Far Cry 7 release date rumors are heating up, but this brings Ubisoft microtransactions back in the spotlight. Can the next Far Cry deliver excitement without repeating old mistakes?
By Amlan Shekhar Baruah, September 12, 2025
The buzz around the Far Cry 7 release date has intensified in recent weeks, with rumors pointing to a 2026 launch and even a possible Nintendo Switch 2 version. Alongside these leaks, Ubisoft’s controversial stance on monetization is resurfacing. Earlier this year, the company defended Ubisoft microtransactions in premium titles, claiming they make the player experience “more fun.” For many fans, the timing could not be worse, as speculation grows about how deeply monetization will shape the next chapter of Far Cry.
Far Cry: A Franchise Marked by Highs and Missteps
The Far Cry series has enjoyed enormous success but also endured sharp criticism. Far Cry 3 and Far Cry 4 set a high bar with memorable villains and expansive gameplay. In contrast, more recent entries like Far Cry 6 were criticized for repetitive missions and grind-heavy design. Many players felt the game leaned too heavily on Ubisoft microtransactions by offering boosters that sped up progress. Spin-offs like Far Cry New Dawn failed to inspire confidence, leaving the franchise’s direction uncertain.
These missteps matter now because fans are wary that Far Cry 7 could repeat the same mistakes. When discussions about the Far Cry 7 release date surface, they are almost always accompanied by concerns about monetization.
Ubisoft Microtransactions and a Troubled Reputation
In July 2025, Ubisoft’s financial report contained a statement that still lingers over the company’s image. It argued that Ubisoft microtransactions in premium games improve player enjoyment by providing options for customization or faster progress. While executives framed this as player choice, many gamers saw it as an excuse to add heavy grinding into games and sell the solution back to the player.
The controversy is not limited to Far Cry. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla both attracted backlash for progression boosters that made natural gameplay feel unnecessarily slow. With Far Cry 6 also relying on similar systems, the idea that Far Cry 7 could follow the same path has sparked pre-emptive criticism. Ubisoft’s own CEO, Yves Guillemot, recently highlighted multiplayer as a major focus for the franchise’s future, and longer engagement often translates into more reliance on Ubisoft microtransactions.
What We Know About Far Cry 7
Though not officially announced, multiple leaks suggest that Far Cry 7 is targeting a 2026 launch. Insiders have pointed to Project Maverick, a rumored multiplayer extraction shooter, being developed alongside the mainline entry. Reports also claim that the Far Cry 7 release date could fall in 2026, with insiders suggesting it may also launch on Nintendo’s Switch 2, making it one of the rare Ubisoft titles to appear on that platform.
The shift toward multiplayer is clear, but it is also fueling skepticism. Players worry that the structure of the game might be built around Ubisoft microtransactions, prioritizing cosmetic sales, currency packs, or gameplay shortcuts over core design.
Fans Voice Their Concerns
On forums and social platforms, reactions to the rumors have been mixed. While some express excitement at the prospect of new environments and gameplay, others are more cautious. The recurring fear is that Ubisoft microtransactions will not just be optional extras but will shape the way Far Cry 7 is designed. For many, this undermines trust before the game has even been revealed. The community remembers how Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws faced backlash for similar concerns, and similar debates can be expected to surround the next Far Cry game.
The Road Ahead
The conversation around the Far Cry 7 release date has made one thing clear. Ubisoft cannot separate its future projects from its history with monetization. The defense of Ubisoft microtransactions continues to haunt the company, and any new title will be judged through that lens. If Far Cry 7 delivers a compelling story and meaningful freedom without leaning too heavily on monetization, it could restore faith in the franchise. If not, it risks becoming another entry defined less by gameplay and more by controversy.
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