Just Cause 3 is known for its high-octane action, wild explosions, and over-the-top missions, and among these is a particularly memorable story mission called ‘Stowaway.’ This mission stands out due to its unique setup and fast-paced objectives that challenge the player’s skills in aerial combat, timing, and strategic use of Rico Rodriguez’s gadgets. Stowaway takes place in the later stages of the game and is essential for pushing the story forward, offering a cinematic experience mixed with chaotic gameplay. Whether you’re revisiting the mission or playing it for the first time, understanding how to approach Stowaway can make the experience smoother and more rewarding.
Mission Context and Objective
Story Placement
Stowaway is part of the main story campaign in Just Cause 3 and becomes available after progressing through most of the game’s central storyline. It involves an operation to take down General Di Ravello by infiltrating his command ship, which is transporting a powerful Bavarium warhead. Rico must board the plane, disable its defenses, and stop it from reaching its deadly destination.
Main Goal
The core objective of the Stowaway mission is to board the aircraft mid-flight, fight through enemy resistance, disable the missile systems, and confront General Di Ravello. It’s one of the most intense missions in the game, combining on-foot action, explosive set pieces, and an epic aerial showdown.
How to Start the Stowaway Mission
Before starting this mission, players must unlock it by completing prior main story missions and liberating required provinces. Once prerequisites are met, a marker will appear on the map, leading Rico to the launch point of Stowaway. Be prepared with upgraded gear and plenty of grappling hook practice, as the mission involves quick movement and survival under pressure.
Gameplay Breakdown
Phase 1: Boarding the Plane
The mission kicks off with Rico needing to reach the massive plane carrying the Bavarium warhead. The aircraft is airborne, requiring Rico to make a dramatic entry using a combination of wingsuit, parachute, and grapple hook. Timing is everything in this segment. Missing the approach can lead to mission failure, so aim for the rear ramp and latch on as the cargo bay doors open.
Phase 2: Inside the Cargo Plane
Once aboard, you’ll encounter enemy soldiers who must be eliminated quickly. Using cover and explosive weapons is effective here. Rico’s grappling hook can also be used to disarm or throw enemies into walls or out of the plane. Moving through the cargo area requires speed, as time is limited and the plane’s structure is unstable due to turbulence and combat damage.
Phase 3: Disabling the Warhead
As you progress through the plane, your next goal is to disable the Bavarium missile. This requires interacting with several control consoles located near the missile bay. Enemies will continue to spawn during this segment, so players must balance offensive action with objective completion. Using remote mines or grenade launchers can help clear rooms quickly, making space to operate the consoles.
Phase 4: Final Confrontation
The mission escalates when you reach the control chamber. General Di Ravello appears via video, taunting Rico as he attempts to launch the warhead. Rico must quickly prevent this by destroying key systems or disabling the missile directly. Explosive damage to specific panels and fast reaction to prompts is crucial in this section. Any delay might result in mission failure, making quick reflexes a necessity.
Phase 5: Escape and Aftermath
After neutralizing the missile threat, the aircraft becomes unstable, triggering the final sequence. Rico must make his way to the back of the plane as it begins to explode. Debris, fire, and collapsing platforms create an intense escape sequence. Players must run, grapple, and wingsuit out of the aircraft just in time before it crashes. A cinematic cutscene follows, marking a major turning point in the game’s story.
Tips for Beating Stowaway
- Upgrade your gear: Before starting the mission, make sure Rico’s grappling hook and explosive weapons are fully upgraded.
- Master your movement: Familiarity with the wingsuit and grapple combo is essential for successfully boarding the plane and navigating inside it.
- Use cover wisely: Inside the plane, you’ll be fighting in narrow spaces. Use crates and walls as cover to reduce damage.
- Quick kills: Equip high-damage weapons for fast takedowns. Shotguns and grenade launchers work well in tight quarters.
- Stay alert during the escape: Timing is everything during the final run. Don’t hesitate just move quickly through the collapsing plane.
Why Stowaway is a Fan-Favorite
Stowaway is often praised by players for its cinematic qualities and adrenaline-pumping pace. It combines the essence of Just Cause 3’s gameplay chaos, speed, and explosive action into one memorable mission. The idea of infiltrating a massive, moving aircraft mid-air is already thrilling, but the added pressure of disarming a weapon of mass destruction and escaping a crashing plane elevates the mission to iconic status.
Another reason Stowaway resonates with players is the sense of urgency and momentum. Unlike other missions that allow more time for exploration or planning, this one pushes you forward with no room for hesitation. It’s an action set-piece that could easily be mistaken for a blockbuster movie sequence, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
Replayability and Challenge
Stowaway is one of those missions players often return to when replaying the game. The mission structure offers enough variation and chaos that no two playthroughs feel exactly the same. Depending on how you enter the plane, what weapons you bring, and how you choose to disable the missile, the experience can change drastically.
Players looking for an added challenge can try to complete the mission using only specific weapons or without taking damage. These self-imposed challenges make the mission even more intense and rewarding. Additionally, mastering this mission is a great way to improve overall gameplay skills in Just Cause 3, especially movement, timing, and target prioritization.
Just Cause 3’s Stowaway mission is a highlight of the game’s campaign, offering a perfect mix of storytelling, action, and tension. With its dramatic setup, fierce combat, and thrilling escape sequence, it’s a mission that captures everything players love about the series. Whether you’re aiming for a flawless run or simply enjoying the ride, Stowaway delivers a memorable and heart-pounding experience from start to finish. Mastering this mission not only advances the story but also reinforces the chaos-filled fun that defines Just Cause 3.