The Far Cry franchise, with itsopen-worldexploration, lush and vibrant world, and tight, action-packed gameplay, is a game series unlike any other in the industry. Players who are coming off of a Far Cry game will probably find their fix in yet another Far Cry game. The older entries, like the first and second Far Cry games, are also decent entries, even if they don’t quite follow the formula established in Far Cry 3, and are worth playing if you’re already done with the newer games.
Most Immersive Open World Games
The ultimate way to give your head a holiday.
But players who have played all the Far Cry games, and have no new entry in the franchise to look forward to, can try diving into these open-world games that play quite similarly to a Far Cry game in many aspects.
An Explosion-Fueled Playground Of Chaos
Rage 2is like Far Cry on an energy drink binge. The game drops players into a sprawling post-apocalyptic wasteland teeming with neon-soaked bandits,chaotic gunfights, and a strong dose of absurdity. Like Far Cry, there’s an open world to explore, packed with enemy outposts to clear, side missions to discover, and a bunch of toys—aka weapons and vehicles—to unleash havoc with.
But where it differs is in its over-the-top, arcade-style combat. Rage 2 leans heavily into its wild combat mechanics, featuring abilities like a ground pound that sends enemies flying or overdrive modes that amplify destruction to ridiculous levels. It’s less about stealth and strategy and more about how much chaos players can create in the shortest amount of time.
Unlike the deeply narrative-driven Far Cry games, the story in Rage 2 takes a backseat to pure mayhem. This is a game for those who love the open-world structure of Far Cry but want to swap calculated planning for a chaotic rampage.
8Sniper Ghost Warrior 3
A Sharpshooter’s Sandbox
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3
For fans of Far Cry’s precision-filled, stealthier moments,Sniper Ghost Warrior 3offers an open world where patience and precision are the best weapons. Players will find themselves navigating a rugged landscape, taking down enemies from long distances, and planning their next move meticulously. Like Far Cry, it’s all about tackling objectives the way players see fit, whether that’s silently taking out an entire base or going loud when things go south.
Where the game diverges is its focus on sniper mechanics. Wind, bullet drop, and even the character’s breathing play a role in lining up the perfect shot. It’s a slower, more tactical experience compared to the fast-paced action of Far Cry. The story isn’t as polished, but for those who loved setting up the perfect ambush in the mountains of Kyrat or the jungles of the Rook Islands, this game scratches a similar itch.
7Homefront: The Revolution
Liberating A Nation, One Outpost At A Time
Homefront: The Revolution
Homefront: The Revolutioncould be described as a grittier, urban Far Cry. Set in occupied Philadelphia, players control a resistance fighter working to take back the city from a heavily armed Korean military force. Like Far Cry, the game features open-world exploration, outposts to liberate, and a focus on guerrilla tactics.
What makes Homefront different is its focus on urban warfare. Instead of jungles or islands, it involves navigating crumbling streets, subway tunnels, and dense neighborhoods. Crafting weapons and gadgets plays a major role, adding a layer of resourcefulness that feels unique. While it was a bit rough around the edges when it came out, post-launch patches have mostly fixed all the bugs. Homefront is the perfect game for those looking for Far Cry’s open-ended gameplay in a grittier, more grounded setting.
6Sons of the Forest
Far Cry Meets Survival Horror
Sons of the Forest
This is where the similarities to Far Cry get a creepy twist. Sons of the Forest is an open-world survival game where players are stranded on an eerie island filled with cannibalistic mutants. Like Far Cry, players will scavenge for resources, craft tools, and take on enemies across a sprawling map.
The key difference is the survival horror element. The main character must not only deal with enemy outposts but also fight for his life against terrifying foes that stalk him in the dark. The focus on base-building and survival mechanics also adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart from the more action-oriented Far Cry games.
5Ghost Recon Wildlands
Team Tactics In An Open-World Playground
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
For players who wish Far Cry would let them call the shots with a squad,Ghost Recon Wildlandsis the answer. This massive open-world shooter puts up to 8 players as a team of operatives in the middle of Bolivia, tasked with dismantling a drug cartel. Like Far Cry, players will be taking down enemy strongholds, exploring diverse environments, and choosing how to approach each mission, but this time, their squads will be right next to them.
6 Best Open Worlds In The Far Cry Franchise
Far Cry games have huge, expansive open worlds, and these titles have the best ones.
The squad mechanics are what make Wildlands stand out. Coordinating synchronized shots with the AI teammates or friends adds a tactical layer that Far Cry doesn’t have. While the story might lack thememorable villains of Far Cry, the sheer scale of the map and the variety of ways to tackle missions make it a worthy contender.
4Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Stealth, Sand, And Snake
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain takes open-world stealth gameplay to a new level. While Far Cry encourages players to approach missions their own way, MGS V demands it. The sprawling Afghan desert and Angolan jungle are playgrounds filled with enemy outposts, patrols, and countless ways to wreak havoc or sneak by unnoticed.
Unlike Far Cry, where the focus often leans towards action, MGS V emphasizes stealth and player choice. It’s less about explosions and more about clever tactics, but the freedom to experiment with your approach will feel very familiar to Far Cry fans.
3Just Cause 3
The Most Chaotic Sandbox
Just Cause 3
If Far Cry had an adrenaline junkie cousin, it would beJust Cause 3. Set in a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago, the game gives players the tools to unleash absolute chaos—grappling hooks, wingsuits, and all. Clearing outposts and blowing up enemy installations is the core loop, just like in Far Cry, but Just Cause 3 turns it up to 11 with its ridiculous physics and focus on pure fun.
Where it differs is in its lack of grounded storytelling. For players who are looking formemorable villainsor emotional stakes, Just Cause 3 won’t deliver. But for those who want to zip-line between explosions and pull off insane stunts, there’s no better option.
2Horizon Zero Dawn
Hunting Machines In A Beautiful Apocalypse
Horizon Zero Dawn
At first glance, Horizon Zero Dawn might not seem like a Far Cry-like experience, but dig deeper, and there are plenty of similarities. The game’s sprawling open world, filled with diverse biomes, dangerous enemies, and countless side quests, feels like a natural evolution of Far Cry’s exploration-focused gameplay.
The biggest difference is the setting. Instead of human enemies, players will be battling massive, animal-like machines, each requiring unique strategies to take down. Aloy’s story is deeply personal and emotionally engaging, contrasting Far Cry’s villain-centric narratives. But the freedom to approach challenges the way players want to, whether it’s stealth, traps, or all-out combat, makes Horizon Zero Dawn, and even its sequel, feel right at home on the list.
1Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Far Cry With A Na’vi Twist
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
Ubisoft’sAvatar: Frontiers of Pandoratakes the DNA of Far Cry and transports it to the lush, alien world of Pandora. Much like Far Cry, players are exploring an open world filled with stunning vistas, hostile factions, and countless side activities. But here, instead of hunting animals or taking outposts, players are bonding with Pandora’s unique wildlife and navigating its vertical landscapes as Na’vi warriors.
The game’s dynamic environments feel alive in a way that mirrors Far Cry’s immersive settings. Players are free to approach combat with stealth, ranged attacks, or outright aggression, but the added element of flying mounts and alien weaponry makes it stand out. While Frontiers of Pandora embraces many of the Far Cry gameplay loops, its sci-fi setting and emphasis on the ecosystem give it a distinct flavor that sets it apart.
