Summary
Ubisoft has been nearly dead silent in terms of providing updates about what its plans are for its globe-trotting open-world FPS franchise,Far Cry. The wait has stretched out now to mark the longest period between releases. With only sporadic bits of official information to go on, fans have seen a handful of leaks and a few persistentFar Cryrumors fuel perceptions about what the next game in the series could be shaping up to be. Currently,Far Cry 7is thought to be looking at notable changes in design, particularly an in-game timer mechanic, and possibly a collective cult of antagonists alaFC 5.
2012’sFar Cry 3is largely agreed to be the highlight of the series. For better or worse, it also sparked some internal studio and broader trends in the industry. Nevertheless, one enduring aspect that grew from this isFar Cry’s focus on villains. SinceFC 3’s unforgettable antagonist, Vaas Montenegro, they have formed a core part of its identity and experience. Though Vaas is duly credited with elevating the series, he also made for a tough act to follow, which Ubisoft has been grappling with. To rectify this, one major possibilityFar Crycould consider for the future is to have a recurring villain for the first time. Indeed, none are better suited both as a face of the franchise and the legacy of the character’s presentation than theinfamous Vaas Montenegro.
AlongsideFar Cry 7speculation, one confirmed item is that Drew Holmes, narrative designer and writer forFC 5, is now IP Director.
Vaas Montenegro Has Earned the Right to Be Far Cry’s First Reappearing Villain
Far Cry is Staring Down the Barrel of Some Tough Decisions
Far Cryretained a steady release schedule from 2012 to 2021. Now, though, with the most time passed since a new entry, the longer Ubisoft keeps fans in the dark, the more wary many are likely to be of what the next title will turn out like, especially given the alleged changes.Far Cry 7’s reception will certainly impact how Ubisoft approaches the franchise following it.
It’s no doubt tricky for the developer to think about making a move like bringing Vaas back down the line, as it risks an over-reliance on nostalgia and past achievements in lieu of innovation. But the popularity of the character and the need for future titles to feel likea traditionalFar Cryentrywhile also moving the needle far enough so as not to seem like too much of a retread either is present.
Making Vaas Far Cry’s First Recurring Villain Could Be the Key to Bridging the Series' Past and Future
AFar Cryvillain appearing across multiple entrieswould mark a departure from the tradition of each title featuring a different foe. If any of its previous ones were to be given this honor, it would almost certainly have to be Vaas. Even if it’s via a prequel or spin-off, Vaas appearing as a majorFar Cryvillain for a second time might serve as the link to connect the best of its history to its vision for the future; something that will surely be highly related toFar Cry 7’s level of success.
Vaas was heavily implied to appear briefly in apost-credits scene inFar Cry 6, when a pirate voiced by his actor, Michael Mando, speaks to Juan Cortez; though this was also prior to Vaas' apparent on-screen death inFC 3. More substantially, inFC 6’s Insanity DLC, a much older Vaas is seen on an isolated beach, monologuing to “Jason” (a tennis ball) alaCast Away. This could mean he isn’t gone after all, and would be one possible explanation for his return to the franchise.
Far Cry 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as Dani Rojas, a local Yaran and become a guerrilla fighter to liberate the nation. Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. Far Cry 6 immerses players into the adrenaline-filled world of a modern-day guerrilla revolution.
