Far Cry 6 Score: Looter Shooter Elements in Open World

Far Cry 6, the latest installment in Ubisoft’s long-running open-world FPS series, introduces a bold new direction by incorporating looter shooter mechanics into its traditional sandbox formula. While the franchise has always emphasized exploration, combat, and player freedom, this entry takes inspiration from games like Borderlands and Destiny, blending RPG-style progression with chaotic gunplay. The result is a mixed bag—some elements enhance the experience, while others feel tacked on.

The Looter Shooter Influence

At its core, Far Cry 6 retains the series’ signature open-world chaos. Players take on the role of Dani Rojas, a guerrilla fighter battling against the oppressive regime of dictator Antón Castillo (played brilliantly by Giancarlo Esposito). However, unlike previous entries, weapons and gear now come with randomized stats, rarity tiers, and mod slots.

The game categorizes weapons into four rarity levels:

Standard (Gray) – Basic, unmodified firearms.
Improved (Green) – Slightly better stats or minor perks.
Superior (Blue) – Noticeable upgrades and unique traits.
Unique (Gold/Purple) – Legendary weapons with game-changing abilities.

This system encourages players to scavenge for better gear, replay missions, or hunt down special enemies for rare drops. Some weapons, like the "El Caballero" shotgun or "La Clavadora" nail gun, offer distinct playstyles that reward experimentation.

Does It Work?

The looter shooter mechanics add replayability but don’t always mesh well with Far Cry’s core design.

Pros:

More Incentive to Explore – Since weapons and gear are scattered across Yara (the game’s fictional Caribbean setting), players have more reason to venture off the beaten path.
Build Variety – Modding weapons and mixing gear perks allow for different combat approaches (stealth, run-and-gun, explosives, etc.).
Endgame Content – High-tier weapons give players a reason to keep playing after the main story.

Cons:

Shallow Progression – Unlike dedicated looter shooters, the RPG elements feel superficial. Upgrades are incremental rather than transformative.
Inventory Management Issues – Constantly swapping out weapons can be tedious, especially since many lower-tier guns become obsolete quickly.
Lack of True Co-op Looting – While Far Cry 6 supports co-op, the loot system isn’t designed for multiplayer synergy like Destiny or The Division.

Open-World vs. Looter Shooter Balance

Far Cry’s open world thrives on emergent gameplay—unscripted chaos where players improvise with the tools at hand. The looter shooter mechanics sometimes clash with this philosophy. Instead of creatively using the environment, players may find themselves grinding for better gear to tackle higher-level areas, which can slow down the pacing.

That said, the game doesn’t force players into a grind. Those who prefer the classic Far Cry experience can ignore the loot system for the most part and still complete the story. However, min-maxers will find depth in optimizing their loadouts for different scenarios.

Final Verdict

Far Cry 6’s attempt to blend looter shooter elements with its open-world design is ambitious but uneven. While the added weapon variety and progression systems offer more ways to engage with the game, they don’t revolutionize the experience. The core Far Cry loop—liberating outposts, causing mayhem, and exploring a vibrant world—remains the highlight.

For fans of the series, the looter shooter aspects may feel like a fresh twist or an unnecessary distraction, depending on personal preference. Still, Far Cry 6 delivers a fun, chaotic sandbox with enough new ideas to keep players entertained—even if some of those ideas don’t fully stick the landing.

Score: 7.5/10 – A solid open-world shooter with experimental mechanics that don’t always enhance the experience.