Welcome to the beginning of your journey in Hope County, Montana. This "Prologue" section of our Far Cry 5 guide will walk you through the initial moments of the game, from your arrival in the county to the dramatic events that set the stage for your fight against the Project at Eden's Gate. You'll learn the critical first steps, understand the immediate threats, and be prepared for the challenges ahead. Pay close attention to the instructions, as these early moments are crucial for establishing your understanding of the game's mechanics and narrative.
By the end of this prologue, you will have experienced the game's intense opening sequence, been introduced to key characters, and understood the dire situation facing Hope County. We'll guide you through the initial escape, highlight important interactions, and ensure you grasp the core objective that will drive your actions throughout the rest of Far Cry 5. Prepare for a thrilling introduction to a world under siege.
Arrival and Arrest
Your adventure begins as a Junior Deputy, part of a task force sent to arrest Joseph Seed, the charismatic leader of the Project at Eden's Gate cult. You'll be in a helicopter with Sheriff White, Deputy Hudson, and Deputy Pratt. The initial sequence is largely cinematic, but pay attention to the dialogue as it introduces the core conflict and characters.
- Follow the Deputies: Once you land, simply follow Sheriff White and the other deputies towards the church. The path is linear and there are no immediate threats.
- Confront Joseph Seed: Inside the church, a tense confrontation will unfold. Your role here is passive; simply observe the events.
- The Arrest: After the initial dialogue, you will be prompted to arrest Joseph Seed. Approach him and interact to initiate the arrest. This triggers a dramatic turn of events.
Tip: While you can't influence the outcome of this initial confrontation, take note of Joseph's demeanor and the reactions of his followers. It sets the tone for the entire game.
The Escape
Following the chaotic arrest attempt, your helicopter will crash, separating you from the other deputies. Your immediate goal is survival and escape from the cultists.
- Regain Control: After the crash, you'll be disoriented. Follow the on-screen prompts to regain control of your character.
- Initial Stealth: You are unarmed. Your best bet is to use stealth to avoid the patrolling cultists. Crouch (default 'C' on PC, 'Circle' on PS4, 'B' on Xbox One) and stick to cover.
- Follow Dutch's Instructions: A mysterious voice, Dutch, will begin guiding you over the radio. Listen carefully to his instructions. He will direct you towards a safe house.
- First Melee Takedown: Dutch will instruct you to perform a stealth takedown on a lone cultist. Approach from behind and press the melee button (default 'F' on PC, 'R3' on PS4, 'RS' on Xbox One). This will give you your first weapon: a basic pistol.
- Engage or Evade: With a weapon, you can now choose to engage cultists or continue to evade. For this early stage, conserving ammo and avoiding direct confrontations is often wise.
- Reach Dutch's Bunker: Continue following the markers and Dutch's guidance. You'll encounter a few more cultists. Use your pistol sparingly or rely on additional stealth takedowns.
Item Location: Keep an eye out for small ammo caches or health kits scattered around the environment, especially near cultist patrols or abandoned vehicles. These are crucial for early survival.
Meeting Dutch
Upon reaching Dutch's bunker, you'll finally meet the man who has been guiding you. This interaction is vital for understanding the immediate situation and your role in the resistance.
- Secure the Bunker: Before meeting Dutch, you'll need to clear out a few cultists who are trying to breach his bunker. Use the cover provided and prioritize headshots to conserve ammo.
- Dialogue with Dutch: Once inside, Dutch will explain the dire situation in Hope County and the extent of the cult's control. He will task you with disrupting the cult's operations and building a resistance.
- Receive Your First Mission: Dutch will give you your first official mission, which involves disabling a cult radio tower. This acts as a tutorial for the open-world mechanics.
Strategy Tip: Pay close attention to Dutch's explanations about the cult's structure and the concept of "Resistance Points." These are fundamental to progressing through the game.