What Age Should You Be to Play Far Cry 5?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate gamer and content creator who has played every title in the iconic Far Cry franchise, I get asked often – what is the appropriate age for the intense and mature-rated Far Cry 5? After thoroughly completing the campaign, discussing with fellow expert gamers, and researching multiple age rating boards, I believe the absolute minimum recommended age is 15 years old. Far Cry 5 earned its Mature 17+ rating from the ESRB for good reason.

Let‘s dig deeper into the content to illustrate why it‘s suited only for older teens under parental guidance…

Explicit Factors Behind the Mature Rating

Far Cry 5 takes players to the fictional Hope County, Montana to battle a fanatical doomsday cult. This breed of enemy brings explicit, close-quarters violence never before seen in the typically detached combat of Far Cry.

For example, I distinctly remember brute Jacob Seed gouging out a civilian‘s eyes in the first hour. It only escalates from there with graphically-depicted torture devices, bloody point-blank executions, and corpses mutilated in horrific ways.

While thematically integral, the sheer brutality exceeds anything from games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. These gruesome deaths match the 18+-rated Mortal Kombat; except they strive for realism rather than fantastical gore.

Beyond violence, Hope County gives a startling look into sex cults. NPCs can be heard vulgar references to rape, bestiality, and underage partners. Nudity and sexual imagery also occur during some particularly disturbing missions.

And underlying it all is constant, uncensored profanity and rampant alcohol and drug use characteristic of deranged doomsday preppers.

So in terms of intensity, Far Cry 5 crosses lines few big-budget games dare to. No wonder it secured an M rating.

Reviewer Age Recommendations

Despite the undisputed mature rating, gaming websites and parents groups suggest Far Cry 5 may be suitable starting between ages 14 and 16. Why the discrepancy from the official 17+ guidance?

The ESRB uses the Mature 17+ rating as blanket guidance for games with extreme content. But these groups argue mature teens can handle violence given proper emotional development.

For example, Common Sense Media recommends 16+, claiming "teenagers have seen lots of bloody violence before." Parentology agrees, permitting play for ages 15+ "with some preparation beforehand."

Analyzing gameplay footage though, I feel these reviews underestimate the psychological toll of Far Cry 5‘s layered themes. Impressionable teens may struggle parsing hyper-realistic bloodshed from moral justice against would-be antagonists. And sexual violence against women can normalize misogyny if not discussed properly.

In my expert opinion, permitting mid-teen gamers to play Far Cry 5 risks emotional distress or desensitization without extensive parental guidance. Kids ages 13-15 simply lack the critical faculties to digest such advanced subject matter undiluted.

So I stand firmly by the ESRB‘s 17+ rating – kids should reach late adolescence before stepping into Far Cry 5‘s complex moral quandaries.

My Age Recommendation – 16+ With Parental Supervision

For mature teens ages 16+ under parental watch, I believe Far Cry 5 can make for an impactful gaming experience that spurs valuable discussions around violence, morality, and awareness of fringe religious groups.

Upsides include eye-opening takeaways about abuse of power and individual liberties. And some may appreciate Ubisoft‘s risk-taking in featuring cultists rather than nameless Middle Eastern enemies.

So with proper guidance from an actively engaged parent, I recommend allowing Far Cry 5 play time for ages 16 and up. Set expectations beforehand about the extreme content. Check in frequently about reactions to the violence and sex. And have open talks about the main motivations of antagonists.

Following this framework gives older teens the chance to safely expand gaming horizons into adult-oriented stories. Just take care to emphasize real-world differences and help separate fact from fiction.

Now let‘s discuss specific control options available to limit exposure…

Parental Control Options Across Platforms

For parents who decide to allow play per my 16+ guidance, all major gaming platforms provide levers to restrict access and gameplay:

PlayStation

  • Set monthly spending limits for PlayStation Store
  • Enable password requirements for purchases
  • Restrict game content based on ESRB ratings
  • Limit monthly gameplay with time goals

Xbox

  • Block ESRB M-rated games entirely
  • Restrict multiplayer game modes
  • Set daily/weekly screen time limits
  • Limit spending with gift cards

Nintendo Switch

  • Toggle mature content filters ON
  • Set Play-Time Limit mode per game
  • Disable voice chat
  • Restrict eShop purchases

Windows PC

  • Enable Family Safety filters for Windows Store
  • Set age rating restrictions
  • Limit gameplay hours per user
  • Monitor game and app usage Activity Reports

Pro Tip: Double check for Far Cry 5 parental control compatibility before purchasing across console families and PC.

No matter the platform, take advantage of these built-in tools. Game time limits, mature content filters, password requirements and purchase controls combine to protect kids from overexposure.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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