: The map is divided into three regions, each controlled by one of Joseph Seed’s siblings: John , Jacob , and Faith . Players build a "Resistance Meter" by completing missions, destroying cult property, and liberating outposts to trigger final confrontations with these lieutenants.

The game serves as a "chaos engine," providing a massive sandbox for creative combat and exploration.

: Players can recruit AI allies, ranging from expert snipers and pilots to animals like Boomer the dog or Cheeseburger the grizzly bear .

: For the first time in the series, players can fly operational planes. The game also features deep customization for weapons, vehicles, and the protagonist.

: Unlike previous entries, players are not forced to climb towers to reveal the map; instead, exploration and talking to NPCs naturally unlock new areas.