Just Cause 5: Release Date, Speculation & More
Square Enix has yet to officially announce "Just Cause 5," as Avalanche Studios is focused on "Contraband." Fans are left wondering if Rico Rodriguez will return.
The "Just Cause" franchise, known for its explosive action and large open worlds, has long held a dedicated following, despite not reaching the heights of other open-world major games like "Grand Theft Auto" or "Red Dead Redemption." Yet, the series' unique appeal—exciting locations, chaotic gameplay, and a preference for physics-defying stunts—has kept fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
However, four years since the release of "Just Cause 4," fans are left wondering about the future of the series. With minimal updates on any upcoming game, many are starting to question whether "Just Cause 5" is even in the cards.
Avalanche Studios' Busy Schedule
Avalanche Studios, the developer behind the "Just Cause" games, appears to be busy for the near future, with a large workload involving other projects. Six months after the release of "Just Cause 4" in December 2018, Avalanche was already working on "Rage 2," which launched in May 2019, and three DLCs for "Just Cause 4" were rolled out by September 2019. Since then, however, Avalanche's main focus has shifted to an entirely new project: "Contraband."
Contraband, described as a co-op action-adventure game set in an open-world "smuggler's paradise," is Avalanche's current main project and is backed by Microsoft, with development taking place at its studios in New York and Stockholm.
Just Cause 5 Release Date
While "Contraband" is certainly exciting news for Avalanche fans, it doesn't inspire much hope for "Just Cause" fans. The lack of an announcement for "Just Cause 5" in all this time has left many fans frustrated. There is not official release date about Just Cause 5 is there.
If we consider that game development timelines for AAA titles are usually several years long, even a "Just Cause 5" announcement would imply a considerable wait before release.
Just Cause 4's Unexpected Sales
On the publisher's side, the chances for a new "Just Cause" game also seem less. "Just Cause 4" didn't exactly set the sales charts on fire. Not long after its release, Square Enix acknowledged that sales for the game had fallen below expectations and failed to recoup its development costs—an issue the company has not addressed publicly since. Such a financial setback could be a significant reason why "Just Cause 5" has not been a priority.
It’s important to remember that, despite Square Enix's historical support for its franchises, the company's Western division is well-known for shelving projects that don't meet sales goals—as seen with the "Deus Ex" series.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. During a YouTube video published a year ago, it was mentioned that Square Enix confirmed "Just Cause 5" was in development, and that the publisher would continue to hold onto the IP despite selling other properties like "Tomb Raider" and "Deus Ex." Whether this confirmation will eventually lead to a full release, or if "Just Cause 5" remains just an idea, is yet to be determined.
Just Cause 5 Speculation & Hints
Fans on online forums, such as Reddit, have been guessing about the future of the franchise. Many have highlighted the cancellation of "Just Cause Mobile" as a worrying sign, potentially indicating that the franchise is being abandoned altogether. "Just Cause Mobile" had been seen as a promising opportunity to keep the IP alive, but its failure suggests that Square Enix may be rethinking their commitment to the series.
Conversely, some fans remain optimistic. They point to the five-year gap between "Just Cause 2" (2010) and "Just Cause 3" (2015) as evidence that the franchise doesn’t adhere to a strict release schedule. With "Contraband" expected to launch soon, it is possible that Avalanche Studios may return to the "Just Cause" series afterward. However, considering Avalanche's focus on "Contraband" being their most big project yet, there are concerns that it may replace "Just Cause" as the studio's flagship title.
Will There Be a Just Cause 5?
Should "Just Cause 5" ever make it to development, there is certainly no shortage of ways the series could take. The main character Rico Rodriguez, with his ability to grapple, glide, and blow up just about anything in his path, has become a beloved character in gaming, even if "Just Cause 4" left players somewhat underwhelmed due to its lack of new features compared to previous entries.
If a new installment does happen, many fans are hopeful that it will build upon what made the earlier titles great—namely, the destructibility of the environment, the exhilarating freedom of movement, and an engaging story.
It would also be the perfect opportunity for Avalanche to address some of the shortcomings of "Just Cause 4" and make a successful return to form. However, to succeed in today’s tough gaming landscape—led by franchises like "Grand Theft Auto" and "The Legend of Zelda"—"Just Cause 5" will need to be a bold evolution of the franchise.
Final Thoughts
At the moment, it seems the fate of "Just Cause 5" hangs in the balance. Avalanche Studios' current commitment to "Contraband" and the underwhelming sales performance of "Just Cause 4" have cast doubt on whether the series will continue. Square Enix's unclear statements about retaining the IP offer a glimmer of hope, but it’s unclear if or when fans will see Rico Rodriguez return to their screens.
As the gaming world watches for any news from Avalanche Studios or Square Enix, one thing remains clear: "Just Cause" fans are still ready to embrace the chaos, should Rico ever make a comeback. Until then, it's safe to say that, for the near future, "Just Cause 5" is on indefinite standby.
FAQs
Is Just Cause 5 ever coming?
There is no official release date or confirmation for "Just Cause 5" at this time. Avalanche Studios is currently focused on developing "Contraband."
Was Just Cause 4 a success?
"Just Cause 4" had a mixed reception from both critics and players, and its sales performance fell short of the expectations set by Square Enix.
What is the release date of Just Cause 5?
There is currently no release date for "Just Cause 5." It has not been officially announced.
Who is the main character in Just Cause 5?
If developed, it is likely that Rico Rodriguez will return as the protagonist, as he has been the main character in all previous entries.
How many copies of Just Cause 4 have been sold?
In its first week of release in Japan, the PlayStation 4 version of "Just Cause 4" sold 16,100 copies, ranking seventh on the all-format sales chart. Square Enix later disclosed that overall sales fell below expectations, failing to cover development costs.
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