Far Cry 2 is a first-person shooter set in an unnamed African country where the government has collapsed and civil war has erupted between two factions. The player takes on the role of a mercenary sent to find and eliminate "The Jackal", who is responsible for shipping modern weapons into the country despite a weapons embargo. However, upon entering the country, the player contracts malaria, adding an extra layer of difficulty to their mission. The game allows players to explore a 50 square kilometer area, completing missions and fighting against both "The Jackal" and the disease. To survive, players must gather resources such as weapons, vehicles, and medication for their malaria. The game features a reputation system, where completing missions increases access to better gear and new objectives.
Players can pick up weapons from defeated enemies, but these are often in poor condition and may jam during use. Vehicles take damage and will eventually stop working if not repaired. Players can also use bus stops to travel across the country without being attacked.
Throughout their mission, players are joined by other mercenaries who can aid them in combat or provide tips for completing objectives. These allies can be recruited through safe houses that must be cleared of enemies.
The game features a multiplayer mode with up to 16 players, playing modes such as Deathmatch, Team-Deathmatch, and Capture the Diamond. Each player can choose from six classes with unique abilities and load-outs.
Far Cry 2 was released on October 23, 2008, for the PlayStation 3 console.