Exploration Rewards — Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Guide

Exploration Rewards

Beyond the main missions and liberating garrisons, the neon-drenched, retro-futuristic island of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is brimming with hidden secrets and valuable collectibles just waiting for a true cyber-commando like Rex "Power" Colt to uncover. These exploration rewards aren't just for bragging rights; they offer tangible benefits, from powerful weapon upgrades to crucial health boosts, making your journey through the Omega Force-infested landscape significantly easier and more enjoyable.

TVs

Scattered across the island are 32 old-school television sets, each broadcasting a snippet of glorious 80s-era programming. Collecting these TVs contributes to your overall completion percentage and often reveals humorous insights into the game's satirical world. While they don't offer direct gameplay bonuses like weapon unlocks, finding all of them is essential for the "The End" achievement/trophy and provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

• Strategy: TVs are often found in abandoned structures, on rooftops, or tucked away in less-traveled corners of the map. Keep an eye out for their distinctive static glow, especially at night. Many garrisons will have one or two TVs within their perimeter or in nearby buildings.
• Location Tip: The mini-map will display a small TV icon when you are in close proximity to one. Use your cyber-eye (press L3/Left Stick) to scan the environment; TVs will often glow faintly, making them easier to spot.

VHS Tapes

There are 32 VHS tapes hidden throughout the island, each containing a classic 80s action movie trailer or a hilarious faux-commercial. Collecting these is not just for nostalgia; each VHS tape you find grants a permanent health boost to Rex, increasing his maximum HP. This is incredibly valuable, especially on higher difficulties or when facing tougher enemies like the Blood Dragons themselves.

• Strategy: VHS tapes are typically found in more secluded spots than TVs. Look inside small shacks, caves, under bridges, or even submerged in shallow water. They often require a bit more off-road exploration to locate.
• Location Tip: Similar to TVs, a VHS tape icon will appear on your mini-map when you're nearby. Activating your cyber-eye will highlight them with a distinct blue glow, making them stand out against the environment. Prioritize collecting these early in the game to maximize your health pool for later challenges.

Doctor Kill Star Missions

These unique side missions are triggered by finding specific "Doctor Kill Star" posters plastered around the island. There are 13 such missions, and completing each one rewards you with a unique weapon attachment or upgrade, significantly enhancing your arsenal. These upgrades can range from extended magazines to improved scopes and silencers, making your existing weapons far more effective.

• Strategy: Look for the distinctive neon green "Doctor Kill Star" posters, often found on the sides of buildings, billboards, or rock faces. Interacting with a poster will initiate the mission. These missions typically involve eliminating a specific target or group of enemies in a designated area.
• Rewards Breakdown:
  • Extended Magazine (SMG): Often one of the first rewards, crucial for sustained fire.
  • Silencer (Pistol): Excellent for stealthy approaches and taking out enemies quietly.
  • Explosive Rounds (Shotgun): Turns your shotgun into a devastating close-quarters weapon.
  • Armor Piercing Rounds (Assault Rifle): Essential for dealing with heavily armored Omega Force soldiers.
  • Laser Sight (Sniper Rifle): Improves accuracy, especially for quick scope shots.
  • ...and many more! Each mission offers a specific, valuable upgrade.
• Location Tip: The map will mark the general vicinity of these posters once you're close enough. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in and around garrisons or populated areas, as these are common poster locations.

Garrison Liberation

While not strictly "exploration" in the sense of finding hidden items, liberating the 13 Omega Force garrisons scattered across the island is a crucial part of exploration rewards. Each liberated garrison not only clears a section of the map of enemy presence but also provides:

• Safe House: A fast travel point, weapon locker, and vending machine for purchasing ammo and armor.
• Side Missions: Unlocks new side quests, often involving hunting specific Blood Dragons or rescuing scientists.
• Experience Points: Contributes to leveling up Rex, unlocking new skills and abilities.
• Weapon Unlocks: Certain garrisons, once liberated, will unlock new weapons for purchase at vending machines. For example, liberating the garrison near the central part of the island might unlock the powerful "Fazertron" assault rifle.

Strategy: Approach garrisons strategically. Use stealth to disable alarms and take out snipers first. Lure Blood Dragons into the garrison to cause chaos and thin out enemy numbers. Always check the surrounding area for TVs, VHS tapes, and Doctor Kill Star posters before moving on.