Far Cry 64-bit

In order to get 64-bit Far Cry up and running, the most important file you will need is Crytek’s 64-bit Far Cry patch. This patch is a 500MB file that adds the 64-bit port of Far Cry to your existing 32-bit Far Cry installation. Once installed, you’ll have two icons, one is for the Far Cry 32-bit executable, while the other is for the 64-bit executable.

By providing two icons, CryTek provides a fallback for users who may run into problems with Far Cry 64-bit. Keep in mind that you will need to install 32-bit Far Cry before you run the 64-bit patch.

Running the 64-bit executable is the best way to measure the performance improvement 64-bit Far Cry provides (if any). AMD-64 users can then download a second 500MB file, the AMD-64 Enhanced Content Update. The Enhanced Content Update is just as its name implies, providing improved content.

Icons for both 32-bit and 64-bit

You’ll get richer textures in the game, longer view distances (particularly when using your binoculars), and finally more objects. For instance, Far Cry is well known for is lush, tropical environments, with the enhanced content update installed, you’ll notice more birds flying throughout the game’s varying locales, as well as more insects buzzing around. The following screenshots were taken in volcano:

Far Cry 32-bit

Far Cry 64-bit

Far Cry 32-bit

Far Cry 64-bit

Far Cry 32-bit

Far Cry 64-bit

Far Cry 32-bit

Far Cry 64-bit

CryTek has also added two new multiplayer maps, exclusive to the enhanced content update, gorge and stronghold.

AMD-64 new Gorge map

Another shot of the gorge map

Gorge

Gorge map, multiplayer only

Lush vegetation in gorge

Stronghold map

Another shot of stronghold

The following is a complete list of the enhancements, provided by AMD:

Far Cry 64-Bit Additions/ Enhancements:
All Levels:
Improved terrain textures
Increased view distance
Offset bump mapping added for rock and stone objects
More insects and birds

On the Pier Level:
New beach road with additional vehicle
Barrel storage camp
Opened more space to explore

Pier and Boat:
New terrain textures with shader (next-gen technology)

Two New 64-bit only Multiplayer levels:
Stronghold
Gorge

Because of the enhancements, installing the enhanced content update can have an impact on your game performance. The performance hit will vary from map to map, as well as within different areas of the same map. It’s also likely that the performance impact will vary based on your PCs specs, the RADEON X700 and GeForce 6600 don’t have the horsepower of the X850 and GeForce 6800 series after all.

To measure this, we’ve rounded up cards on a variety of performance scales. To evaluate the performance benefits of 64-bit we ran Far Cry under Windows XP 32-bit, as well as Windows XP x64 with the 64-bit executable.