Far Cry 3 Review: Score, Pros and Cons (2012)

Far Cry 3, released in 2012, is an open-world shooter set on a tropical island. Players clear enemy outposts, craft items and explore a large map full of wildlife and side missions.

What works

The island is varied and rewarding to explore.
The villain Vaas is one of the series' most memorable characters.
Crafting and stealth give players flexible approaches.

What does not

Some side content is repetitive, and the story loses momentum late on.

Category	Score
Gameplay and shooting	8.5/10
Visuals and sound	9/10
Content and modes	8.5/10
Multiplayer and community	6.5/10
Value for money	8.5/10

Our scores are editorial ratings out of 10, based on each game's design and reported features. They are not a record of hands-on play sessions on this site.

Who should play it

Players who enjoy open-world exploration and a memorable villain.

Verdict

A major open-world shooter with a lasting villain. Our score: 8.5 out of 10.

Tips for the outposts

Scout outposts before attacking, and plan a route that lets you take down enemies quietly. Use the bow for silent takedowns, and keep an eye on the enemy patrols that can call for reinforcements. Clearing outposts also unlocks fast travel points, which saves a lot of time later.

Crafting and the wildlife

Hunting animals provides materials for crafting bags, holsters and ammunition. Upgrading your equipment early makes the later missions much more comfortable. The island's wildlife is part of the experience, so watch the animal behaviour and plan your hunts around the areas you visit most often.