steam Deck playable Install size Not stated Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 88% shrinks to 88.0 on 133,189 reviews, then blends with the 88 critic aggregate, giving 8.1.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
Far Cry 4 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Ubisoft Toronto Player sentiment 85% positive of 73,512 Critics 80/100 Price $29.99 Steam Deck unsupported Install size 30 GB Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 85% shrinks to 85.0 on 73,512 reviews, then blends with the 80 critic aggregate, giving 7.7.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
- Valve rates it Unsupported on the Steam Deck.
- 3
Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon
Best for: A consistently well-received pick in this category
7.6GamingPickz Scorehigh confidenceFar Cry 3 - Blood Dragon at a glance Released 2013 Studio Ubisoft Montreal Player sentiment 87% positive of 19,720 Critics 81/100 Price $14.99 Steam Deck playable Install size Not stated Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 87% shrinks to 86.9 on 19,720 reviews, then blends with the 81 critic aggregate, giving 7.6.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
- 4
Far Cry
Best for: A consistently well-received pick in this category
7.6GamingPickz Scorehigh confidenceFar Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Critics 89/100 Price $9.99 Steam Deck playable Install size Not stated Accessibility 0 declared features Raw 82% shrinks to 82.1 on 11,764 reviews, then blends with the 89 critic aggregate, giving 7.6.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
Far Cry 5 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Ubisoft Kyiv Player sentiment 81% positive of 188,832 Critics No aggregate Price $59.99 Steam Deck playable Install size 40 GB Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 81% shrinks to 81.0 on 188,832 reviews, giving 7.4. No critics data, so that weight was redistributed across the rest rather than counted as zero.
Worth checking first- Carries in-game purchases. Check what they cost before committing.
- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
- 6
Far Cry Primal
Best for: A consistently well-received pick in this category
7.4GamingPickz Scorehigh confidenceFar Cry Primal at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ubisoft Kyiv Player sentiment 86% positive of 41,126 Critics 74/100 Price $29.99 Steam Deck playable Install size 20 GB Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 86% shrinks to 86.0 on 41,126 reviews, then blends with the 74 critic aggregate, giving 7.4.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
Far Cry 2 at a glance Released 2008 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 76% positive of 18,720 Critics 85/100 Price $9.99 Steam Deck playable Install size Not stated Accessibility 0 declared features Raw 76% shrinks to 76.2 on 18,720 reviews, then blends with the 85 critic aggregate, giving 7.2.
Worth checking first- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
- 8
Far Cry New Dawn
Best for: Players who need accessibility options that actually exist
6.8GamingPickz Scoremedium confidenceFar Cry New Dawn at a glance Released 2019 Studio Ubisoft Montreal Player sentiment 75% positive of 35,068 Critics No aggregate Price $39.99 Steam Deck playable Install size 30 GB Accessibility 9 declared features Raw 75% shrinks to 75.1 on 35,068 reviews, giving 6.8. No critics data, so that weight was redistributed across the rest rather than counted as zero.
What the data supports- Declares 9 accessibility features, well above the catalogue norm.
Worth checking first- Carries in-game purchases. Check what they cost before committing.
- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
Far Cry 6 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Ubisoft Toronto Player sentiment 71% positive of 35,490 Critics No aggregate Price $59.99 Steam Deck playable Install size 170 GB Accessibility 1 declared feature Raw 71% shrinks to 71.1 on 35,490 reviews, giving 6.5. No critics data, so that weight was redistributed across the rest rather than counted as zero.
Worth checking first- Carries in-game purchases. Check what they cost before committing.
- Flagged for mature content on its store page.
PCPlayStation 4PlayStation 5Xbox OneXbox Series X and Series SSteam Deck
Only the 9 Far Cry games with Steam review data can be scored and ranked. The complete series, scored or not, is charted in order below.
Best and worst entry
The best-received Far Cry game we can score is Far Cry 3 at 8.1. The lowest is Far Cry 6 at 6.5, a 1.6-point spread across the series. The GamingPickz Score is a composite of player sentiment, critics and popularity, computed the same way for every game.
How the series scored over time
GamingPickz Score against release year, 2004 to 2021. The later entries score lower than the earlier ones: the series has been trending down.
Cheapest way in, and best value
- Cheapest right now: Far Cry at $9.99. Prices are read live from Steam and move.
- Best value: Far Cry, the most GamingPickz Score per dollar in the series at its current price.
On a Steam Deck
Valve's own Deck compatibility rating for the Far Cry entries on Steam:
- Playable: Far Cry, Far Cry 2, Far Cry 3, Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon, Far Cry Primal, Far Cry 5, Far Cry New Dawn, Far Cry 6
- Unsupported: Far Cry 4
Platforms across the series
Where the 10 Far Cry games have landed, counting every entry we hold:
| Platform family | Entries |
|---|---|
| PC | 9 of 10 |
| PlayStation | 7 of 10 |
| Xbox | 8 of 10 |
The Far Cry series, game by game
Every Far Cry game we hold, in release order. Each description is the game's own, from Steam where it has a listing and Wikipedia for the older entries, never ours.
- 2004
Far Cry
7.6A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island. (Steam)
Plot
The main Far Cry games are first-person shooters (FPS) with action-adventure elements. Whereas the first Far Cry and its spin-offs/remakes were typical FPS with discrete levels , Far Cry 2 and the subsequent games have adapted an open world -style of gameplay, with main story and side missions and optional quests to complete. There are minimal narrative elements or chronology between the games. (Wikipedia)
- 2005
Far Cry Instincts
Metacritic 85Far Cry Instincts is a 2005 first-person shooter game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Xbox. A remake of the original Microsoft Windows version of Far Cry, Instincts is less open-ended and more linear, due to the console's reduced processing power which prevents the full rendering of the Windows version's… (Wikipedia)
Plot
After being dishonorably discharged from the United States Navy for his illegal actions, Jack Carver (voiced by Stephen Dorff ) became a gunrunner in Manhattan , until he was forced out of business by a gang, who performed a hit on a Mafia heir, using weapons supplied by Jack. Consequently, a price was put on his head by the Mob, and he was forced to flee the United States and settle in Micronesia . Here, Jack purchased a used boat from a government… (Wikipedia)
Reception
Far Cry Instincts Reception Far Cry Instincts received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic . Evolution Reception Evolution received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic . Predator Reception Predator received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic . (Wikipedia)
- 2008
Far Cry 2
7.2You are a gun for hire, trapped in a war-torn African state, stricken with malaria and forced to make deals with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to make this country your home. You must identify and exploit your enemies' weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion,... (Steam)
Plot
In the wake of a rebellion against the old government of an unnamed African nation, civil war rages between the rebel forces' two political factions, the United Front for Liberation and Labour (UFLL) and the Alliance for Popular Resistance (APR). While each claims to represent the people, they are equally brutal and exploitative with the civilian population. The situation is being worsened by the Jackal, an arms dealer distributing efficient low-price… (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception The Windows version was the best-selling game in North America during its opening week. The 360 version was fourth, while the PS3 version was fifth. According to a report by the NPD Group , Far Cry 2 was the fifteenth best-selling Windows game during November 2008. (Wikipedia)
- 2012
Far Cry 3
8.1Stranded on the Rook Islands as Jason Brody, fight your way through a lawless tropical open world using a powerful arsenal to save your friends and escape the madness of this acclaimed visceral FPS. (Steam)
Plot
Michael Mando provided voice and motion capture for Vaas Montenegro , one of the game's antagonists. Jason Brody ( Gianpaolo Venuta ) is on vacation with a group of friends in Bangkok , Thailand . On a skydiving trip, they unknowingly land on the pirate-occupied Rook Islands, where they are captured by pirate lord Vaas Montenegro ( Michael Mando ), who intends to sell them into slavery. (Wikipedia)
Reception
Critical reception Reception James Stephanie Sterling from Destructoid felt the game had a larger emphasis on storytelling when compared with its predecessors, and liked the game's cast of characters. Sterling called the story "tightly written" and "stylishly presented". Matt Bertz from Game Informer agreed, calling the story "compelling". (Wikipedia)
- 2013
Far Cry® 3: Blood Dragon is THE Kick-Ass Cyber Shooter.Welcome to an 80’s vision of the future. The year is 2007 and you are Sargent Rex Colt, a Mark IV Cyber Commando. Your mission: get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world. (Steam)
- 2014
Far Cry 4
7.7Fight to liberate a war-torn Himalayan region in this open world FPS. Wield a deadly arsenal, dominate land and sky with gyrocopters and war elephants, and take on enemy territory solo or in co-op. (Steam)
Plot
After the death of his mother Ishwari, Ajay Ghale ( James A. Woods ) returns to his home country of Kyrat to carry out Ishwari's final wish by returning her ashes to Lakshmana. However, his mission is interrupted when the bus he is traveling on is attacked by the Royal Army and he is greeted by Pagan Min ( Troy Baker ), the country's eccentric and violent king. (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception Far Cry 4 received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic . The game's story received mixed responses. Chris Carter from Destructoid praised the personality of Ajay Ghale, which is "less in-your-face" than that of Far Cry 3' s protagonist Jason Brody . (Wikipedia)
- 2016
The award-winning Far Cry franchise returns with its innovative open world gameplay, bringing together massive beasts, breathtaking environments, and unpredictable savage encounters. Welcome to the Stone Age, a time of danger and adventure. (Steam)
Plot
Setting The game is set in 10,000 BC during the end of the Upper Paleolithic and beginning of the Mesolithic period in Europe, today’s Slovakia . It takes place in the fictional Oros valley in the Carpathian Mountains of Central and Eastern Europe (although some in-game mountains can be easily recognized as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo located in north-east Italy), an open world filled with different types of flora and fauna. A large portion of the game's… (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception According to the review aggregator website Metacritic , the Windows version of Far Cry Primal received "mixed or average" reviews from critics upon release, while the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions received "generally favorable" reviews. Destructoid ' s Kyle MacGregor spoke positively about how the game depicts violence towards animals and the survival aspects in general, saying that they were designed with realism in mind. He also felt… (Wikipedia)
- 2018
Far Cry 5
7.4Fight a fanatical cult in this open world FPS. Engage in intense combat, free hostile territory, recruit loyal followers and animal allies, and liberate Hope County solo or in full 2-player co-op. (Steam)
Plot
Setting and characters The flag of Eden's Gate The game is set in the fictional Hope County, Montana , where a preacher named Joseph Seed (portrayed by Greg Bryk ) has risen to prominence. Seed believes that he has been chosen by God to protect the people of Hope County from "the Collapse", a global catastrophe that will see the collapse of society, and has established a congregation called the Project at Eden's Gate in order to lead the people to… (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception Far Cry 5 received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic . Daemon Hatfield of IGN gave it an 8. 9 out of 10, saying " Far Cry 5 is another wide-open playground with all the necessary ingredients for causing a real ruckus: loads of enemies and allies, temperamental wildlife, and plenty of explosions. (Wikipedia)
- 2019
Dive into a transformed vibrant post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen, as they seek to take over the last remaining resources. (Steam)
Plot
Setting The story is set seventeen years after one of the possible endings of Far Cry 5 . After the nuclear exchange known as "the Collapse" devastated the world, survivors attempt to rebuild the community in Hope County. Their efforts focus on Prosperity, a township built on the remains of John Seed's ranch. (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception Far Cry New Dawn received "mixed or average" reviews for the PlayStation 4 and PC versions and "generally favorable reviews" for the Xbox One version, according to review aggregator platform Metacritic . Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received fair approval, being recommended by 54% of critics. PC Gamer's reviewer points out similarities with other Far Cry games ("Combat is the same frantic and fun gunplay as in the… (Wikipedia)
- 2021
Far Cry 6
6.5Lead the revolution in this first-person open world guerrilla shooter. Fight with improvised weapons, travel however you can, and build your rebel network to take down Castillo's regime. (Steam)
Plot
Far Cry 6 takes place in 2021 in Yara, a fictional Caribbean island nation inspired by Cuba ruled by the dictator Antón Castillo ( Giancarlo Esposito ). In 1967, a guerrilla revolution topples the regime of Antón's father, leading to Yara's isolation from the rest of the world. Following the nation's collapse, Antón becomes a political prisoner. (Wikipedia)
Characters
Word of a new Far Cry game was teased in early July 2020, as actor Giancarlo Esposito has mentioned he had recently taken part in a "huge video game", including voice work and motion capture . Shortly after this, rumoured leaks of Far Cry 6 s existence appeared, including screens that showed a character resembling Esposito. Antón Castillo incorporated Giancarlo Esposito's likeness, which was featured extensively as part of the marketing of Far Cry 6 . (Wikipedia)
Reception
Reception Far Cry 6 received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, while the Xbox Series X/S version received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic . Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received strong approval, being recommended by 74% of critics. An IGN review by Jon Ryan said that " Far Cry 6 smooths over a lot of the bumps that have cropped up in the past few games. (Wikipedia)
Far Cry, head to head
Two entries side by side on score, price, specs and reception:
Far Cry vs other series
How Far Cry stacks up against other series in the same genre, as a whole:
Also: Far Cry vs Serious Sam, Far Cry vs Borderlands, Far Cry vs Crysis, Far Cry vs Dead Island, Far Cry vs Dishonored, Far Cry vs Max Payne, Far Cry vs Red Faction, Far Cry vs Sniper Elite, Far Cry vs Sniper Ghost Warrior, Far Cry vs Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, Far Cry vs America's Army, Far Cry vs Bright Memory, Far Cry vs Friday the 13th, Far Cry vs Homefront, Far Cry vs Killing Floor, Far Cry vs Left 4 Dead, Far Cry vs Metal Gear, Far Cry vs Outlast, Far Cry vs POSTAL, Far Cry vs RAGE, Far Cry vs Red Dead Redemption, Far Cry vs S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Far Cry vs Sanctum, Far Cry vs Sea of Thieves, Far Cry vs Shadow Warrior, Far Cry vs Slime Rancher, Far Cry vs Sniper, Far Cry vs Squad, Far Cry vs The Evil Within, Far Cry vs Thief, Far Cry vs Tom Clancy’s The Division, Far Cry vs Z1 Battle Royale, Far Cry vs Zombie Army
Common questions
How many Far Cry games are there?
We hold 10 Far Cry games in the catalogue, released between 2004 and 2021. 9 of them carry enough Steam data to rank; the rest are listed in release order below, including console-only entries with no Steam listing.
Which Far Cry game is best?
By the GamingPickz Score, Far Cry 3 rates highest at 8.1. That is a composite of player sentiment, the critic aggregate and popularity, computed the same way for every game, not our opinion. The full ranking is above.
What order should I play the Far Cry games in?
Release order is listed below, from 2004 to 2021. For most series that is also story order, but we list dates rather than telling you a canon; the timeline is read from Wikidata.
More franchises
Browse every game franchise ranked the same way, or head to the full grid.