Far Cry 5
Outpost
Far Cry 5 Arcade
ROLES
Level Designer
DESCRIPTION
YEAR
2024
TYPE
First-person Shooter, Action-adventure game
ENGINE
FAR CRY 5 ARCADE (official web site)
PLATEFORM
2 Weeks
The goal was to make the player feel like a relentless predator, fueled by the desire to hunt down enemies and deliver justice.
CONTEXT & FRAMEWORK
Design Brief
As a Ubisoft fan, I designed a Far Cry 5 outpost that supports both stealth and assault tactics. It features strategic elements like beehives and well-timed shots, all while adhering to essential level design constraints. This setup allows players to use stealth and tactical maneuvers to dominate enemies, amplifying the predator experience.
Topics covered in this video:
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Goals and Constraints...
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360 Design Approach...
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Guiding the Player.........
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Stealth & Assault Design
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Player Planning & Connecting Area............
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Refining Movement & Coherence.....................
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Gameplay Limitations....
01:12
01:35
02:40
03:02
05:06
06:39
07:14
Design Breackdown of the Outpost "A Dubious Plantation"
Research and Analysis
1. Game Analysis : Games like Assassin's creed, Metal gear or Hitman use stealth and Predator-like mechanics. This outpost aims to incorporate similar elements.
Metal Gear Solid Series
Assassin's Creed Series
Hitman Series
2. Audience Study : "I extensively researched what players liked most about Far Cry, and I concluded that the answer is: Having the choice to do what they want, when they want, and in the way they want!"
LAYOUT DESIGN AND BLOCKOUT
World Design
Core Loop
Enemy placement for wave 1
Before/ After
Zipline placement
The Process
1. Crafted the environment's setting by defining the theme, atmosphere, and tone of the level.
2. Developed the core gameplay loop to focus on key player actions and maintain engagement.
3. Created sketches to visualize the design, highlighting landmarks and pathways.
4. Blocked out the level structure by placing key elements and obstacles to shape gameplay.
5. Refined gameplay flow by testing and adjusting the layout for smooth player progression.
6. Detailed the level layout and narrative to integrate story and gameplay seamlessly.
GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
Predator Mechanics
To enhance the predator aspect of my level, I’ve incorporated various stealth elements that promote a strategic and immersive experience. The level also supports assault approaches, demonstrating how the predator aspect can enhance even direct combat. Here’s how each feature contributes:
Zipline: Facilitates discreet movement and quick repositioning, useful for both stealth and assault.
Weapons: Allow for precise neutralization and strategic targeting, enhancing both stealth and direct combat.
Hiding in Bushes or behind cover: Provides invisibility for surprise attacks in stealth and serves as protection during assaults.
Above Enemies: Offers a strategic view for aerial attacks and informed assaults.
Using wildlife and the environment : Allows for enemy elimination via fauna or sabotaging the brakes of a truck, adding a dynamic, unpredictable element to both stealth and assault."
GUIDING THE PLAYER
Distinct elements guide players, with buildings unique in design, function, and color.
Players are also guided by environmental cues, alarms, and enemy patrols, consistent with Far Cry 5."
ENEMY BEHAVIOR
After all, they’re just humans. NPCs have their own routines, some stranger than others, but this allows players to take advantage of it!
To liven up the level, some NPCs are in patrol mode by default, roaming the map and stopping at areas with animations."
ITERATIONS & POLISH
Refinement
In order to master the player’s experience from start to finish, I made numerous modifications and additions to various elements of the game:
In order to master the player’s experience from start to finish, I made numerous modifications and additions to various elements of the game:
I wanted to pay small tribute to the observation towers from previous Far Cry games.
PLAYTESTING / APPYING FEEDBACK
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Playtests aimed to assess player navigation and experiences with both assault and stealth approaches. "Did they easily locate and complete the outpost as desired?"
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Recording play sessions and gathering feedback helped refine each level iteration.
A player's playtests with the two different playstyles :
Stealth playstyle
Assault playstyle
Download The Map
Play the Level
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To play, install Far Cry 5 on your PC.
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Place the files in this folder: C:\Users(your user name)\Documents\My Games\Far Cry 5\user maps (Create a map in Far Cry Arcade if the folder is missing).
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Open Far Cry 5, go to Far Cry Arcade, and select 'Open Map' to access my level.
