In one final gift to the gaming community before XDefiant’s impending shutdown, dataminers digging through the game’s files stumbled upon something unexpected on November 12, 2025. Hidden in XDefiant’s code were screenshots and details for Far Cry 7, Ubisoft’s next entry in the long-running shooter franchise. The leak reveals an Alaska setting, an extraction mode called Paradise Park, and a white-bearded protagonist who looks like he means business.
How XDefiant Leaked Far Cry 7
XDefiant dataminer AgaiinTx shared the discovery on social media, posting what appear to be legitimate in-game screenshots from Far Cry 7. The images show snowy Alaskan environments, UI elements, character models, and mission details that weren’t supposed to see the light of day yet. According to the dataminer, these assets were buried within XDefiant’s files, likely left there by Ubisoft developers working across multiple projects who accidentally included Far Cry 7 materials in the wrong build.
This isn’t the first time XDefiant has served as an accidental leak machine for Ubisoft. The free-to-play shooter, which launched in 2024 and is now scheduled for shutdown, has become a treasure trove for dataminers looking to uncover information about other Ubisoft projects. When you’re a developer working with shared internal tools and asset libraries, sometimes files end up in places they shouldn’t. And when those files go public in a shipped game, dataminers with the right skills can find them.
Alaska and the Extraction Mode
The leaked screenshots reveal that Far Cry 7 will feature an extraction mode set in Alaska, a departure from the traditional Far Cry campaign-focused experience. The extraction map is called Paradise Park, and based on the images, it features dense forests, snowy mountain ranges, frozen lakes, and plenty of wildlife that will be hostile toward players. Think Escape from Tarkov or Call of Duty’s DMZ mode, but with Far Cry’s signature open-world chaos and animal encounters.
Extraction modes have become increasingly popular in shooters over the past few years. The basic loop involves dropping into a map, completing objectives, gathering loot, and extracting before you die or the timer runs out. It’s high-stakes gameplay that rewards strategic thinking over mindless running and gunning. For Far Cry, this represents a significant shift. The series has traditionally been about exploring massive open worlds at your own pace, completing missions in whatever order you choose, and wreaking havoc with an arsenal of weapons. An extraction mode suggests Ubisoft is trying to inject more tension and replayability into the formula.
Story Mode Remains Separate
Before Far Cry fans panic about the entire game becoming an extraction shooter, AgaiinTx clarified that the extraction mode appears separate from the main story campaign. Far Cry 7’s story mode will reportedly feature a different map from the extraction mode, meaning you’ll still get that traditional Far Cry experience of liberating outposts, hunting animals, and causing mayhem in a large open world. The extraction mode seems to be an additional multiplayer-focused offering rather than a replacement for the single-player content the series is known for.
This two-mode approach makes sense from a business perspective. Ubisoft gets to appeal to both longtime Far Cry fans who want a meaty single-player campaign and the competitive multiplayer crowd that gravitates toward extraction shooters. It also provides the potential for long-term player engagement beyond just finishing the story. If the extraction mode is good enough, players might stick around for months grinding for better loot and mastering the map.
Meet the Protagonist
The leak also revealed details about Far Cry 7’s protagonist. According to AgaiinTx, one of the main characters is a white-bearded male, possibly in his 30s. The leaked images show what appears to be this character in various scenarios, sporting rugged outdoor gear suitable for Alaska’s harsh climate. Far Cry protagonists have ranged from silent blank slates to fully voiced characters with defined personalities, so it remains unclear which approach Ubisoft is taking this time.
Previous leaks from 2024 suggested Far Cry 7’s story would revolve around rescuing members of a wealthy family called the Bennets within a strict time limit of 24 to 72 hours. The casting calls mentioned characters engaged in power struggles similar to the TV show Succession. How this white-bearded protagonist fits into that narrative is anyone’s guess. Is he hired muscle trying to save the family? A family member himself? Or someone with his own agenda in the chaos?
Story Mode Mission Names
The datamine also uncovered names for several story mode missions, giving us a glimpse into what Far Cry 7’s campaign might involve. Missions titled Airspace, NASA HQ, Verzion Centre, and JFK Centre suggest a story that spans various locations across the United States rather than being confined to one region. NASA HQ is particularly interesting, hinting at potential space-related plot elements or conspiracy theories that Far Cry villains love to ramble about.
These mission names support earlier leaks mentioning New England as a primary setting, with Ian Duncan serving as an antagonist described as a conspiracy theorist with an army of believers who envies the wealthy elite. Far Cry has always embraced over-the-top villains with grandiose plans, and a conspiracy theorist with a cult-like following targeting a powerful family sounds perfectly on-brand for the franchise.
The Snowdrop Engine Switch
One of the most significant technical changes for Far Cry 7 is the switch to Ubisoft’s Snowdrop Engine, the same technology powering visually stunning titles like Avatar Frontiers of Pandora and The Division series. Every previous mainline Far Cry game used the Dunia Engine, which served the series well but showed its age in recent entries. Moving to Snowdrop promises a substantial leap in graphics quality, environmental detail, and overall visual fidelity.
The leaked screenshots seem to back this up. The Alaskan environments look gorgeous, with realistic snow effects, detailed vegetation, and lighting that creates a moody atmosphere perfect for Far Cry’s brand of chaotic action. If Ubisoft can deliver open-world gameplay at the scale Far Cry is known for while maintaining the visual quality shown in these leaks, Far Cry 7 could be a genuine showcase title for modern hardware.
Release Window and Delays
According to the dataminer, Far Cry 7 should see the light of day within the next two years, which puts the release window somewhere between late 2025 and late 2027. Previous reports suggested the game was targeting Fall 2025, but Ubisoft’s recent financial troubles and restructuring have reportedly pushed it into 2026. The company delayed several major titles to give them more development time following the mixed reception of games like Skull and Bones and the shutdown of XDefiant.
Developers working on Far Cry 7 are reportedly optimistic about how the project is shaping up, which is encouraging news considering Ubisoft’s recent track record. The time limit mechanic mentioned in earlier leaks generated controversy among fans who enjoy Far Cry’s laid-back exploration, so hopefully the extra development time allows Ubisoft to refine these experimental features and strike a balance between innovation and tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did XDefiant leak Far Cry 7?
XDefiant dataminer AgaiinTx discovered Far Cry 7 screenshots and details hidden in XDefiant’s game files on November 12, 2025. The assets were likely accidentally included during development when Ubisoft developers worked across multiple projects using shared tools.
Where is Far Cry 7 set?
The leaked extraction mode is set in Alaska at a location called Paradise Park. However, the main story mode reportedly features a different map, with previous leaks suggesting New England as a primary setting for the campaign.
What is Far Cry 7’s extraction mode?
Far Cry 7 will include an extraction mode where players drop into a map, complete objectives, gather loot, and extract before dying or running out of time. This mode appears separate from the main story campaign.
Who is the main character in Far Cry 7?
According to the leak, one of the protagonists is a white-bearded male possibly in his 30s. Details about the character’s background and role in the story have not been officially confirmed.
When will Far Cry 7 be released?
The dataminer suggests Far Cry 7 will release within the next two years, likely in 2026. Previous leaks suggested Fall 2025, but Ubisoft delays have reportedly pushed the game into 2026.
What engine is Far Cry 7 using?
Far Cry 7 is being developed using Ubisoft’s Snowdrop Engine, the same technology behind Avatar Frontiers of Pandora and The Division series. This marks a departure from the Dunia Engine used in previous Far Cry games.
Will Far Cry 7 have a time limit?
Earlier leaks suggested Far Cry 7’s story mode would feature a time limit mechanic where players must save members of a wealthy family within 24 to 72 hours. This feature generated controversy among fans and has not been officially confirmed.
Final Thoughts
XDefiant might be shutting down, but it’s going out with a bang by giving us our first real look at Far Cry 7. The Alaska extraction mode looks gorgeous, the protagonist has that weathered Far Cry survivor vibe, and the switch to Snowdrop Engine promises a visual upgrade the series desperately needs. Whether the extraction mode and rumored time limit mechanics will resonate with longtime fans remains to be seen, but at least Ubisoft is trying something different instead of just rehashing the same formula for the seventh time.
The fact that these assets were hidden in XDefiant’s files is a reminder that in modern game development, nothing stays secret for long. Dataminers will always find what’s hidden, and leaks will always spoil surprises. For Far Cry 7, this early peek has generated both excitement and skepticism, which is probably exactly what Ubisoft needed to get people talking about the franchise again. Now we just wait for an official announcement with trailers, gameplay footage, and hopefully a concrete release date. Alaska awaits.