It appears Ubisoft's plans for the Far Cry franchise continue to evolve. A new report claims the publisher is developing another entry in the long-running first-person shooter series, one that reportedly shifts away from previously rumored extraction shooter concepts in favor of a more traditional open-world experience.

According to Insider Gaming, the project is currently being developed under the codename Kodiak and is described as an ambitious new title that emphasizes player freedom, emergent gameplay, and open-world exploration. While the game is still believed to be in the early stages of development, it could represent Ubisoft's next major step for one of its flagship franchises.

Kodiak Is Reportedly Built From Maverick's Foundations

The report states that Kodiak draws from the groundwork laid by the previously rumored project Maverick, although significant changes have reportedly been made to its overall direction.

Rather than pursuing the extraction shooter gameplay that Maverick was said to feature, Kodiak is reportedly returning to the series' roots with a focus on expansive open-world gameplay and player-driven storytelling.

According to Insider Gaming, player interactions and emergent moments will play a central role in the experience, allowing players to create their own stories as they explore the world.

While concrete gameplay details remain scarce, the report describes the project as "really ambitious" and suggests it is still years away from release.

What Happened to Maverick?

Before Kodiak reportedly entered development, Maverick had been the subject of several leaks over the past two years.

Earlier reports suggested the game would feature a unique survival-inspired structure centered around a 72-hour countdown, with players racing against time to rescue six members of their family.

The leaked details also described several gameplay systems uncommon for the Far Cry series, including:

• A dynamic day-and-night cycle tied to the countdown.
• Wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, and deer that could either threaten players or provide crafting materials.
• Safe houses scattered throughout the map.
• A weapon durability system requiring players to maintain their firearms.
• Survival mechanics focused on exploration and resource management.

These features suggested Ubisoft was experimenting with a dramatically different direction compared to previous Far Cry games.

However, if the latest report is accurate, many of those extraction-focused elements may no longer be part of the project.

Alaska Was Rumored as the Original Setting

One of the more intriguing Maverick leaks emerged earlier this year when reports surfaced featuring an alleged audio clip and promotional artwork.

The leaked material included atmospheric synth-heavy music accompanied by the sound of a constantly ticking clock, reinforcing earlier rumors surrounding the game's time-limit mechanics.

The accompanying artwork reportedly hinted that the game's setting would be Alaska, offering a rugged wilderness filled with dangerous wildlife and harsh environmental conditions.

It remains unclear whether Kodiak will retain that rumored setting or move in a completely different direction as development continues.

Ubisoft Has Been Quiet About Far Cry's Future

Despite persistent rumors, Ubisoft has revealed very little officially about the future of the Far Cry franchise.

Earlier this year, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed the company was working on two promising projects, though he stopped short of identifying them by name. While many fans assumed one of those titles was connected to Far Cry, Ubisoft has yet to provide an official announcement.

Since then, the publisher has remained focused on other major franchises, leaving fans waiting for news about the series' next chapter.

The Long Wait Since Far Cry 6

The most recent mainline entry, Far Cry 6, launched in 2021 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, the game followed guerrilla fighter Dani Rojas in a rebellion against dictator Antón Castillo, portrayed by actor Giancarlo Esposito. The title combined the franchise's signature open-world formula with large-scale combat, exploration, and a politically charged narrative.

Before that, Far Cry 5 transported players to Hope County, Montana, where they confronted the cult known as Project at Eden's Gate. Its story later continued in Far Cry: New Dawn, which explored the aftermath of Far Cry 5's apocalyptic ending.

Since Far Cry 6's release, fans have eagerly awaited news about where Ubisoft intends to take the franchise next.

What This Could Mean for the Franchise

If the latest report proves accurate, Ubisoft may be steering Far Cry back toward the open-world sandbox gameplay that helped define the series.

Moving away from an extraction shooter concept could appeal to longtime fans who prefer the franchise's emphasis on exploration, unpredictable encounters, and player freedom.

At the same time, the mention of player-driven stories suggests Ubisoft is still looking to evolve the formula rather than simply repeat previous games.

Because the project reportedly only recently moved beyond the concept phase, players should not expect an official reveal anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

As with any early development report, these details should be viewed with caution until Ubisoft makes an official announcement.

Still, the idea of a new Far Cry game focused on emergent gameplay and expansive open-world design is likely to excite longtime fans of the franchise. While Maverick may have begun life as an extraction shooter experiment, Kodiak could represent a return to the gameplay that made Far Cry one of Ubisoft's most recognizable series.

For now, Far Cry's future remains unconfirmed—but if these reports are accurate, Ubisoft's next adventure could be its most ambitious yet.