The Far Cry series is known for its iconic antagonists. Starting from Vaas Montenegro in Far Cry 3 to Antón Castillo in Far Cry 6. One of these villains is Far Cry 5‘s Joseph Seed, a deranged cult leader whose followers and fellow leaders have terrorized Hope County. Here’s how Joseph became a memorable and terrifying man.
Before Becoming Far Cry 5’s Villain
The Seed Family’s Harsh Beginnings
Not much is known about the history of the Seed Family. Considering how secretive they’ve been about themselves, the lack of public records, and their need to let the past go, for better and worse. However, some details about their early life are still found in the Far Cry 6 DLC: Joseph: Collapse. In the beginning, there were only the Seed brothers and their father. The eldest brother was Jacob Seed, the middle brother was Joseph Seed, and the youngest brother was John Seed. Their father was extremely abusive towards the brothers, especially towards John for no known reason. Joseph took the beatings in hopes of keeping his family together.
Eventually, John informed his teachers in school about his father’s abusive tendencies towards them, in hopes of getting him to stop the abuse. Joseph finds out about this and berates his little brother for fear of them being separated. Their father later finds out causing his abusive behavior to worsen. It wouldn’t be surprising if this was the foundation for him to turn out as the infamous Far Cry 5 villain. Jacob’s hatred for their father grew over the years of abuse, and John’s worsening abuse pushed him to a breaking point. Jacob discussed with Joseph about his plans to kill their father to end their abuse once and for all.
Joseph tried to protest, voicing his worries about being separated, but Jacob had made up his mind, following through on these plans. It’s not known what happened to Jacob and John after the death of their father. These two Seed Brothers reappear again in their young adult years. Joseph went on to enlist and serve two tours of active duty in the US Military, Joseph went on to live more of a peaceful lifestyle, eventually meeting a woman he intended to marry and start a family with. Not much is known about how John turned out, but it is implied that he was facing criminal charges after committing violent acts on a woman.
The Corruption of Man
Joseph Seed met a woman named Faith, most likely a couple of years after the death of his father. They became close due to their shared love for Christianity, got married, and eventually came to become new parents. One day, Faith left to visit a friend of hers named Sarah to catch up on life, however, Faith was involved in a car accident that sadly ended her life. Joseph’s unborn child survived the accident injured. Joseph succumbs to a complete mental breakdown, having lost the love of his life, and believes that God wants him to end his child’s suffering. He later murdered his newborn child.
He spent alone, and mentally vulnerable, hoping for a miracle to come upon him. One day, Joseph heard a voice, who claimed to be God. In the voice’s words, according to Joseph, “Save as many souls as you can.” Detailing an event known as The Collapse which will bring the end of the world. At this moment, Joseph Seed, the prophet of his cult, was born.
Rise of The Father
This road to becoming the Far Cry 5 villain was only just beginning. After learning of this prophecy, Joseph knew he couldn’t do it alone, he needed help. Joseph found Jacob after his service in the military in a terrible state, Joseph shared what he had learned and asked Jacob to join him. After recruiting Jacob, Joseph found John in a similar state, John Seed was facing severe legal trouble and facing time in prison after committing violent acts against a woman.
Joseph offered John a way out and forgiveness from God, saying that his violent urges were a divine gift. He can put it to good use as long as he has self-control. Joseph needed one more person to help people have Faith in his ways. He recruited many women to become Faith Seed, but all failed. He would bring in the drug addict, Rachel using a hallucinogen called The Bliss. The substance brainwashed Rachel into becoming the new Faith Seed. With his family now complete, they set out to save as many people as possible.
Project at Eden’s Gate (P.E.G.)
The Seed Family then founded their cult: Project at Eden’s Gate, derived from Christianity. They settled in Hope County, Montana as their new home. This is where Joseph met Pastor Jerome, they became acquaintances quickly, however, during one of his services, Jerome allowed Joseph an opportunity to preach, and it went horribly. Joseph took those who were most vulnerable and manipulated them into believing that the world would come to an end and to look at him as their savior, effectively converting many of Pastor Jerome’s followers into Joseph’s cult.
Soon, Joseph and his peggies made swift work of marking their territory, slowly buying farms and businesses for supplies for The Collapse prophecy. They built massive underground bunkers for their followers and themselves. Since then, they have continued to buy land, often taking it by force. Their takeover managed to influence the police force of Hope County with a few exceptions.
Rise and Fall of Joseph Seed
His actions and influence catch the attention of a couple of sheriffs and a US Marshall, they go in to arrest Joseph Seed but fail to do so. In return, Joseph kidnaps and imprisons all but two of the sheriffs, one of which is the main character: The Junior Deputy. The rookie along with the assistance of the other sheriffs after you rescue them, takes down family members until Joseph is all that is left. Joseph gives the rookie one final offer to leave him in peace, the rookie rejects it and a fight ensues, with the rookie and other Hope County residents emerging victorious.
However, as he was being taken into custody, a nuclear explosion occurred in the distance, signifying the collapse long since prophesized. After a horrible yet successful retreat to an underground bunker, only Joseph and the rookie make it there alive. They then spend several years together as they await the world to heal itself from the ashes of the old world, and finally, journey together towards New Eden.
Far Cry: New Dawn
This Far Cry 5 villain proceeds with the next chapter of his life in the spin-off, Far Cry: New Dawn. Joseph met up with the remainder of his followers who survived the collapse and created a new community called New Eden. Joseph had a son named Ethan, who he raised away from anything related to the old world. After some time, Joseph has another prophecy about a warrior, thus, went into self-exile to await this warrior. Afterward, the main protagonist of New Dawn meets the exiled Joseph at the broken dam. He gives them an apple from a mutated tree that resides in the waterfall contaminated with the Bliss.
When eaten, the Bliss apple gives the protagonist extra abilities not possible before. Joseph then returns to his people, much to the dismay of his son Ethan, who wants to rule over New Eden. He tells his people that their new hero will lead them to salvation, and also offers the protagonist the title, “The Judge”. Players soon learn The Judge is the deputy rookie from Far Cry 5.
Ethan teams up with the twin sisters: Mickey and Lou, the leaders of the Highwaymen. Together they storm New Eden, laying waste to whoever or whatever comes across their path. After the protagonist deals with the twins, they give chase to Ethan who made his way towards the tree. Ethan is seen picking an apple to consume for power, despite Joseph’s protests and warnings, he eats an apple which turns him into a monster, which the protagonist is forced to kill. Joseph, now having lost everything once again, begs the protagonist to kill him, to which the player can choose whether to kill or spare him.
Departing Thoughts
Joseph Seed is a great antagonist and fits perfectly as the Far Cry 5 villain. This madman has all the great qualities of a deranged cultist leader. Granted this Far Cry 5 villain isn’t the only deranged psychopath in the series. It’s nice that Joseph got his spotlight again in Far Cry 6 with his own DLC. Here’s hoping that the next antagonist in Far Cry 7 will be just as memorable as those before them.
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