Is the Far Cry 6 DLC Worth It in 2024? A Passionate Gamer‘s In-Depth Perspective
As a long-time fan of Ubisoft‘s chaotic open-world FPS franchise, I was eagerly anticipating the release of additional Far Cry 6 content. After spending over 40 hours completing the base game‘s story and side activities last year, I was craving more action in the tropical region of Yara.
Well, Ubisoft delivered in a big way over the past year with three meaty DLC expansions that shift the perspective to iconic villains from previous Far Cry games. Here‘s my in-depth take as an enthusiastic gamer on whether these add-ons are worth picking up in 2024.
Vaas: Insanity – A Thrilling Descent Into Madness
Easily one of the most memorable antagonists in Far Cry history, Vaas Montenegro from Far Cry 3 deserved his own dedicated DLC. Ubisoft cleverly bases Vaas: Insanity around a roguelite structure, having you attempt to escape an island maze constructed within the unstable villain‘s mind.
This unique premise facilitates engrossing voice-over narration from actor Michael Mando that gives background on Vaas‘ troubled past. It also translates to emergent open-ended gameplay across 3 substantial main missions, various side activities, and randomized elements to encourage replayability.
- Fast-paced gunplay against armed goons and wildlife keeps the action intense
- Brutal melee takedowns with Vaas‘ signature knife feel visceral
- Vivid psychedelic visuals pull you into the mind of a psychopath
- Plenty of collectibles expand on the unhinged storyline
I was thoroughly impressed by the production values – with around 3 hours of fresh narrative content, Far Cry fans are getting their $15 worth here. The expansive maze structure promotes exploration and Vaas: Insanity stands out as one of the most riveting villian-focused DLCs I‘ve played.
Pagan: Control – A Witty Yet Sinister Return To Kyrat
Pagan Min, the eccentric tyrant you love to hate from Far Cry 4, takes the spotlight in this DLC. Set as a direct sequel to FC4, Pagan: Control sees you fighting to regain control from a rebellion in Kyrat. This means a welcome return to themountainous region with updated next-gen visuals and landscapes that are more lush than ever.
Ubisoft cleverly incorporates a unique mechanic within missions – your spirit can possess certain enemies to turn the tide in combat. Between the vibrant jungle settings and snarky narration from actor Troy Baker, embodying Pagan Min again after all these years felt like a satisfying homecoming.
- Possessing enemies keeps the gameplay fresh and tactical
- Memorable missions like a glitzy dinner party gone awry
- Meaty gunplay and stealth maintains Far Cry‘s signature freedom
- Around 3 hours of sensational story content
While slightly shorter than Vaas‘ DLC, Pagan: Control delivers quality over quantity. For $15, stepping into the designer shoes of FC4‘s sadistic dictator was a blast thanks to Ubisoft‘s gripping writing and design. This DLC is a must-buy for fans of Pagan Min in particular and FC4 as a whole.
Joseph: Collapse – A Haunting Finale Starring Far Cry 5‘s Iconic Antagonist
The psychotic father Joseph Seed, main foe from rural-based Far Cry 5, takes center stage as Ubisoft completes their villain-focused DLC trilogy on January 31st, 2023. This expansion entitled Joseph: Collapse promises the same calibre of charismatic voice work from actor Greg Bryk while transporting players into the warped mind of ‘The Father‘.
Details from Ubisoft are sparse thus far, but Joseph‘s DLC hints at a disturbing narrative setup based on psychological horror rather than run-and-gun action. As the central antagonist driving the events of Far Cry 5, this descent into Joseph Seed‘s madness has series fans extremely intrigued.
- A change of pace from bombastic action to slower, eerie suspense
- Haunting themes based on apocalyptic biblical prophecy
- A return to rural American settings last seen in Far Cry 5
- Estimated 2-3 hours of story content
While Joseph‘s DLC has big shoes to fill after Vaas and Pagan‘s acclaimed expansions, Ubisoft‘s willingness to switch genres makes this a must-play. Horror fans will likely appreciate the chilling, scripture-laced narrative Focus Home Interactive has woven here as a fitting end to the villain trilogy.
Blood Dragon Classic Edition – An Over-The-Top Blast From the Past
This one is a total blast from the past! Alongside the three main DLCs, purchasing the $40 Far Cry 6 Season Pass also nets you this revamped version of the standalone Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Keeping the original‘s radical 80s vibe intact, this edition enables you to relive Colonel Rex‘s cybernetic adventures with a fresh coat of paint.
- Hilarious writing dripping with 80s action movie cheese
- Neon-lit open world and retro-futuristic weapons
- Improved controls making the gameplay even smoother
- Around 6 hours of B-movie mayhem
Blood Dragon Classic may be 9 years old at this point, but it has aged like a fine wine. The punchy synth soundtrack combined with outrageously fun weapons like laser bows hasn‘t lost its novelty. Ubisoft did an admirable job sprucing up the visuals while retaining the original Far Cry 3 modification‘s soul. This blast from the past alone makes the FC6 Season Pass worthwhile.
Breakdown: Hours of Content & Value Compared to Cost
To summarize the value breakdown across all four pieces of Far Cry 6 DLC:
| DLC Title | Main Story Duration | Side Content | Total Hours | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaas: Insanity | 2 hours | 1+ hours | ~3 hours | $15 |
| Pagan: Control | 2 hours | < 1 hour | ~3 hours | $15 |
| Joseph: Collapse | 2 hours | TBD | ~2-3 hours | $15 |
| Blood Dragon Classic | 4 hours | 2+ hours | ~6 hours | Part of $40 Season Pass |
Total: 15+ hours of DLC content for $40 USD
Analyzing that data, players are getting nearly triple-A dollars-per-hour value from the complete Far Cry 6 post-launch content slate. $40 for over 15 hours of narrative expansions and a full standalone 80s title is an absolute bargain in today‘s landscape of $70 base games and $20 skin packs.
The Verdict: A Passionate Must-Buy For Far Cry Fanatics
As a die-hard fan who has loved racking up chaos across Ubisoft‘s exotic sandbox regions since 2012‘s Far Cry 3, I believe the publisher has struck gold again with their villain-focused DLC trilogy. The writing, acting, and standalone settings allow you to comfortably slip back into the deranged minds of unforgettable baddies like Vaas and Pagan Min.
Add in the overhauled version of Blood Dragon which provides a ridiculous 80s action romp, and the full Far Cry 6 Season Pass offers stellar value. The DLC slate delivers that addictive open-world FPS fix seasoned veterans love alongside fresh perspectives from iconic personalities like Vaas Montenegro.
For passionate fans jonesing for more tropical chaos, I wholeheartedly endorse jumping into the Far Cry 6 Season Pass and DLC content to experience even more unhinged and thrilling adventures across Yara and beyond in 2024. Ubisoft has absolutely nailed the post-launch support here and this add-on trilogy should not be missed!
