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Far Cry 3

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3 cover
Developers
Ubisoft Montreal
Ubisoft Massive
Ubisoft Red Storm
Ubisoft Shanghai
Ubisoft Reflections
Publishers
Ubisoft
Russia Buka Entertainment
Engines
Dunia 2
Release dates
Windows November 29, 2012
Reception
Metacritic 88
IGDB 90
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, DLC
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Open world, FPS, Action
Vehicles Automobile, Naval/watercraft, Off-roading
Art styles Realistic
Themes Contemporary
Series Far Cry
Far Cry 3 on HowLongToBeat
Far Cry 3 on IGDB
Far Cry 3 on MobyGames
Far Cry 3 on Wikipedia
Far Cry
Far Cry 2004
Far Cry 2 2008
Far Cry 3 2012
Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon 2013
Far Cry 4 2014
Far Cry Primal 2016
Far Cry 5 2018
Far Cry New Dawn 2019
Far Cry 6 2021

Far Cry 3 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person open world, FPS and action game in the Far Cry series.

Key points

Some users have reported the game only being able to run when installed on the C: drive.
Performance on multi-core systems may be improved significantly by changing core affinity. See Issues fixed.
Multiplayer and coop mode are back online for Ubisoft Connect versions of the game since January 1, 2024 for undisclosed period (online services were officially shut down on October 1, 2022[1] [Note 1]). Some DLC enabled before this date remains accessible. Multiplayer for Steam versions is not functional in without downgrading.

General information

TweakGuides Far Cry 3 Tweak Guide.
Ubisoft Forums - PC Discussion
Ubisoft Forums - Technical Community Help
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
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1.05
Windows
Epic Games Store
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Windows
GamersGate
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Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
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Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
1.06 - deleted the whole MP functionality. Can be run without the Steam client by passing the -uplay_steam_mode command line argument to the main executable.[3]
Windows
Ubisoft Store
Icon overlay.png
Included with Ubisoft+.
Windows
Amazon.co.uk (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition was also available.
Windows
Origin (unavailable)
Origin
Icon overlay.png
Windows
All versions require Ubisoft Connect DRM.

Version differences

The Deluxe Edition is a complete edition containing the base game and all DLC.

Monetization

Type Notes
DLC Additional game content.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

Microtransactions

Type Notes
No microtransactions Game does not contain microtransactions.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
High Tides Pack Free.
Windows
The Monkey Business Pack Included in the Deluxe Edition.
Windows
Lost Expeditions Included in the Deluxe Edition.
Windows
The Warrior Pack Included in the Deluxe Edition.
Windows
The Predator Pack Included in the Deluxe Edition.
Windows
Original Soundtrack Included in the Deluxe Edition.
Windows

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Use the -skipintro command line argument[4]

Disable Server Messages

  • Disable Server Messages is required if you want to turn off those unpleasant reminders that the server is no longer active due to shutting down in late 2022.

Restore access to Ubisoft Connect in-game rewards

Ubisoft Connect Rewards Unlocker

Even though the rewards appear as claimed in the Ubisoft Connect launcher, they can't be found in the game, remained locked or aren't working correctly.
This mod reactivates two of the rewards for single player, the Testing Unit mission and the Cannon Revolver (found in any shop, at a free price, in the newly restored "Signature Weapons" section).

Play through the Co-Op Missions, locally and offline (self-sufficiently and independent of Ubisoft's servers)

Solo Offline Coop Game Mode

This mod adds an "Offline Co-Op" section to the Multiplayer mode.
This allows experiencing the Co-Op Missions alone, without the need to team-up with other players, which is very useful, since the multiplayer scene is very inactive and the Ubisoft servers mayb be shut down again and forever, at some point in time.
It has been tested and confirmed that it allows unlocking achievements related to the Co-Op experience, through normal gameplay of the Missions.
The game doesn't support teammate bots, so the player using this mod is left to "solo" what's usually designed to be the work of 4 players.
No ability to play in local splitscreen, either.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Far Cry 3\GamerProfile.xml
%LOCALAPPDATA%\My Games\Far Cry 3\InputUserActionMap.xml
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/220240/pfx/[Note 2]
GamerProfile.xml contains User profile settings.
InputUserActionMap.xml contains keybindings and input settings.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <Ubisoft-Connect-folder>\savegames\<user-id>\46\
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/220240/pfx/[Note 2]
Far Cry 3 has a maximum of 3 player profiles. Each player profile contains 1 automatic autosave, and 1 manual save that can be used to bookmark the current checkpoint.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Epic Games Launcher
Origin
Steam Cloud
Ubisoft Connect
Save games automatically sync (broken when running in Wine[citation needed]).

Video

In-game general video settings.
In-game general video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen resolution to set a custom resolution.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
Use Flawless Widescreen to fix FOV and HUD.[5]
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Between 55° and 110°. Default is 73.15°. Use Flawless Widescreen for higher settings.
Windowed
Set in options or toggle with Alt+ Enter.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Set with "window mode" in-game.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Up to 8x MSAA, Post FX handles FXAA.
Aliasing may appear when using MSAA with SSAO.[6]
Enabling MSAA affects motion blur effect, which is especially noticeable when driving.[7]
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Uncapped.[8]

Loading Screen are capped at 30 FPS.

Framerate is limited to display refresh rate during cutscenes
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Frame rate limit

Use the -RenderProfile_MaxFPS X command line argument where X is the preferred max FPS[citation needed]

Notes

This is the best method to eliminate micro stuttering - especially with the DX11 executable.[citation needed]
This method is better than adding the command in GamerProfile.xml because you won't have to set the properties to 'read-only', so you can change this parameter without having to lock graphics settings or gameplay settings.
No longer works at least through Ubisoft Connect and desktop shortcut for some users[9]

Widescreen resolution

Custom/unlisted resolutions can be set manually in GamerProfile.xml.
Edit GamerProfile.xml[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Change ResolutionX= and ResolutionY= to the desired values.

Notes

Changing graphical settings in-game will reset ResolutionX= and ResolutionY= to 800x600.

Disabling post-processing effects separately

Depth of field, FXAA, and motion blur are all combined under the "Post FX" graphics setting.
Edit GamerProfile.xml[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Search (Ctrl+F) for </CustomQuality> and paste the following to a new line after it:
       <Post>
         <quality GameDepthOfField="0" CinematicDepthOfField="0" MotionBlur="0" FXAALevel="0" id="x" />
       </Post>
  4. Change the "0" to "1" for each effect as desired or leave it at "0" to keep the effect disabled.
  5. Change the x in <id=x> within the newly added section to the same Post FX setting set in-game, for example <id=ultrahigh>. The possible settings are low, medium, high, veryhigh and ultrahigh.
  6. Save the file and make it read-only.

Notes

Making the file read-only prevents the game from saving other settings changed in-game.

Ambient occlusion

Ambient occlusion can't be fully disabled through the in-game settings under DirectX 11, only switched between the different techniques available (SSAO, HBAO, HDAO).
Disable ambient occlusion
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.ini with a text editor.
  3. Locate SSAOLevel="x" and change x to 0.
  4. Save the file and make it read only.

Notes

Making the file read-only prevents the game from saving other settings changed in-game.
Whenever graphical settings are changed in-game, SSAOLevel="0" is changed back to the default 1 (SSAO).
Force HBAO+ (Nvidia only)[10][11]
  1. Download and run Nvidia Profile Inspector.
  2. Select the Far Cry 3 profile.
  3. Change Ambient Occlusion compatibility value to 0x00090000.
  4. Change Ambient Occlusion setting to High Quality.
  5. Change Ambient Occlusion usage to Enabled.
  6. Press "Apply Changes" in the top-right corner.

Notes

In-game AO needs to be disabled.
Using HBAO+ instead of the in-game AO options gets rid of the dark halo effect that is present around objects and characters due to the low accuracy of the native implementations.
Use Better HBAO
  1. Download Far Cry 3 Mod Installer and the mod.
  2. Locate the "Mod Installer" folder in the mod's archive and extract Better HBAO.a3 to "ModifiedFilesFC3".
  3. Run the Mod Installer and install Better HBAO from the list of available mods.

Notes

Makes HBAO less intrusive, reduces haloing and over-shadowing.
Has no impact on performance.

Disable HDR

Might improve performance.
Breaks hair rendering.
Edit GamerProfile.xml[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Find Hdr="x" and change x to 0.

Input

In-game general control settings.
In-game general control settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game gamepad layout settings.
In-game gamepad layout settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Certain vehicle controls not rebindable.
To bind Enter, see Bind Enter key.
Scroll wheel is hard-coded to switch grenade type. If you rebind it, it will perform both actions at once.
Mouse acceleration
Positive acceleration, see Negative mouse acceleration to disable.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse cannot be used in menus if a controller is used.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Used by both the mouse and the controller.
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
There is a prompt to switch to controller for one time that cannot be confirmed with a controller. After that, all menus can be used with a controller.
Controller remapping
Three presets.
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Used by both the mouse and the controller.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Requires XInput Wrapper
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Button prompts
The button prompts from the PS3 version of the game can be installed via this mod by EASKATER
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M
No mixed controller and keyboard controls for vehicle sections.[12]

Bind Enter key

Manually bind Enter key to an action[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open InputUserActionMap.xml with a text editor.
  3. Locate and replace, or append the following code:
<ActionMap name="common_use_remap">
   <MassRename MergeKey="remap">
      <Rename hexInput="0x646CA0E7:0xA79E3F0F" hexToInput="0x646CA0E7:0xEFDA7A5A" />
   </MassRename>
</ActionMap>
The hex codes are CRC32B hashes of key names. The first half corresponds to either "kb" (0x646CA0E7) or "mouse" (0xAF35B6ED). The second half is the name of the key or button.
To bind Keypad Enter, replace 0xA79E3F0F ("return") with 0x949D9DA2 ("numpadreturn") in the example above.
To bind Keypad Dot/Comma, replace 0xA79E3F0F ("return") with 0x5AFDB393 ("decimal") in the example above.

Toggle aiming down sights (ADS) for weapons

Edit GamerProfile.xml[13]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Change IronsightToggleMode="0" to IronsightToggleMode="1"

Negative mouse acceleration

Negative mouse acceleration prevents fast mouse movements. The mouse acceleration option in the Options menu does not fix the negative effect.
Replace Common.fat and .dat files (based on Ubi 1.05 ver.) in <path-to-game>\data_win32
Follow the manual instruction[citation needed]
  1. Download the latest version of the Far Cry 3 Mod tools
  2. Extract the file
  3. Go into <path-to-game>\data_win32
  4. Right click on Common.fat and select Open with.
  5. Select browse, then go into the "bin" folder you just extracted and select Gibbed.Dunia2.Unpack.EXE.
If there's no folder, wait a few seconds. The program is only finished once it exits, and it does not indicate it has not finished extracting.
  1. Open the newly created Common_Unpack folder and go into the actionmaps folder.
  2. Open Inputactionmapcommon.xml with a text editor.
  3. Find and replace all instances of maxOutput="10" with maxOutput="999".
  4. Save the file.
  5. Go back to Data_win32 folder.
  6. Now open another Window and head over to the bin folder.
  7. Drag the common_Unpack folder and place it onto Gibbed.Dunia2.Pack.EXE.
  8. Delete Common.dat and Common.fat.
  9. Rename Common_Unpack.dat and Common_Unpack.fat to Common.dat and Common.fat respectively.

Custom mouse sensitivity

The sensitivity slider might be too high, even in the lowest setting (specially on high-DPI mice).
Edit GamerProfile.xml
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Change Sensitivity="X.X" inside ProfileSpecificGameProfile with your desired value.

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Up to 5.1 output[14][15]
Subtitles
Under video settings.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Czech
Danish
Dutch
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation
Indonesian
Fan translation by IGTC Team, download.
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian
Polish
Brazilian Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Turkish
Fan translation, Far Cry 3 Türkçe Yama.
Arabic
Fan translation, Arabic Subtitles.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
Not included despite being advertised.[16] Only available on consoles.[17]
LAN play
Online play
18 Versus, Co-op
Servers has been mysteriously put back online and this means the multiplayer services has been revived.

Connection types

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 80, 443, 13000, 13005, 13200
UDP 9000-9005, 21800-21845
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
See FarCry3 (DX9 only) - 3D Vision fix for better support.
vorpX
G3D, DirectVR
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.
Devices
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues unresolved

Crash after first cutscene and random crashing

Crashes can randomly happen in all parts of the game.[18]
Crashes are more frequent after first -unskippable- cutscene.[19]
Switch to DirectX 9[20]

Changing from DirectX 11 to 9 in the video settings may solve this problem.

Disable any sort of forced AA[20]
Nvidia GeForce 500-series cards[21]

Raising your GPU Core Voltage by 25/50 mV may fix crashes. For step-by-step instructions see reference

Textures and artifacting

Low GPU and CPU usage (~60%)

Enable D3D11MultithreadedRendering[22]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Find D3D11MultithreadedRendering="0" and change 0 to 1.
Note: This causes crash issues with the Uplay version of the game (not recommended.) Also the Ubisoft forums admit it's broken. [citation needed]
Inject DXVK
Injecting DXVK to use the Vulkan API seems to improve the multithreading performance of the renderer.
Some AMD/NVIDIA driver profile settings (Like AO or AA) won't work while in Vulkan.
Some alpha effects might seem corrupted (for example waterfalls). This can be fixed by disabling in-game MSAA.

Very low FPS in pre-rendered cutscenes

Lower your resolution to 800x600 and/or set Post FX to medium or low
The game should start to work normally after the first unskippable cutscenes (the last one is after escape). You can press ESC to go to main menu to change details.

Game crashes with MSVCR100.dll on Windows 10

Change renderer to DX9[23]
Happens also on DX9 with some demanding mods like Mud's Mod.

Shadows flicker while moving camera

There are many places in the game, where shadows flicker while moving the camera. Mostly observed on the grass and vegetation.[24][25][26]
Changing settings or API doesn't seem to affect the issue

Issues fixed

Change UI language

For some reason Far Cry 3 will sometimes have a (poorly) translated interface.
Set language in registry[citation needed]
  1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Ubisoft\Far Cry 3
  2. Set Language to English
  3. Set SKU to US

Microstutter

These forms of V-Sync can reduce micro-stuttering.[27][28]
Capping the framerate in RTSS or Nvidia Inspector can cause a visual bug that makes NPCs shake/twitch randomly to happen more frequently. Use the in-game v-sync option to cap your framerate instead as a workaround.
Adaptive and dynamic V-sync[citation needed]
  • For Nvidia cards, Adaptive V-Sync can be enabled through the driver control panel. Set 'Vertical sync' to Adaptive.
  • For Nvidia cards and G-Sync monitors, a 60 fps cap in Nvidia Inspector or RTSS will greatly reduce micro-stuttering (if not all of it), only as long as the framerate doesn't drop below 60. GPU Max Buffer Frames set to anything but Off can also help.
  • For AMD cards, Dynamic V-Sync can be enabled using the third-party program RadeonPro. Click the Add new profile icon and find the Far Cry 3 executable (farcry3_d3d11.exe or farcry3.exe). Click the newly created profile and click the Tweaks tab. Set 'VSync Control' to Always on. Enable 'Dynamic Framerate Control' and set 'Keep up to' to 60.
CPU Affinity in Windows 8.1[citation needed]
  • For Windows 8.1 users, toggle off the core with max usage in the CPU affinity settings. For Core i7 CPUs, toggle the hijacking core and its corresponding logical thread.

Frame drops and Graphical Issues

The Built-in Anti-aliasing causes Frame drops and Graphical Issues.
Opting for an external Anti-aliasing method[citation needed]
  1. Disable the in-game Anti-aliasing option.
  2. Open Nvidia Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings.
  3. Enable the desired Anti-aliasing method from the Graphics Card's application.
  4. Save configuration.
Rename renderer libraries[29][30]
  1. Rename FC3_d3d11.dll to FC3.dll and FC3.dll to FC3_d3d11.dll in bin folder
  2. Set your renderer in options to DX11
The game will launch in DX9 but will have all in game graphic options open. In the cost of some graphical downgrade, it may result in much better performance (especially on weak CPUs and AMD GPUs).
After long times of gameplay, it can lead to some glitches (none of a save affecting).
Use Low spec patch
It uses edited game files to decrease draw distance to increase stability of FPS on old CPUs or for players with high refresh rates
Can be used online with current 1.05 player base

Low FPS on modern multi-core CPUs

Set CPU affinity[citation needed]
  1. set 4 core affinity, see Affinity Settings

Notes

You can install a program such as Process Lasso to make the affinity permanent per application.
Alternative fix[31]
May cause significant issues and instability. Experiment to your liking.
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Set D3D11MultithreadedRendering from 0 to 1.

Multi-GPU crash

If your game freezes and crashes when entering a saved game, you must disable the Post FX option.
Lowering the Post FX option[citation needed]
  1. Enter the game and enter the Options menu.
  2. Enter the Video Quality menu.
  3. Set the graphics quality to Custom
  4. Set all parameters to your personal preference.
  5. Set the Post FX options to Low

Game stuck on splash screen

Game splash screen pops up on desktop and freezes, doing nothing until the process is ended.
Edit GamerProfile.xml[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open GamerProfile.xml with a text editor.
  3. Find VSync="x" and change x to 0

Notes

If this does not work, delete %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Far Cry 3\GamerProfile.xml

Game stuck on first skill tree

Select the takedown skill by double-clicking on it, then select another skill[32]

Parachute will not open

The game reports the wrong button for opening a parachute when jumping with a wing-suit. There seems to be a link between the Crouch and Switch seat keybindings. Make sure that these actions are bound to the same key.[33]

Multiplayer weapons will not level up

Weapons earn EXP and level up during matches, but do no retain EXP post-game; weapons stay at level 1 indefinitely.
Copy the save file to alternate path[citation needed]
  1. Copy folder 46 from: C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\savegames\0c7ddfbe-d92d-4270-8cf9-3493a81f0c2d\
  2. Go to %PROGRAMDATA%\ and make a folder called Orbit (if it does not already exist).
  3. Make sure Orbit is set to hidden (right-click, Properties, Hidden).
  4. Paste folder 46 into Orbit.

Installation issues

When using a C:\ drive with limited space such as an SSD, the game will not install onto a secondary drive even if you have sufficient free space.

Copy temporary files[citation needed]
  1. Go to the temporary files %temp%
  2. Find the Far Cry 3 install folder
  3. Copy these folder to your secondary drive, then start the setup process
Change temp folders location to different drive[citation needed]
  1. Prepare new folder for temp files in different drive.
  2. Right click on top of start button and select System
  3. From left column open Advanced system settings
  4. From Advanced tab click Environment Variables button.
  5. In user variable list, change both TEMP and TMP to newly created folder.
  6. Save changes and restart computer.

Notes

To access enviroment variables more quickly, simply search for Enviroment variables with Windows search.

First loading screen stalls or takes excessive amounts of time

Kill WmiPrvSE.exe[citation needed]
  1. Open the game
  2. Once the loading screen comes up, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open the Task Manager.
  3. Click processes and make sure "show all processes" is selected at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Find WmiPrvSE.exe, right click it, end procress.
  5. The loading screen should end shortly afterwards.

Crash when installed in a Windows 8 Storage Space

The Game will refuse to run when installed on a drive which is managed by a Windows 8/8.1 Storage Space.

Installing the game on a drive that is not a Storage Space will fix this issue[citation needed]


NPC shaking/vibrate animation bug

Limiting the game to 60fps with both in-game vsync and external tools like Rivaturner causes the game to have shaky NPC animations
Limit fps to lower or higher than 60fps[citation needed]
If you limit fps with vsync use any refresh rate other than 60hz so that the game is not limited to 60fps[citation needed]

Game crashes on Windows 10

The game tends to crash after about 20 minutes of playing on Windows 10 devices

Edit registry[20]

Exit all Windows based programs.

Click Start, type regedit in the Search box, and then double-click regedit.exe from the results above. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation,  
type the password or provide confirmation.
Browse to and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ GraphicsDrivers
On the Edit menu, click New, and then select the following registry value from the drop-down menu specific to your version of Windows (32 bit, or 64 bit):
  1. For 32 bit Windows
  2. Select DWORD (32-bit) value.
  3. Type TdrDelay as the Name and click Enter.
  4. Double-click TdrDelay and add 8 for the Value data and click OK.
  1. For 64 bit Windows
  2. Select QWORD (64-bit) value.
  3. Type TdrDelay as the Name and click Enter.
  4. Double-click TdrDelay and add 8 for the Value data and click OK.
Close the registry editor and then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Disable TabletInputService in Task Manager[20]
  1. Press Ctrl+ Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click on Services.
  3. Find TabletInputService (Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service).
  4. Stop the service.
Additional solution[citation needed]

Launch the game in Win8 or Win7 compatibility mode.

Last possible Step[citation needed]

The last possible step is to copy the game to your C: Drive.

Resolution issues before launching

Create GamerProfile.xml[citation needed]
  1. Go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Far Cry 3\
        2. Create a GamerProfile.xml and insert this into it:
<GamerProfile>
    <SoundProfile
        MusicEnabled="1"
        MasterVolume="100"
        MicEnabled="1"
        IncomingVoiceEnabled="1"
        Language="english"
    />
    <RenderProfile
        MSAALevel="2"
        AlphaToCoverage="2"
        SSAOLevel="6"
        SDSM="0"
        ResolutionX="1280"
        ResolutionY="720"
        Quality="custom"
        QualityEditor="editor_pc"
        Fullscreen="0"
        Borderless="0"
        seD3D11="1"
        D3D11MultithreadedRendering="1"
        WidescreenLetterbox="0"
        UseWidescreenFOV="1"
        OVScaleFactor="1.0275"
        EnableSubResolution="0"
        SubResolutionX="960"
        ubResolutionY="540"
        VSync="0"
        RefreshRate="0"
        DisableMip0Loading="0"
        GPUMaxBufferedFrames="2"
        ShowFPS="1"
        Brightness="1"
        Contrast="1"
        GammaRamp="1"
        AllowAsynchShaderLoading="1">
        <CustomQuality>
            <quality
                ResolutionX="1280"
                ResolutionY="720"
                EnvironmentQuality="low"
                AntiPortalQuality="default"
                PortalQuality="low"
                PostFxQuality="false"
                TextureQuality="low"
                TextureResolutionQuality="low"
                WaterQuality="low"
                DepthPassQuality="low"
                VegetationQuality="low"
                TerrainQuality="low"
                GeometryQuality="low"
                AmbientQuality="low"
                DeferredAmbientQuality="low"
                ShadowQuality="low"
                EditorQuality=""
                Hdr="1"
                HdrFP32="0"
                ReflectionHdr="1"
                EnableVertexBinding="1"
                id="custom"
            />
        </CustomQuality>
    </RenderProfile>
    <NetworkProfile
        VoiceChatEnabled="1"
        CustomMapMaxUploadRateInBitsOnline="10240000"
        OnlineEnginePort="9000"
        OnlineServicePort="9001"
        FileTransferHostPort="9002"
        FileTransferClientPort="9003"
        LanHostBroadcastPort="9004"
        LanClientBroadcastPort="9005"
        ScanFreePorts="1"
        ScanPortRange="1000"
        ScanPortStart="9000"
        SessionProvider=""
        MaxUploadInbpsOnline="10240000">
        <Accounts />
    </NetworkProfile>
    <GameProfile
        Hour = "16"
        Minutes = "40"
        Seconds = "0"
        TimeScale = "1"
        WindForce = "80"
        WindDir = "0"
        DelayShadowMovement = "180"
        IgnorePlayer = "0"
        GatherEntitiesForMap = "0"
        ShowAIInMap = "0"
        ShowDiamondsInMap = "0"
        DifficultyLevel = "1"
        Machete = "0"
        UseAimingHelpers = "0"
        HelpCrosshair = "1"
    />
    <ProfileSpecificGameProfile
        Sensitivity="1"
        Invert_x="0"
        Invert_y="0"
        DefaultFlickFireDirection_y="0"
        UseMouseSmooth="1"
        Smoothness="0.2"
        Smoothness_Ironsight="0.2"
        HelpCrosshair="1"
        Gamepad_vibration="1"
        UseRoadSignHilight="1"
        UseSubtitles="1"
        TaggingEnabled="0"
        UseAmbx="0"
        UseGamePad="1"
        GamepadAnswered="1"
        Autosave="1"
        Machete="0"
        IronsightToggleMode="0">
        <FireConfig
            QualitySetting="Low"
        />
    </ProfileSpecificGameProfile>
    <RealTreeProfile
        Quality="Low"
    />
    <EngineProfile>
        <PhysicConfig
            QualitySetting="Low"
        />
        <QcConfig
            GatherFPS="1"
            GatherAICnt="1"
            GatherDialogs="0"
            IsQcTester="0"
        />
        <InputConfig />
        <ZoneConfig />
    </EngineProfile>
    <UplayProfile
        LockString=""
    />
</GamerProfile>

Crashes on launch on Windows 10 Boot Camp

The Game may refuse to start up when run on Windows 10 via Boot Camp.

Run in compatibility mode[34]
  1. Enable Compatibility with "Windows 98/ Windows Me" and "Run as administrator" in the properties of farcry3.exe

Low performance when moving camera

Lower your mouse poll rate e.g. from 1000hz to 500hz. Please check your mouse settings for more info.

Coop/multiplayer issues

Follow each step until you are connected (if you can connect to Ubisoft services)[35]
  1. You may not be able to connect to Ubisoft services in the game using some internet providers. Use VPN to compare[Note 3], you might need to change your provider, as VPN can introduce too big pings and lagging
  2. Try to join your friend via friends options in Ubisoft Connect instead of dedicated game option of invitation[36]
  3. Try to ask a friend to be a host or vice versa
  4. Make sure you have only your internet network adapter enabled and all others are disabled
  5. Try to join public lobby instead of a private one[37]
  6. Disable Avast Premier Security's firewall in its options,[38] so Windows Defender's firewall will be used
  7. Check whether inbound rules for farcry3.exe and farcry3_d3d11.exe are set to "Allow the connection" in Windows Defender firewall[39]
  8. Make sure you didn't run your game directly from game executable in the bin folder of the game, otherwise game invitations in Ubisoft Connect may not show up
  9. From now on, the solution will rely on using Radmin VPN (not necessary in all cases and can be even harmful at times)
    - join the same network, and after that - repeat all the steps above

At least private matches should work now (also public ones in some cases)[40]. Although, be aware that since it's P2P connection, all players trying to connect each other, cannot be behind NAT (e.g. turning on UPnP on your router advised), otherwise, you won't join such lobby, or anyone join you.

Unlike in public lobby, two people to start a private coop lobby is enough.
Players can encounter game-breaking bugs in the coop: 1) when no one can collect bombs on quads (lobby restart required) 2) When there is no correct objective on minimap after you fall from the waterfall (players need to commit suicide, and correct objective appears) 3) You can fall under map going too far from main road during escorting the truck in Rush Hour mission.
Since people started to commonly use downgraders, it started to frequently happen that everybody are kicked in public full lobby multiplayer session. It's safer to host private sessions from now on, but it will prevent you from gathering XP.
If you install Radmin, it always runs its network adapter in the background, even if you're not connected to any server. Whenever you disable the adapter, it enables itself till you disable Radmin service in Services in the Services. It can be a case, when Radmin or any other adapter than your current internet connection, can prevent you from joining into lobby.
Downgrading Steam versions from 1.06 to 1.05
Might not work giving "Host migration in progress" after 1 minute
Necessary step to bring back multiplayer functionality since the current 1.06 Steam version deleted it completely
  1. Download and replace these files in your bin folder (for your safety, you can try out without the attached files listed with 1 or 2/62 positives[41])
  2. If it doesn't work, reinstall the game and repeat the step above
  3. Copy these files to potentially fix kicking from sessions
  4. There is an official way to downgrade on Steam. It might be more reliable than above (app id: 220241, possible manifest: 5441742905267980403 - from before 2018 1.06 update)
  5. If the game still kicks you from matches, install Ubisoft Connect version instead (the game on Ubisoft Connect will redirect you to Steam anyway, if the game was bought on Steam, so you'll need to buy your game again, but on Ubisoft Connect)

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c, 11
Shader Model support 3, 5
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Havok
Audio XAudio2, Dolby Digital, Speex [42]
Interface Flash
Cutscenes Bink Video
Anti-cheat PunkBuster [43][44]

Modifications

Skin Backlight Shader Mod

Restores fake skin self shading effect seen in the demo version of the game.

Mud's Mod - Ultra HD Texture Pack

HD textures pack. Reflective mud and puddles cover the island and shimmer in the game engine’s lighting system. Characters have been re-coded to have sweaty skin. Jason's hands and arms are hyperrealistic. Grass and many other world textures have been updated in high resolution.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP SP3
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 2.6 GHz
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 2 GB (XP)
4 GB (all others)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 15 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX
ATI Radeon HD 2900
512 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible
Shader model 3.0 support
Sound (audio device) DirectX compatible


Notes

  1. Online services were brought back on July 15, 2023 for undisclosed period, but they got shortly shut down again on January 30, 2024 and later brought back day later.[2]
  2. 2.0 2.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/220240/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (220240) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
  3. To verify connection to the online services without opening the game, open CMD and write: tracert public-ubiservices.ubi.com and later: tracert static3.cdn.ubi.com. Wait a moment - few first hops might be not listed. If tracert stops listing addresses, giving only your local gateway address, and it doesn't occur using VPN or other provider, you'll need to change it or report the issue to the provider or Ubi (although they might refuse to support the game, as officially, online services should be closed by now)

References

  1. Decommissioning of online services for older Ubisoft games (October 2022 update) - last accessed on 2022-08-31
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCYBHAHA6lY
  3. Ubisoft Forums :: Steam and Uplay, possible way to start with just Uplay? - last accessed on May 2023
  4. Steam Community :: Guide :: Far Cry 3 - Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2017-07-12
  5. Far Cry 3 21:9 Gameplay (3440x1440) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube - last accessed on May 2023
  6. Far Cry 3 : Screenshot Comparison, most noticeable antialiasing is in the books at the corner.
  7. Screenshot comparison between MSAA Off and MSAA On. - last accessed on May 2023
  8. 120hz NET - New 120Hz Games Report - last accessed on 2018-09-29
  9. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Topic:Wt82pinvjy7rgsis&topic_showPostId=wt82pinx42nesz8k#flow-post-wt82pinx42nesz8k
  10. HBAO+ Compatibility Flags - last accessed on May 2023
  11. Original HBAO+ Post at Guru3D.com Forums - last accessed on May 2023
  12. Controll options,or the lack of them | Ubisoft Forums
  13. Steam Community :: Guide :: Toggle Aim / Iron sights - last accessed on May 2023
  14. List of games with discrete 7.1 support. - AVS forum - last accessed on May 2023
  15. PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up - last accessed on May 2023
  16. wheres the PC splitscreen? :: Far Cry® 3 General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  17. I heard this game had local coop before.. What happened to it? :: Far Cry® 3 General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  18. Far Cry 3: Game crashing randomly - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  19. Twitter / botherer: I know the game's going to ... - last accessed on May 2023
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Far Cry 3 Crash on startup - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  21. Solution Solution to constant Crashing found! | Ubisoft Forums
  22. Anyone playing Far Cry 3 on a high-end PC in 2020 who's experiencing performance issues: Read this - last accessed on May 2023
  23. Reddit - last accessed on May 2023
  24. Shadow flickering on the whole Scenery | Ubisoft Forums
  25. Far Cry 3 Shadow Bug - Youtube - last accessed on May 2023
  26. Far Cry 3 Shadow Flickering Problem - Youtube - last accessed on May 2023
  27. Tom's Hardware Micro-Stuttering: Adaptive VSync Nvidia
  28. Tom's Hardware Micro-Stuttering: Dynamic V-Sync AMD
  29. forums.ubisoft.com - last accessed on May 2023
  30. Verified by User:Deton24 on 2020-12-13
    Tested on X5460 DDR2 800/RX 570
  31. Reddit - last accessed on May 2023
  32. stuck when first given first basic skills by dennis | Forums
  33. Wingsuit unable to deploy parachute | Ubisoft Forums
  34. https://forums.ubisoft.com/showthread.php/1425838-FarCry3-doesn-quot-t-launch?p=11604869&viewfull=1#post11604869
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVYevOztAiM
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVYevOztAiM&lc=Ugy8Lj5aD0Wgc4wSDH94AaABAg.9S60MDPeVZg9S6AVeFfCcs
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVYevOztAiM&lc=Ugx3M20Rm7ptbkjY_894AaABAg.9S9PUsjyIAg9S9ZKstXMj1
  38. https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/888021927149584414/1132037985844601003/avastzzzzzz.png?width=1028&height=687
  39. https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/888021927149584414/1132038256402387005/frcry3.png?width=913&height=687
  40. https://youtu.be/qVYevOztAiM?t=345
  41. https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/a4170cccd5fdc0eae68065cb044e246f9880265feeffa891e766a26597f79da4/relations
  42. satsun.org - last accessed on May 2023
  43. Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on May 2023
  44. Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
    "Thu Nov 29 2012 12:00
    Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Far Cry 3™.
    "