Side Missions

While the main narrative of Far Cry 5 will keep you busy liberating Hope County from the clutches of the Project at Eden's Gate, the true heart of the resistance often lies in its diverse and engaging side missions. These optional quests offer a fantastic way to earn Resistance Points, cash, Perk Points, and unlock new weapons, vehicles, and specialists. Unlike the more structured main story missions, side missions often present unique challenges, humorous scenarios, or poant glimpses into the lives of Hope County's beleaguered residents.

Engaging with side missions is crucial for a well-rounded Far Cry 5 experience. Not only do they provide valuable resources and character progression, but they also flesh out the game's world and lore, introducing you to memorable characters and their struggles. From rescuing hostages and destroying cult property to participating in bizarre competitions and tracking down elusive targets, the variety ensures that there's always something new and interesting to do. Don't underestimate their importance; many specialists and powerful gear are locked behind these seemingly optional tasks.

To maximize your efficiency, always keep an eye out for mission givers marked with an exclamation mark icon on your map and mini-map. These can be found in liberated outposts, friendly bunkers, or even just wandering the roads. Prioritize side missions that reward Resistance Points in regions where you're close to triggering a major story event, as this can help you progress more quickly. Additionally, some side missions are prerequisites for unlocking certain specialists, so if you're aiming to recruit a specific companion, check which quests are needed.

Types of Side Missions

Far Cry 5's side missions come in several flavors, each offering distinct gameplay experiences and rewards. Understanding these categories can help you prioritize and approach them effectively:

Rescue Missions: These often involve infiltrating cult strongholds or patrols to free captured civilians. Stealth is often a viable, and sometimes preferred, approach to avoid alerting large groups of enemies. Successfully rescuing civilians typically grants Resistance Points and cash.
Destruction Missions: You'll be tasked with destroying cult property, such as silos, shrines, or vehicles. These can be explosive and chaotic, often requiring you to use heavy weapons or explosives. Look for environmental hazards to your advantage.
Retrieval Missions: These quests involve finding and bringing back specific items, which could range from stolen supplies to unique collectibles. They often involve exploration and sometimes light puzzle-solving.
Specialist Unlock Missions: Crucial for expanding your roster of Guns for Hire. These missions are often more elaborate and unique, requiring specific actions or completing a series of tasks to convince a specialist to join your cause. Examples include Hurk Drubman Jr.'s "The Prodigal Son" or Grace Armstrong's "Grace Under Fire."
Hunting/Fishing Quests: While hunting and fishing are general activities, some side missions specifically task you with acquiring certain animal skins or fish. These are excellent for earning extra cash and crafting materials.
Unique/Humorous Quests: Far Cry 5 is known for its quirky characters and situations. Many side missions fall into this category, offering lighthearted or bizarre scenarios that break up the intensity of the main story. Don't skip these; they often have surprising rewards!

Always check your journal for mission details and objectives. Some missions have optional objectives that can grant bonus rewards, so pay attention to the dialogue and on-screen prompts. Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches; Far Cry 5's open-ended des allows for creative problem-solving in most side mission scenarios.