Far Cry 3 Definitive Guide (2025)

*Updated May 2025* How to fix performance and modernize with mods

Opening Notes

This guide is the culmination of countless hours spent getting this game to a based state, give it a thumbs up

The PCGW[www.pcgamingwiki.com] article for this game is the basis of this guide. I have added to and updated it to reflect some of the recommendations in this guide. If you still have issues with your game make sure to check that page out for more solutions.

NOTE: I had issues with the STEAM version of the game so I play via the Ubisoft Connect version, you should have both in your Ubisoft library if purchased via STEAM.

Rakyat Mod

Download Far Cry 3 Mod Installer[downloads.fcmodding.com] and follow the instructions on the page. (Put it in a Mods folder within the Far Cry 3 installation folder for easy access)

NOTE: Far Cry 3 Mod Installer WILL NOT work if you modify the files of the game. Even using Large Address Aware on the exe files will cause it to not work until you verify the files. If the steps in this guide are followed, you shouldn't need to use LAA or modify the files at all outside of what the mod installer does

Next, download Rakyat Mod[downloads.fcmodding.com] and follow the instructions on the page.

Finally, download Better HBAO[www.nexusmods.com] and install per the description. (This mod doesn't need to be installed if you use the superior Nvidia HBAO listed in the Performance/Graphics section)

You can now launch the Far Cry 3 mod installer and set it up hermano!

These are the mods I have enabled, intended to balance realism and fun:


Variety Mod
Adjustable Loot Sale Price (50%)
Breathing Control
Camera
Car "Darrah"
COD AW/S1 Style Dual Render Scopes
Comodo Dragon (Prepare to crap your pants)
Disable Weapon Pickups
Fast Loot
Improved Shotgun Spead FC3
Increased Sniper Rifle Ranges
Max Attach 3 + More Attachments V2
Mega Zoom Scopes
Mine
Multiplayer Weapons in Singleplayer
Press to Interact
Rain
Random NPC Weapons
Realistic Mag Sizes
Rex Colt Movement (adios fall damage)
Wind
Wingsuit
Remove startup videos
Languages Rakyat
Clean camera
Weapon FOV Mod FC3 V2 (90)

NOTE: Some mods (none of the above) can permanently affect your save file and cannot be disabled without starting a new game. Pay attention to the description of each mod carefully. One user reports the E3 mods can permanently disable save files so backups are necessary when trying them out.

Finally, some of the mods can completely ruin the game balance. For example, I really enjoy having the random weapons mod enabled so NPCs use all the different weapons but that also allows you to just pick them up off the ground, bypassing the need to purchase them or unlock via radio towers. Make sure to also use the "no weapon pickup" mod in tandem with it if you decide to use it. As a bonus, it makes looting NPCs much easier because you won't keep randomly picking up their weapons on accident!

High Quality Reticles

Download the Mod Installer version here[www.nexusmods.com] and drop the a3 file into ModifiedFilesFC3, once completed you can re-run the mod installer, check the mod in the list and install, enjoy having way better looking reticles for your weapons!

Performance/Graphics Tweaks

Use this[www.pcgamingwiki.com] guide to disable ingame AO and enable Nvidia HBAO. Performance can be affected however this method is far superior to using ingame HBAO, even with the Better HBAO mod enabled because it completely removes the halo effect on NPCs and ugly grass shadows.

NOTE: The HBAO fix must have the gamerprofile set to read only and ingame settings CANNOT be changed. Make sure to set all graphics and video options ingame before making these changes and setting the file to read only.

Use something like Process Lasso to disable hyperthreading on your CPU or do it manually via Task Manager (This single tweak changed the game entirely for me, completely removed all the annoying stuttering i was encountering)










Disabling MSAA can greatly increase performance

Disable ingame v-sync and use the v-sync options in your GPU Control Panel instead.

Gameplay Tips

I would recommend at least starting the game on HARD then adjusting as necessary to keep it challenging and engaging. The NPC weapon variety mod adds some challenge as well, many alternatives are more deadly and accurate than the stock weapons they get in vanilla.

It can be tempting to rush to the first Citra mission to unlock some essential skills however I would recommend at least clearing two radio towers worth of outposts and missions, this will allow you to have a feel for tackling encounters without the benefits of the skills which will make you a better player, you'll have more appreciation for the skills you unlock resulting in you connecting with Jason's journey from zoomer to genocidal chad.

Make a point to go hunting early and often, until you have your bags upgraded a decent amount, I would say loot bag and ammo bag are most important to pursue however syringe bag is also great to have.

It's also wortwhile to unlock the loot maps for first few areas and hunting down at least 6 letters, you will get a Japanese Tanto for free and once you equip it you will do double melee damage!


Try to clear one or two radio towers then complete the missions and outposts in those areas. As you clear out radio towers, you unlock new weapons for free! You should only need to spend money on attachments, ammo and signature weapons. By doing the missions as you clear the towers, it allows you to use the weapons as they unlock. This increases the variety in gameplay and you feel progressively stronger.

NOTE: All side missions are worth doing, Trials of Rakyat are extremely fun and give you god powers like a sniper with unlimited ammo or my favorite, hit and run pirate style! Super fun missions. The hunting missions are also good, especially the ones where you hunt a rare animal because those hides give you the final upgrade for a lot of your bags. Supply Drop is the least exciting IMO but it has good cash and XP rewards.

I tend to leave a few outposts active until the endgame of each island, this keeps the game a little more tense and makes the islands feel more reactive as your allies will clash with enemy patrols and vice versa.

When clearing outposts it’s a lot of fun to “theme” your assault. I usually try to go stealthy (you get x3 XP after all if you clear it undetected) however XP isn’t rare in this game and you can quickly level up as needed so it can add a lot to the enjoyment if you decide to use all explosives or flamethrower + Molotovs or go melee/bow only etc. Experiment and have fun!

Far Cry 3 is one of the best sandbox shooters IMO and it allows you a lot of creative ways to become a war criminal!

You're ready to play!

Those are all the main things I did to get the game running great and modded to have more variety!

If you have additional suggestions that aren't in this guide or in the PCGW article feel free to share them below!

[Skorp]

This is great, the only thing I added was in the Nvidia overlay under game filters add Sharpen+. It cleans up the textures quite a bit and really makes the game pop!

[excelatrate]

@LucasRTS That mod is incompatible with any other Far Cry 3 Mod since it doesn't have a Mod Installer version available so It can't be used unless you want to forfeit all the features the mods in this guide offer.

That being said, I was able to both purchase the handcannon and play Testing Unit just fine when I played through the game.

[LucasRTS]

Is the Ubisoft Connect Rewards Unlocker still needed?
https://www.nexusmods.com/farcry3/mods/234

[excelatrate]

Guide has been updated to include High Quality Reticles which makes aiming way better, check it out!

[excelatrate]

For users of this guide please review the modlist as a new version of Rakyat mod has released, I have enabled two new mods, one to make the camera more snappy (Camera) and a mod to make mines more effective (Mine)

[fat ass]

I think it'd be important to mention that the E3 watch and mini-map can kill your savefile. I had this issue where, with these mods, I couldnt finish an outpost because the game would crash after killing the last enemy. uninstalling those mods dosent work since the game won't start at all, so unless you've backed up your save (which I didn't, rookie mistake) you need to start a brand new game entirely

[VoiderFox]

Thanks for the guide I started playing the game not long ago and noticed your guide