Experiences in Far Cry 3

Experiences in Far Cry 3

Around 40 missions, not counting the many side quests, will keep any FPS gamer busy for quite some time.  Loads and loads of customizable guns is what this game focuses in on, while following an island survival story.  Basically, a relaxing vacation for six friends turns into a fight for survival.  The pristine and lush island jungle landscape is infested with modern-day pirates and thugs at every turn.


In short, Far Cry 3 is fantastic in almost every sense of the word!  Why almost?  Well, like many games, Far Cry 3 has modifications that enhance the game play experience.  Most FC3 modifications change the vanilla game (original unmodified game) in such a way that it is often recommended to play through the vanilla version at least once before applying any modifications.

The Far Cry 3 Rebalanced mod simply enhances the vanilla version game play.  Optionally, the FC3 Rebalance works in conjunction with the Immersive Sounds Mod.  Applying both for a first-time play is not recommended by many mod-makers and game reviewer and even players.

However, in my opinion, applying the previously mentioned modifications is simply making a great first-time game experience better... just realize that, when modifications are applied, the first-time player may miss out on the look, feel and game play of the vanilla version. 

A third optional modification for a first-time play is the Sweet-FX Shader Suit (graphics enhancement, injector program).  This modification has nothing to do with changing or adding to the game play.  It is not specific to any one game, but the video listed does focus on Sweet-FX for Far Cry 3.


The video above, regarding Sweet-FX for Far Cry, does not really tell you that when applied using the alternative Configurator program, the game should be started via the Sweet-FX injector program and not any other shortcuts or even UPLAY!  Also, Sweet-FX works perfectly with any mod and online multiplayer or coop games as well. A general explanation of SweetFX is available (CLICK HERE).

Final thought here is the ultra violence, foul language, nudity and adult content...


However, if you have children, underage teens, or easily offended people running around the house and might see or hear your game, then you might want to be very careful when you play... maybe headphones and a locked door?

FC3 SweetFX Note

Note that SweetFX prevents the FC3 Map Editor from launching.  However, if using the Configurator, simply "Remove SweetFX" and use the map editor.  When finished, "Add SweetFX"... just make sure you set the FC3 game options correctly:

Go into the games "Video" options and do the following in order:

WINDOWED MODE = [OFF]
V-SYNC = [OFF]
GPU MAX BUFFERING FRAMES = [1]
DIRECT X = [DX9]

Go into the game's "Video Quality" options and set OVERALL QUALITY = [OPTIMAL].  Take note of the other settings (ie. High, Medium, Ultra, etc. etc) because you are going to use them. 

Now set  OVERALL QUALITY = [CUSTOM] and set the other settings according to the "optimal" settings seen previously... use your memory... do not switch back and forth between optimal and custom.  Two of the settings must be set to low or medium no matter what the optimal settings were.  This prevents any lag or choppiness described in the original post:

SHADOWS= MEDIUM
POST FX = LOW


Final Thought; If you are playing through the official campaign then I recommend Direct X 9 as described above.  However, I actually recommend  Direct X 11 if you are going to play custom singleplayer maps or use the editor for a lengthy period of time.

Custom Singlplayer Maps

It took me a few days to figure out how to use them.  The SP maps play via the map editor window.  So, sometimes this could be called "running inside a sandbox editor" or something similar.

First, navigate to and open the FC3Editor.exe (map editor).  Maximize the screen if it is not.  Now click on "file" up in the main menu bar, where "edit" and "help" are located, and choose "open map."

Map Editor => C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Far Cry 3\bin... FC3Editor.exe

Second, open the map file and then click "game" up in the main menu bar where "file" and "edit" and "help" are located.  By default, the context help is open in the lower right bottom of the screen.  Context help describes movement within the screen (ie. camera view, A-W-D-S key movement, zooming in/out, etc. etc).  Note that if you go not already have a Custom Maps folder then simply make one.

Custom Singleplayer Maps => C:\Users\AKMARK5000\Documents\My Games\Far Cry 3\User Maps...

Third, when ready, click "game" up in the main menu bar, where "edit" and "help" are located and choose "test in-game."

There are many places to obtain singlrplayer maps... just got to Google or rather search for the ones that you want.  The major website that comes to mind is the Nexus site...

==> http://farcry.nexusmods.com/mods/searchresults/?src_cat=12.

Digital Easter Eggs in video games are little hidden objects and references the game that can be directly, indirectly related to the presented storyline of the game... or totally unrelated