Far Cry New Dawn
Far Cry New Dawn

Side Missions

Engage with Far Cry New Dawn's side missions to gain Ethanol, Components, and Perk Points while meeting new characters and expanding the lore.

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Side Missions

While the main story of Far Cry New Dawn will guide you through the core narrative, the true heart of Hope County's post-apocalyptic landscape lies in its diverse and rewarding Side Missions. These optional quests offer not only valuable resources like Ethanol, Components, and Perk Points, but also introduce you to eccentric characters, expand the lore, and provide unique challenges that often lead to powerful gear or new allies. Don't underestimate their importance; completing Side Missions is crucial for upgrading Prosperity, unlocking new vehicles, and enhancing your arsenal to take on the increasingly dangerous Highwaymen.

Unlocking Side Missions

Side Missions typically become available as you progress through the main story or by exploring the world. Keep an eye out for:

  • Exclamation Marks (!) on your map: These indicate a character with a quest for you.
  • Talking to NPCs at Prosperity: Many residents of your home base will have tasks for you.
  • Random encounters in the open world: Sometimes, you'll stumble upon a distressed individual or a unique situation that triggers a side quest.

Key Side Mission Types & Strategies

Scavenger Hunts: The Lost & Found

These missions often involve tracking down specific items for various characters. They're excellent for exploring new areas and often lead to hidden stashes.

  • "Go With The Flow" (Initiated by Selene at Prosperity): Selene needs you to retrieve her lost "Flow" medication.
    1. Locate Selene's Stash: Head to the marked location southwest of Prosperity, near the river. It's a small, dilapidated shack.
    2. Navigate the Rapids: The medication was swept downstream. You'll need to follow the river, often requiring you to swim or use a boat. Be wary of wild animals like alligators and snapping turtles in the water.
    3. Retrieve the Flow: The bottle is usually found lodged against a rock or a small island further down the river. Use your binoculars to scout ahead and avoid unnecessary encounters.
    4. Return to Selene: Bring the medication back to Selene at Prosperity for your reward of Ethanol and Components.
  • "Light 'Em Up" (Initiated by Bean at Prosperity): Bean wants you to collect fireworks for a special celebration.
    1. Find the Firework Stash: Travel to the marked location, typically an abandoned general store or a small outpost.
    2. Clear the Area: These locations are often guarded by a few Highwaymen. Approach stealthily, using silenced weapons like the Saw Launcher or a bow to take out enemies quietly. Prioritize snipers if present.
    3. Collect the Fireworks: The fireworks are usually in a crate or on a shelf inside the building. Look for glowing outlines using your Farsight ability.
    4. Deliver to Bean: Return to Bean at Prosperity. Reward includes Perk Points and some Crafting Materials.

Rescue Operations: Saving the Innocent

These missions involve freeing captives or protecting NPCs from Highwaymen. They often involve combat and require a good understanding of enemy patrols.

  • "The Best Defense" (Initiated by Irwin at Prosperity): Irwin needs help rescuing his captured dog, Timber.
    1. Infiltrate the Highwaymen Camp: The camp where Timber is held is usually a small, fortified outpost. Scout the perimeter with your binoculars to mark all enemies and identify patrol routes.
    2. Stealth or Assault: For a cleaner approach, use stealth. Take out isolated enemies with takedowns or headshots. If you prefer a direct assault, bring a powerful weapon like the MG42 or a well-upgraded shotgun.
    3. Free Timber: Timber will be in a cage or tied up within the camp. Interact with him to free him. He will then become a companion (Gun for Hire) if you haven't recruited him already.
    4. Escort Timber (Optional): Sometimes, you'll need to escort Timber out of the immediate area, fending off any remaining Highwaymen.
    5. Mission Complete: The mission concludes once Timber is safe. You'll earn Ethanol and unlock Timber as a permanent companion.
  • "A Thousand Words" (Initiated by Grace Armstrong at Prosperity, after recruiting her): Grace asks you to retrieve her old camera equipment from a dangerous location.
    1. Travel to the Marked Location: This will be a heavily guarded Highwaymen outpost, often with Elite enemies.
    2. Strategic Infiltration: Consider bringing a specialist like Nana for her sniper support or Hurk Drubman Jr. for explosive distractions. Use cover effectively and prioritize taking out heavy enemies with armor-piercing rounds or explosives.
    3. Locate the Camera Gear: The equipment is usually in a specific building or a well-protected area within the outpost. Look for a distinctive camera bag or tripod.
    4. Extract Safely: Once you have the gear, you can either clear the remaining enemies or make a tactical retreat.
    5. Return to Grace: Deliver the camera equipment to Grace at Prosperity. Reward includes a significant amount of Ethanol and Perk Points.

Hunting & Gathering: Resource Runs

These missions focus on collecting specific animal parts or plants, vital for crafting and upgrading.

  • "The Ryegrass Run" (Initiated by Thomas Rush at Prosperity): Rush needs a specific type of rare Ryegrass for medical purposes.
    1. Identify the Ryegrass Location: The map will highlight a general area where the Ryegrass grows. This is often a lush, green area, sometimes near water sources.
    2. Search and Collect: The Ryegrass appears as small, glowing plants. Use your Farsight to easily spot them. Be mindful of aggressive wildlife like bears or cougars that often inhabit these areas.
    3. Gather the Required Amount: You'll need to collect a specific number of Ryegrass bundles.
    4. Deliver to Rush: Return the Ryegrass to Rush at Prosperity. Reward includes Crafting Materials and Ethanol.

General Tips for Side Missions

  • Bring a Companion: Guns for Hire can significantly aid in combat and even revive you. Choose a companion whose skills complement your playstyle.
  • Scout Thoroughly: Always use your binoculars to tag enemies, identify objectives, and spot potential dangers before engaging.
  • Upgrade Your Gear: Before tackling more challenging side missions, ensure your weapons are upgraded at the Workbench and you have sufficient health kits and explosives.
  • Explore Off the Beaten Path: Many side missions are discovered by simply exploring the vast world of Hope County. Don't be afraid to wander!
  • Check Your Journal: Your in-game journal keeps track of all active and completed missions, including their objectives and rewards.