Where to Buy Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 Gameplay Video
Just Cause 3 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Apex Engine (Avalanche Engine) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, Sandbox, Third-Person Shooter |
| Initial Release | 2015-12-01 |
| Developer | Avalanche Studios |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Setting | Medici (Fictional Mediterranean Island Republic) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Multiplayer | Single-player Only (Fan-made multiplayer mod for PC) |
| Unique Feature | Signature Grappling Hook, Wingsuit, and Parachute traversal; massive physics-based destruction sandbox; liberation of a vast Mediterranean archipelago; Gear Mod system for customizing abilities. |
Just Cause 3 System Requirements
Minimum_720p_Low_Medium
tune Minimum (Target: 720p-1080p, Low-Medium settings, ~30 FPS) – Low to Medium Preset.
Recommended_1080p_High
tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset.
Just Cause 3 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-12950HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 175W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $2499
Model: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Se with RTX 3080 Ti and i9
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12950HX (Score: 1054)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (Score: 9100) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_Low_Medium - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset.).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows Vista SP2 / Windows 7 SP1 / Windows 8.1 (64-bit Operating System Required)
A 64-bit version of Windows Vista SP2, 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, or 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 54 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is recommended for faster loading times, particularly when fast-traveling or respawning in the large world.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, LOD Detail, Water Quality, Anti-Aliasing, and Effects Quality (especially particles and explosions) significantly impact performance.
Just Cause 3: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The primary post-launch content was the 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass,' which included three major story-driven DLCs: 'Sky Fortress' (introducing a jet-powered, weaponized Bavarium Wingsuit and missions against aerial Sky Sentinels), 'Mech Land Assault' (allowing players to pilot powerful Mechs equipped with gravity guns on the new island of Lacrima), and 'Bavarium Sea Heist' (featuring a heavily armed rocket boat, the 'Loochador,' the Eden Spark lightning gun, and missions against Di Ravello's offshore Bavarium research facility, The Stingray).
Just Cause 3: Game Editions
Just Cause 3 was released with a Standard Edition and a Day One Edition (included Weaponized Vehicle Pack). The XL Edition bundled the base game with the 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass.' The XXL Edition (often available digitally) typically includes the base game, the Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass, the Weaponized Vehicle Pack, and the Explosive Weapon Pack.
Just Cause 3: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Just Cause 3 is a single-player game, so cross-platform play features are not applicable.
Just Cause 3 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Just Cause 3 is officially a single-player only experience. While Avalanche Studios did not develop official multiplayer, a popular fan-made multiplayer mod was created and released for the PC version by the modding community, enabling unofficial online experiences.
- labelUser Interface
The UI features a minimalist design to keep the focus on the action. Key elements include a map of Medici, objective markers, ammo/health indicators, a gear mod selection interface, and contextual prompts for grappling, parachuting, and wingsuiting. A 'Chaos' meter tracks destruction, unlocking missions and items.
- labelSound and Music
Features an orchestral score composed by Henry Jackman, with additional music by Just Cause series composers. The music dynamically adapts to the on-screen chaos and action. Sound design emphasizes large-scale explosions, vehicle sounds, and weapon effects fitting the game's destructive nature.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Utilizes the Apex Engine (Avalanche Engine) to render the large Mediterranean archipelago of Medici with diverse environments, from sunny beaches to snowy mountains. Known for its impressive physics-based destruction, allowing for creative demolition of structures and military assets. Visuals focus on vibrant colors and spectacular explosive effects.
- labelAccessibility Features
Just Cause 3 includes standard accessibility options for its time, such as subtitle display (on/off), remappable controls (keyboard & mouse, controller support), separate volume controls for master audio, music, SFX, and voice. Options like aim assist toggle and adjustable sensitivity are also present. Advanced features like colorblind modes or extensive UI scaling were not prominent.
- labelStory and Setting
Set on the fictional Mediterranean island republic of Medici, Rico Rodriguez's homeland. Rico returns to find Medici under the brutal dictatorship of General Sebastiano Di Ravello, who is exploiting a powerful, volatile mineral called Bavarium for world domination. Rico joins forces with a rebel movement led by his childhood friend Mario Frigo and scientist Dimah al-Masri to overthrow Di Ravello and liberate Medici.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Medici)
Medici is a vast open world (approximately 1000 km² / 400 sq mi) consisting of three main island regions: Insula Fonte (southern, lush farmlands, quaint towns, and vineyards), Insula Dracon (western, rugged mountains, coastal villages, military bases, and ancient ruins), and Insula Striate (northern, heavily industrialized, Di Ravello's main stronghold, rich in Bavarium mines, and featuring large military installations). Each region contains numerous provinces, settlements, and military bases that must be liberated.
- labelCore Gameplay Mechanics (Grapple, Wingsuit, Parachute)
Traversal and combat are built around Rico's signature tools: the Grappling Hook (can tether multiple objects/enemies together, retract tethers remotely), an improved Wingsuit (for high-speed gliding), and a steerable Parachute. These tools allow for extreme mobility and creative destruction in the sandbox environment. Rico can seamlessly switch between these tools.
- labelLiberation System & Chaos
Players liberate Medici province by province by destroying "Chaos Objects" within enemy-controlled settlements and military bases. These objects include propaganda billboards, statues of Di Ravello, fuel tanks, transformers, satellite dishes, and military hardware. Destroying these objects generates Chaos points, which unlocks new missions, challenges, and rebel support. Once enough Chaos Objects are destroyed in a settlement/base, it is liberated.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Gear Mods)
Rico's abilities are enhanced through 'Gear Mods,' unlocked by earning 'Gears' from completing various challenges (e.g., destruction frenzies, races, wingsuit courses). Mods are categorized: Tethers (strength, number, remote options), Traversal (wingsuit agility, parachute control, grapple speed), Destruction (grenade capacity, explosive power), Weapons (accuracy, ammo), and Vehicles. Players can activate a limited number of mods from each category to suit their playstyle.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Grappling Hook & Tethers: Essential for traversal and creative destruction, allowing Rico to pull objects, enemies, and himself around. Upgradable with multiple tethers and remote retraction. 2. Wingsuit: For high-speed aerial traversal across Medici's vast landscape. Can be combined with the grappling hook for sustained flight. 3. Parachute: Provides controlled descent, a stable platform for aerial combat, and quick altitude changes. 4. GE-64 (Remote/Proximity Explosive): Versatile C4-like charges that can be planted on almost anything and detonated remotely or set as proximity mines. 5. M488 (Multi-Lock Missile Launcher): A heavy weapon capable of locking onto multiple targets simultaneously, perfect for taking down convoys or groups of military hardware.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Grappling Hook & Tether Physics: The ability to attach multiple tethers between objects, enemies, and vehicles, then retract them to create chaotic, physics-based destruction and emergent gameplay scenarios. 2. Wingsuit & Parachute Traversal: Seamlessly combining the wingsuit for high-speed gliding, the parachute for controlled descent and aerial combat, and the grappling hook for momentum, creating an unparalleled sense of freedom and mobility. 3. Large-Scale Destruction & Liberation: The core gameplay loop of liberating Medici by systematically destroying Di Ravello's military assets and propaganda using a vast arsenal of weapons, explosives, and vehicles in a highly destructible sandbox environment.
Just Cause 3 Frequently Asked Questions
-
help_outline When was Just Cause 3 released?Just Cause 3 was released on December 1, 2015, for PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
-
help_outline Who is the main character in Just Cause 3?The protagonist is Rico Rodriguez, the series' recurring hero, known for his expertise with the grappling hook, wingsuit, parachute, and causing spectacular destruction.
-
help_outline What is the setting of Just Cause 3?The game is set in Medici, a fictional Mediterranean island republic, Rico's homeland, which is under the oppressive rule of dictator General Sebastiano Di Ravello.
-
help_outline What are the key traversal tools in Just Cause 3?Rico's signature tools are the Grappling Hook (for tethering objects and quick movement), the Wingsuit (for high-speed gliding), and the Parachute (for controlled descent and aerial combat). These can be used in combination for dynamic traversal.
-
help_outline How does liberation work in Just Cause 3?Players liberate provinces by destroying specific "Chaos Objects" (e.g., propaganda billboards, statues, fuel tanks, military installations) within enemy-controlled settlements and military bases. This inspires the local population to join the rebellion.
-
help_outline Does Just Cause 3 have multiplayer?Officially, Just Cause 3 is a single-player game. However, a popular fan-made multiplayer mod was developed for the PC version, allowing for unofficial online experiences.
-
help_outline What major DLCs are available for Just Cause 3?The 'Air, Land & Sea Expansion Pass' included three major DLCs: 'Sky Fortress' (introducing a jet-powered, weaponized Bavarium Wingsuit and missions against Sky Sentinels), 'Mech Land Assault' (allowing players to pilot powerful Mechs on the new island of Lacrima), and 'Bavarium Sea Heist' (featuring a rocket boat, the Eden Spark lightning gun, and missions against The Stingray battleship).
-
help_outline What are Gear Mods in Just Cause 3?Gear Mods are upgrades for Rico's abilities and equipment, unlocked by completing various challenges throughout Medici. They are categorized into Tethers, Traversal, Destruction, Weapons, and Vehicles, allowing players to customize aspects like tether strength, grenade capacity, or wingsuit agility.