Collectibles Checklist
Welcome, mercenary, to the ultimate guide for tracking down every hidden gem in the war-torn landscape of Far Cry 2. While the primary objective is always survival and eliminating the Jackal, the savvy player knows that collecting these valuable items can significantly ease your journey through the Central African Republic. This section details the locations and strategies for acquiring all Diamonds, Weapon Crates, and Jackal Tapes.
Diamonds
Diamonds are your primary currency in Far Cry 2, essential for purchasing weapons, upgrades, and medical supplies. There are a total of 1000 Diamonds scattered across the two main maps. While many are found during missions, a significant number are hidden in less obvious locations. Your in-game map will display a small antenna icon when you are within approximately 50-100 meters of a Diamond briefcase, and the signal strength will increase as you get closer. Listen for the distinct beeping sound!
- General Strategy: Always keep an eye on your map for the antenna icon, especially when exploring new areas or traveling between mission objectives. Many Diamonds are placed near guard posts, abandoned vehicles, or small shacks off the main roads.
- Vehicle Exploration: Using a fast vehicle like a Buggy or a Jeep is ideal for covering ground quickly while searching for Diamonds. Stop and disembark when the antenna icon appears to pinpoint the exact location.
- High Ground Advantage: Sometimes, Diamonds are located on elevated positions or rooftops. Look for ladders, climbable structures, or natural inclines to reach these spots.
- River and Lake Beds: check along riverbanks and even shallow parts of lakes. Some Diamonds are surprisingly placed in or near water.
- Specific Example (Act I - Northern Map): One early Diamond can be found near the Weapons Shop in Pala. Head south from the shop towards the small bridge. Before crossing, look under the bridge structure on the eastern side.
- Specific Example (Act II - Southern Map): In the Port of Mosate, check the docks thoroughly. One Diamond is often found on a crate near the large cargo ship.
Weapon Crates
Weapon Crates provide you with free, fully repaired weapons, often including rare or powerful firearms that you might not have unlocked yet. They are invaluable for maintaining your arsenal without spending precious Diamonds. There are numerous Weapon Crates throughout the game, often found in military outposts, safe houses, or strategic locations.
- Outpost Raids: The most common place to find Weapon Crates is within enemy-controlled outposts. Clear out the hostiles, then thoroughly search all buildings, watchtowers, and hidden corners.
- Safe Houses: Each safe house you unlock will typically have at least one Weapon Crate, usually containing a basic assault rifle or shotgun. These are excellent resupply points.
- Mission-Specific Crates: During certain story or faction missions, Weapon Crates will be strategically placed to aid you. Don't rush past them!
- Hidden Locations: Some crates are cleverly hidden. Look behind large rocks, inside abandoned vehicles, or in small caves.
- Specific Example (Act I - Northern Map): Near the Goka Falls, there's a small guard post overlooking the falls. A Weapon Crate containing an AK-47 is usually found inside the main shack.
- Specific Example (Act II - Southern Map): In the large Cattle Ranch area, after clearing the main compound, check the barn. A crate with a powerful Shotgun is often located there.
Jackal Tapes
The Jackal Tapes offer crucial insights into the mysterious antagonist's motivations and philosophy, deepening the narrative of Far Cry 2. There are a total of 20 Jackal Tapes to collect, 10 in each of the two main regions. These are always found on desks or tables within specific buildings, usually safe houses or mission-critical locations.
- Safe House Discovery: Many Jackal Tapes are located in safe houses. When you discover and secure a new safe house, always check every room and surface for a tape recorder.
- Mission Objectives: Keep an eye out for tapes during main story missions. The Jackal often leaves them in places he knows you'll eventually visit.
- Distinct Appearance: Jackal Tapes are small, black cassette recorders. They emit a faint, static-like sound when you are very close, making them easier to pinpoint.
- Thorough Search: Unlike Diamonds, there's no map indicator for Jackal Tapes. You'll need to meticulously search every building you enter.
- Specific Example (Act I - Northern Map): The first Jackal Tape is often found in the Safe House just north of Pala, on a small table next to the bed.
- Specific Example (Act II - Southern Map): In the UFLL Headquarters in Port of Mosate, after a significant mission, you can find a tape on the desk in the main office.
Collecting all these items not only provides tangible benefits but also enriches your understanding of Far Cry 2's complex world. Happy hunting, mercenary!