Far Cry 5

You come to. Your head is splitting, your ears are ringing, and everything is swimming before your eyes. You're lying on your side among the wreckage of the helicopter. The metal is twisted, the glass is shattered, and acrid smoke is pouring from the dashboard. All around you are forest, pine trees, rocks, and patches of blue sky high above.

The helicopter is wrecked. You don't remember falling. The last thing you remember is an explosion, a sharp roll, someone's hand on your body armor, and darkness. You climb out and fall to your knees. Someone from your group stirs nearby. The sheriff? The marshal? It's hard to tell, their faces are covered in blood.

At that moment, they emerge from the forest. Blue robes. Rifles. They surround the wreckage quickly and silently, as if they knew you would fall right here. Several men drag away the body of Joseph Seed—whole, unharmed, calm. The same man you handcuffed a moment ago. The one you were supposed to take away. He stands among his people, straightening his shirt, and there is no fear or anger on his face. Only a quiet, icy confidence.

The cultists grab Marshall. He screams and fights back, but they drag him into the forest. Joseph comes closer. He looks down at you. His eyes are strange—empty, bright, with no hatred or triumph in them. Only pity.

"The end is near," he says. His voice is quiet, almost gentle. "I warned you. We warned everyone. Your sins have caught up with you, son. Your fear has broken the final seal."

He turns to his men and waves. They grab him, lead him deeper into the forest, and disappear into the shadows. Only two remain. One holds his rifle at the ready, the other approaches you, grabs you by the scruff of the neck, and pulls you to your feet.

"Run," he snaps. "Come and entertain us."

You take off. Shots ring out behind you, bullets slapping tree trunks, kicking up fountains of earth. A cultist yells something after you, another laughs. You snap branches, jump over roots, and head into the thicket. Somewhere beyond the trees, you hear footsteps, the crackle of a radio, and strange voices. Hope County is hunting you. Joseph Seed gave you a head start to get you running. To test how much you want to live.