Far Cry 5 leaves players with a cliffhanger that is as explosive and controversial as the game’s setting itself. Set in the fictional Hope County, Montana, the game unfolds around a doomsday cult called Eden’s Gate, led by the enigmatic and terrifying Joseph Seed. As players work their way through dismantling the cult’s stronghold and liberating communities from Seed’s grip, the story builds with tension and moral complexity. However, it is the game’s final moments particularly the cliffhanger ending that has fueled discussion and debate among fans and critics alike. This conclusion raises questions about choice, fate, and the thin line between justice and destruction.
The Setup to the Cliffhanger
The Battle Against Eden’s Gate
Throughout Far Cry 5, players assume the role of a rookie deputy tasked with arresting Joseph Seed and dismantling his cult. As the deputy progresses, each of Seed’s siblings known as the Heralds must be taken down. These include John, Faith, and Jacob, each controlling a distinct region and enforcing their twisted version of the cult’s ideology. The journey to bring down Eden’s Gate is filled with dramatic missions, emotional choices, and shocking revelations.
The World on the Brink
As the deputy overcomes the Heralds and makes their way to the final showdown with Joseph Seed, the world feels increasingly on edge. Radio broadcasts and in-game dialogue hint at rising global tensions, nuclear threats, and an impending sense of doom. This context lays the groundwork for the shocking twist at the end of the game.
The Final Confrontation
Reaching Joseph Seed
In the climax of Far Cry 5, the player confronts Joseph Seed in his compound after defeating his inner circle. What’s unexpected is the choice presented at this moment: to arrest Joseph or to walk away. This binary decision determines how the game’s narrative concludes, and both outcomes carry weight and consequence.
Two Endings, One Shock
- Resist Ending: Choosing to resist and arrest Joseph triggers a dramatic sequence. A nuclear explosion occurs in the distance, and chaos erupts. The team attempts to flee, but the blast knocks them unconscious. When the deputy wakes up, they’re trapped in a bunker with Joseph, who proclaims that his prophecy has been fulfilled. The screen fades to black, ending the game on a chilling note.
- Walk Away Ending: If the player chooses to walk away, the deputy and their allies leave the compound, seemingly ending the conflict. However, during the drive, the screen briefly flashes red, hinting that Joseph might have had the last word anyway potentially through mind control or a hidden bomb, leaving the outcome ambiguous.
Why the Cliffhanger Matters
A Break from Tradition
Unlike many other Far Cry games where the villain is clearly defeated or justice is served, Far Cry 5’s ending leaves much unresolved. The cliffhanger forces players to grapple with the idea that their actions, no matter how noble, might not prevent catastrophe. This shift in storytelling adds complexity and depth to the series.
Blurring Morality and Outcome
The moral ambiguity of both endings reinforces one of Far Cry 5’s central themes: the danger of fanaticism and the unpredictable consequences of intervention. Whether you arrest Joseph or walk away, the deputy’s fate and the fate of Hope County remains shrouded in uncertainty. This lack of a clear resolution invites interpretation and makes the story linger in the player’s mind.
Foreshadowing and Narrative Hints
Clues Throughout the Game
For players paying close attention, there are subtle hints throughout the game that suggest a larger catastrophe is looming. Characters mention foreign conflicts, national instability, and growing tension between political powers. Even Joseph Seed himself often refers to the Collapse, speaking in a prophetic tone that seems exaggerated until it’s not.
Thematic Reinforcement
The cliffhanger ending doesn’t come out of nowhere. It aligns with the cult’s belief that the end is near and their actions are justified. The player’s journey from skepticism to reluctant acknowledgment of Joseph’s foresight adds a disturbing layer to the narrative. The cult’s madness might be grounded in a frightening reality.
Connection to Far Cry New Dawn
A Continuation of the Story
The cliffhanger in Far Cry 5 directly sets up the events ofFar Cry New Dawn, which takes place 17 years after the nuclear explosion. This sequel reveals that the deputy survived and that Hope County was indeed devastated by nuclear war. Joseph Seed is alive and living in seclusion, his ideology somewhat changed but still impactful.
New Dawn’s Contribution to the Cliffhanger
Far Cry New Dawn doesn’t just continue the story it reframes the ending of Far Cry 5. Players learn that the bomb was not necessarily Joseph’s doing, but the product of worldwide conflict. In this way, the game gives context to the cliffhanger, suggesting that the end was inevitable regardless of the deputy’s choices.
Fan Reactions and Interpretations
Controversy and Conversation
The cliffhanger ending divided the Far Cry community. Some players admired the bold narrative choice, appreciating its realism and shock value. Others were frustrated, feeling that the game left too many questions unanswered. However, the fact that it sparked such strong emotions is a testament to the storytelling power behind it.
Theories and Speculation
Numerous fan theories have emerged regarding the true meaning of the cliffhanger. Some believe that the deputy is under mind control in both endings, tying back to the game’s hallucinogenic Bliss drug. Others suggest that Joseph orchestrated the war, though there’s little concrete evidence. This open-endedness continues to fuel online discussions years after release.
Far Cry 5’s cliffhanger is more than just a shocking twist it’s a bold narrative risk that redefines how a modern shooter can approach storytelling. By blending political commentary, psychological tension, and unpredictable choices, the game challenges players to question the nature of power and the consequences of their actions. Whether you see the ending as brilliant or bewildering, one thing is certain: it leaves a lasting impression. The Far Cry 5 cliffhanger doesn’t tie up every thread neatly but in doing so, it captures the uncertainty of the world it portrays and the chaos that lurks beneath its beautiful, rural facade.