Skip to content
Far Cry 2

Far Cry 2

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Welcome to Far Cry 2, a sprawling open-world first-person shooter set in a war-torn African nation. You're a mercenary tasked with taking down a gunrunner known as The Jackal, but you'll quickly find yourself caught between two warring factions. The moment-to-moment gameplay is a brutal dance of survival, managing your weapons, dealing with the persistent threat of malaria, and navigating a dynamic environment where fire spreads and enemies react realistically.

This guide is your essential companion for mastering the game's challenges. We'll walk you through every critical mission, help you track down elusive collectibles, and provide strategies for overcoming tough encounters. Whether you're struggling with the game's unforgiving combat, need help managing your limited resources like malaria pills, or want to ensure you see all the game has to offer, this guide has you covered.

Part 1

Begin your journey in Far Cry 2! This guide covers the game's introduction, essential tactics, weapons, and the initial tutorial missions in the Leboa-Seka sector.

Alright, so you've just booted up Far Cry 2 and you're dropped into this wild, war-torn African country. It's a place called Leboa-Seka, and it's basically on fire with a civil war between two groups: the APR and the UFLL. To make things even crazier, some shady arms dealer called the Jackal is selling weapons to both sides, which is really messing things up for the regular folks trying to escape. Your job? You're a foreign agent sent in to find and take down this Jackal guy.

The game throws you into a massive open world, about 50 square kilometers of it, split into two big areas: Leboa-Seka up north and Bowa-Seka down south. It's a seriously diverse landscape – think deserts, dry grasslands, mountains, rivers, lakes, and jungles, all connected by rough dirt roads and winding rivers. You'll be doing a lot of moving around: walking, sprinting, swimming, driving all sorts of vehicles, piloting boats, taking buses, and even catching a ride on a hang glider. Pretty much anywhere you can see, you can probably go, unless it's a super steep mountain or a locked building. Luckily, vehicles and boats are pretty easy to find, and the bus stations are your best bet for fast, safe travel across the dangerous map. Just know that even though the towns might seem calm, the countryside is crawling with enemy guard posts, villages, and bases. Plus, you've got enemy vehicles and boats patrolling, so traveling by road or water is always a gamble.

On top of all that, you'll meet a bunch of interesting characters, these ex-pats called “Buddies.” They're not just random NPCs; they'll offer up different ways to tackle missions, ask for your help with their own personal missions or revenge plots, and they'll also be the ones selling you weapons and gear.

Part 2

Far Cry 2 requires tactics and realistic weapons. Learn about mission flow, diamond currency, and weapon choices to succeed.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    The currency in Far Cry 2 is rough diamonds, earned through faction missions, anonymous assassination missions, or by finding 221 scattered diamond briefcases. These diamonds are used to purchase necessary items.
  2. 2
    Far Cry 2 features an open-world structure with no linear path; this guide chronicles a playthrough on "Hardcore" using reconnaissance, infiltration, and hit-and-run guerrilla tactics, advising avoidance of guard posts and patrols via off-road routes.
  3. 3
    All missions will be outlined, including the set of weapons carried and the best time of day for the operation.
  4. 4
    Only main sequence missions and underground missions to obtain malaria medication are necessary to complete the game. Optional missions include assassination, buddy, subverted, and convoy missions, which provide significant action.
  5. 5
    Available missions can be acquired wherever a mission flag is present on your (minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen) - a small map displayed on your HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap)).
  6. 6
    After the opening tutorial, harvest enough diamonds in the Pala area to purchase IEDs for convoy missions. This guide advocates completing all four convoy missions first.
  7. 7
    Convoy missions provide enough diamonds to purchase your initial set of weapons.
  8. 8
    Locations for acquiring diamonds will generally be provided only when they can be obtained during the advised routes.
  9. 9
    Upon completion of the convoy missions, you may choose any available mission. Main, subverted alternative, buddy, and assassination missions are available when a mission flag is present on your map.
  10. 10
    Main missions are available in Pala or, in the second half of the game, in the Port of Mosate Saleo.
  11. 11
    Optional main mission subverted alternatives are offered by “buddies” (non-player characters) at safe house locations.
  12. 12
    Assassination missions can be acquired at any of the four communication towers flying the mission flag.
  13. 13
    Buddy missions are available at Mike’s Bar.
  14. 14
    Underground missions must be undertaken when you run out of malaria medication and are given in the church in Pala or in the clinic in Port Saleo.
Tips
  • You may carry three weapons and a machete at all times, segregated into primary, secondary, and special categories.
  • Weapon combinations should have different functions; for example, if a sniper rifle is primary, an assault rifle or shotgun is a good secondary.
  • The M-79 grenade launcher is recommended as a secondary weapon for the game’s first half, being superb for destroying assault trucks.
  • The MGL-140 grenade launcher becomes available on the final Bowa-Seka convoy.
  • Grenades and Molotovs are potent weapons, especially in the dry-grass environment with combustible barrels, tanks, and ammunition piles, making fire an excellent weapon.
  • Weapon specifications can be accessed on the game disk by going to “upgrades”.
  • The Homeland shotgun costs 4 diamonds (tutorial choice).
  • IEDs cost 10 diamonds.
  • The M-79 grenade launcher costs 20 diamonds.
  • The Dart rifle costs 10 diamonds.
  • The M1903 sniper rifle costs 10 diamonds.
  • The Dragonov SVD is an alternative to the M1903 sniper rifle.
  • Mike’s Bar is a primary hangout for buddies.
  • Their primary hangout will be Mike’s Bar.

Part 3

Far Cry 2 weapon and item costs, including the AS50 sniper rifle for 35 diamonds and the PKM machine gun for 10 diamonds.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    PKM machine gun (special): 10 diamonds.
  2. 2
    Grenadier webbing: 10 diamonds.
  3. 3
    Primary weapons crate: 16 diamonds.
  4. 4
    Secondary weapons crate: 8 diamonds.
  5. 5
    Special weapons crate: 24 diamonds.
  6. 6
    RPG-7 rocket launcher (special): 20 diamonds.
  7. 7
    AK-47 (primary): 10 diamonds.
  8. 8
    Marksman's bandolier: 15 diamonds.
  9. 9
    AS50 sniper rifle (primary): 35 diamonds.
  10. 10
    SAW machine gun (special): 20 diamonds.
  11. 11
    Uzi (secondary): 20 diamonds.
  12. 12
    USAS-12 auto shotgun (primary): 35 diamonds.
  13. 13
    AR-16 assault rifle (primary): 20 diamonds.
  14. 14
    MGL-140 grenade launcher (primary): 35 diamonds.
  15. 15
    Medium Health Kit (advised on “Hardcore” mode).
  16. 16
    Large Health Kit (advised on “Hardcore” mode).
  17. 17
    Camouflage suit (not essential, but useful).
  18. 18
    Assault truck repair (not essential, but useful).
  19. 19
    Ammo upgrades are advised for all your favored weapons.

Weapon Descriptions:

  • Homeland shotgun: This should be the first weapon purchased. While a pump rather than an automatic shotgun, it is powerful, has decent range and is cheap. It can also be used effectively throughout the entire campaign or, at least, until the expensive but awesome automatic USAS-12 becomes available in the games second half.
  • IEDs: In this walkthrough, the mission strategy and weapon choices are based on doing the four Leboa-Seka convoy missions prior to doing the other missions. While not absolutely essential to completing the convoy missions, they are the best choice. Grenades, an assault truck, RPG-7, even the well worn MGL-140 grenade launcher, available in the safe house near the east Leboa-Seka weapon shop, can also do the trick, but not as expediently as the IEDs. The IEDs are also essential for at least one buddy mission and make successful completion of several others more doable.
  • M1903 sniper rifle: This is a potent long-range sniper and is available before doing any of the convoy missions. Its shortfall is its bolt-action mechanism that requires you to re-acquire targets between shots. If you’re the impatient type, you can purchase it and begin other missions before completing the initial convoy missions.
  • Dragonov SVD sniper rifle: This automatic sniper rifle is as potent as the M1903 and is fully automatic. It is available on the fourth convoy and is worth the wait. Its one shortfall is its scope, whose crosshairs can be hard to center. That said it is the conventional sniper of choice in the game’s first half.
  • PKM machine gun: This is available before the convoy missions are done and is the best “special” weapon to carry when you’re not toting the game’s best weapon-the dart rifle in that “special” slot. It has a large magazine and is an excellent close-quarters companion to a sniper rifle. It will frequently be in your possession.
  • M-79 grenade launcher: This weapon vies with the dart rifle as the game’s most useful weapon-especially during the first half of the game. Available on the fourth Leboa-Seka convoy, it is a must purchase weapon. It is deadly against patrol vehicles and makes traipsing down a patrolled roadway far more dangerous for the vehicle that it is for you. You will soon feel naked without it. It is also critical for the completion of many missions as outlined. Only the advent of the MGL-140 grenade launcher, not available until completion of the final Bowa-Seka convoy, can it be replaced. Even then the M-79 grenade launcher is the secondary weapon to carry when you’re not toting the MGL-140 rocket launcher. It stands above its “secondary” weapon rivals.
  • Dart rifle: The dart rifle is available on the fourth Leboa-Seka convoy and changes the complexion of the game and its price of a paltry 10 diamonds makes it the game’s preeminent bargain. Any hit with this weapon is death and headshots are totally silent kills. It is integral throughout the entire game and can make any other sniper rifle obsolete on the “Easy” mode when you can carry ten darts and increase that to 20 during the game’s second half. This document requires stealthy, hit-and-run tactics where moving through hostile territory without discovery is essential and the dart rifle makes that possible. The two other stealth weapons-the silent Makarov pistol and the silent MP-5 sub-machine gun require stealth that is difficult to attain and they are both weak weapons, oftentimes allowing the death throes of your victims to betray your presence. This document, played on “Hardcore,” requires carrying this weapon more that any other in the game even though it initially has a capacity of only four darts. Its only weakness is its fragility-after about twenty-five rounds it will fail. Change it out often and invest in the “reliability” upgrade.
  • RPG-7: The rocket launcher is not an essential weapon, but more an alternative or change of pace. This document suggests grabbing a free one on the north end of Mokuba from the sniper and storing it to save the purchase price and invest in the “special” weapons crate instead. It can be useful during several missions.
  • AK-47: The AK-47 can be a useful weapon, but grabbing one of the golden ones can save you diamonds but at a cost of only 10 diamonds it is cheap. This document usually offers an either/or choice.
Tips
  • If you prefer an assault rifle over the Homeland shotgun, the AK-47 is worth the 10 diamonds.
  • The RPG-7 is useful but probably not worth the price of 20 diamonds.
  • Ammo upgrades are advised for all your favored weapons.
  • The dart rifle is available on the fourth Leboa-Seka convoy for 10 diamonds and is considered the game’s preeminent bargain.
  • The M-79 grenade launcher is a must purchase weapon, available on the fourth Leboa-Seka convoy.
  • The MGL-140 grenade launcher is not available until completion of the final Bowa-Seka convoy.

Part 4

Discover the best weapons and essential upgrades in Far Cry 2, including the AS50 sniper rifle and golden AK-47 locations.

AS50 sniper rifle: The 50 caliber AS50 sniper rifle is a powerful, long-ranged weapon and is considered the best conventional sniper rifle. It is available on the first Bowa-Seka convoy and is a recommended purchase, often serving as your primary weapon. It is rivaled only by the MGL-140 grenade launcher, which is available on the fourth Bowa-Seka convoy. It is crucial to purchase the “reliability” upgrade for the AS50, as it can fail if used extensively.

SAW machine gun: Upon completing the first Bowa-Seka convoy, the SAW machine gun becomes available, making the PKM obsolete. It is superior in all aspects and becomes the preferred special close-quarters weapon.

AR-16 assault rifle: The AR-16 is a powerful, burst-fire, scoped assault rifle. While not essential, it offers extended firepower as a primary weapon and functions as a decent mid-range sniper. Its weakness is close-quarters combat due to the scope hindering close engagement. If purchased, buy the “reliability” upgrade.

MGL-140 grenade launcher: Available on the final Bowa-Seka convoy, the MGL-140 equals or surpasses the AS50 sniper rifle as a supreme primary weapon. It renders the M-79 grenade launcher expendable and is highly effective against assault trucks. A loadout with the MGL-140, Uzi, and dart rifle is sufficient for most missions. With the grenadier webbing purchased, it can carry 16 grenades on “Hardcore” mode, and its flat trajectory allows it to function like a sniper rifle with a wide grenade impact. Always purchase the “reliability” upgrade for it as soon as possible.

Uzi machine pistol: If you are not using the M-79 grenade launcher as your secondary weapon, the Uzi is a good alternative once available. While not as potent in close quarters as a shotgun or assault weapon like the SAW, it complements a strong loadout with the MGL-140 or AS50 sniper rifle and the silent dart rifle.

Golden AK-47 Locations:

  • East sector: Located on a table in a shack in the extreme southeast of the east sector map, opposite the east sector’s weapon shop. A diamond briefcase is also in this shack.
  • Southwest sector: Found in a cave on the northeast side of the shoe-shaped mountain, northeast of the southwest weapon shop. You must break boards to enter the cave.
  • Northwest sector: Inside a boarded-up cave at the southwest tip of the mountain west of the cattle ranch. This area is heavily guarded.
  • Southeast sector: Situated east of the lake southwest of the bus station and west of the guard post, on the opposite side of the mountain from the guard post.

Weapon Upgrades: Purchasing reliability upgrades for weapons like the dart rifle, AS50 sniper rifle, MGL-140 grenade launcher, and AR-16 is highly recommended, as these weapons are prone to jamming, especially if frequently swapped at a shop.

Saving Diamonds: Purchase weapons crates to store weapons pilfered from the environment. The primary crate costs 16 diamonds, the secondary crate costs 8 diamonds, and the special weapons crate costs 24 diamonds. Storing a golden AK-47 (a durable AK-47 variant) in the primary crate saves 40 diamonds compared to buying an AK-47, MAC-10, or RPG-7 rocket launcher. Entering Mokuba shanty town and taking down the sentry on the platform can yield a free RPG-7 and usually a MAC-10 to store.

Game Map: The game map in Far Cry 2 is crucial for navigation. It is oriented to the points of the compass, with North at the top, South at the bottom, West to the left, and East to the right. Directional instructions use compass points and landmarks like mountains, bus stations, safe houses, and baobab trees as references. Some missions have fixed starting locations like Mike's Bar or Pala, with optimum paths provided.

Guard Posts: Guard posts and vehicle patrols can be bypassed by using the off-road terrain. Identify guard posts on your map and drive or travel on foot to avoid them. You can choose to engage them directly using cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects) for tactical advantage, or utilize the abundant alternative routes the game offers.

Similar guides you might like

Red Dead Redemption 2
96

Red Dead Redemption 2

 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
92

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

 Crysis
91

Crysis

 Halo Infinite
84

Halo Infinite

 Half-Life: Opposing Force
83

Half-Life: Opposing Force

 Far Cry 6
75

Far Cry 6

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content