Baseball cards have always held a special place in American culture and nostalgia. From the early 1900s when the first mass-produced cards hit the market, to the modern era of carefully graded vintage cards fetching huge sums at auction, baseball cards have captivated collectors and brought joy to kids and adults alike. In Ubisoft’s 2018 open world shooter Far Cry 5, baseball cards take on a new significance as a side activity for players to pursue outside of the main story.
Set in Hope County, Montana, Far Cry 5 puts players in the middle of a growing conflict between a doomsday cult called Eden’s Gate and the local law enforcement and citizens trying to resist their control. Amidst the escalating violence and power struggle, baseball cards provide players a lighthearted diversion and way to learn more about the people and history of Hope County. Scattered throughout the game world in hidden locations, completing baseball card sets by finding all the cards for a given player or team becomes an engaging side objective.
Upon discovering their first baseball card, players are introduced to the concept of the activity by Dutch, one of the resistance leaders. He explains that collecting the vintage cards was a hobby of his before the cult took over, and tasks the player with finding full sets to help pass the time and take their mind off the growing crisis. Each card found goes into the player’s collection, viewable from the menu at any time. Cards are of real players and teams from across MLB history, with stats and accomplishments listed on the back to educate players about the game and those featured.
Tracking down full sets requires exploration of the expansive open world as cards are hidden in remote locations, cult outposts, abandoned homes, and other spots off the beaten path. Clues to card locations may also be found in notes left by Dutch or other collectors over the years. As more cards are discovered, the numbers needed to complete sets decreases, with rare “hit cards” of legendary players sometimes providing the last needed for a full roster. In addition to the thrill of the hunt, collecting cards serves to enhance immersion and world-building by revealing little details about life in Hope County before the cult overtook everyday activities and hobbies.
Completing full baseball card sets provides in-game rewards like perk points, cash, or special weapons to benefit the player in their fight against Eden’s Gate. But the true reward is gaining a small sense of normalcy and enjoyment from a beloved pastime in a world turned upside down. Cards also act as a reminder of the community and traditions that the cult aims to destroy. Finding a rare Babe Ruth or Willie Mays card amid the chaos becomes a little victory, however brief, against the oppressive forces that now control the region.
For diehard collectors or those with a passion for the history of baseball, the level of authenticity and detail put into the Far Cry 5 baseball cards helps elevate the activity beyond a mere scavenger hunt. Real rosters, stats, and career milestones are reflected on the cards, making for an engaging history lesson alongside the gameplay. Rare vintage cards that can fetch thousands of dollars if in mint condition receive the same treatment, with the game acting as a virtual collecting experience. While the cards don’t hold true monetary value, their presence enhances the already rich world and storytelling of Far Cry 5.
The inclusion of baseball cards was also a nod to traditions in small towns across America, capturing the atmosphere of a close-knit community suddenly under siege. In a volatile region, the familiar pursuit of collecting provides a moment of calm and normalcy that is otherwise stripped away. Their scattered hiding places throughout Hope County’s vast countryside encourages thorough exploration and discovery. Even after the main story is completed, players can continue perfecting their collections and learning more about the pastimes that once brought the residents of Hope County together, prior to the cult’s takeover dividing the community.
For those who enjoy Far Cry 5 purely as a first-person shooter, the baseball cards may not hold much significance. But for players seeking additional depth, story and world-building outside the main narrative arc, the collectible cards offer welcomed context and immersion. They represent real historical figures in a virtual collecting experience, while also adding layers of environmental storytelling about the region and people now under threat. In a blockbuster game packed with activities, the simple inclusion of baseball cards was a thoughtful creative decision that enhanced Far Cry 5 for fans of both the franchise and America’s pastime.
