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This article appeared in Far Cry 3

« This is the tale of Hoyt's privateers, hired guns with hearts full of lead. Some hail from armies, some recruited raw, all intend big profits from the end of your life. They are the true power on the island... and finally now I'm sick of this song. »

Survival Guide

The Privateers are a private military company based on the Rook Islands led by Hoyt Volker. Compared to Vaas' Pirates, they are much better equipped and organized, wearing tactical gear and using state of the art weaponry. Most of the Privateers have military training, and fight professionally, unlike the Pirates. They were hired by Hoyt to protect him and his business. They can be distinguished by their yellow clothing and armour. Just like Rakyat and Pirates, Privateers cannot swim and will die from drowning if fall into water. After the events of Far Cry 3, despite their superior training and better equipment, they were eliminated by the Rakyat. It is assumed that the remaining privateers were captured by either Indonesia or a new, stable Rook Islander government.

Background[]

« For that wonderful, wonderful man... the company was GOD. I bring that same reverence to my humble business here, and I expect you all to do the same.... Enough talk. Those savages want to destroy my life's work. My pride and joy. Show them we mean business! »

Hoyt to his new Recruits, about his philosophy for business management and his expectations for his employees.


The Privateers were a private military company formed by Hoyt Volker in his quest to conquer the Rook Islands for his own personal profit. After conquering the Pirate consortium of which he was now leader, he began recruiting from disgraced military, current military, paramilitary, and criminal forces in order to build a powerful army of trained soldiers. At least a few of the Privateers are former French legionaires who bought a dozen crates of F1 Assault rifles from when they defected to join Hoyt.

They spread across the Southern Island at some point before 2012 (Likely to be from 1990-2009), and removed all Rakyat opposition in the process, driving the Rakyat off the South Island almost entirely. They set up large compounds of high-security across the island, often more heavily fortified than any pirate outpost, and set up advanced infrastructure such as satellite dishes, training camps, runways, and an armaments storage facility to entrench their occupation.

Other sources from Hoyt's vast contacts supplied advanced weaponry like American P416 assault rifles and Serbian Z93 sniper rifles through back channels, without clearing the vast background checks required to buy large quantities of weaponry. The Privateers also stole or brought in a number of other weapons from sources like Black Market Arms Dealers and Military Surplus giveaways such as Russian PKMs, Flamethrowers, and RPGs for anti-personnel and anti-armour purposes.

The Privateers settled in as rulers of the South Island after solidifying the alliance with Vaas' Pirates, who kept the Rakyat forces on the north island busy with small turf wars, allowing the Privateers to settle in as kings.

History[]

Events of Far Cry 3[]

Events of the North Island[]

« I want it to be clear that anyone. Anyone, who helps those savages out in the woods - will end up like our friends here! »

Hoyt to three inhabitants of Beras Town on his response to increases Rakyat attacks on his product.

The Privateers did play a small role on the North Island. Two Privateer Assaulters protected Hoyt when he went to Beras Town to make an example of the locals for supporting the Rakyat Resistance. However, they left the village before Jason Brody attacked the Pirate force seeking the transportation manifest.

Likewise, the Privateers guarded the APC that was supposedly transporting the captured Rakyat Warriors for Hoyt's human trafficking operation. However, they were all killed by the Rakyat and Jason Brody, who was then taken prisoner after being surprised by Vaas.

Privateer Greed and the arrival of Jason Brody[]

« A local boss named Vaas has just been killed. His empire's open for business. His boys are making money hand over fist, so why shouldn't we? »

An unnamed Privateer Assault to 'Foster' (Jason Brody), about his desire to make more money by taking over Vaas' drug operation, breaking Hoyt's third rule.

When Jason Brody infiltrated the Privateers in order to kill Hoyt, he got an offer from a traitorous Privateer who planned to make more money by taking over Vaas' drug operation after the collapse of the Pirates and raking in the personal profits from said drug operation. Jason accepted, but instead used the Privateers' greed against them by attacking their operation and using them in order to work his way into Hoyt's confidence.

Goals[]

The Privateers are the main security forces of Hoyt Volker's operation and as such are assigned more complex duties than the Pirates. They have been marked as below:

  • Prevent the Rakyat and local population from rebelling in any way by using comprehensive foot, vehicle, and water patrols, as well as conducting public executions in order to erode support for the local resistance.
  • Protect the outposts and the compound in order to prevent the loss of territory to the Rakyat.
  • Protect Hoyt's drug fields of marijuana and cocaine on the Southern Island from intruders and working the fields in order to keep making harvests.
  • Provide security for Hoyt's human trafficking deals in order to prevent hostages from escaping.
  • Provide security for Hoyt's arms deals and prevent third parties from stealing any of the product.
  • Maintain the infrastructure of the Privateers such as the satellite communication complex and fuel stockpile in order to keep the Privateer vehicles going.
  • Keep the helicopters and air transports of the Privateers operational in order to increase the tactical advantage of Privateer strike teams over Rakyat rebels.

Equipment[]

The Privateers are much better armed and trained than the Pirates, with them often winning fights against the Rakyat. The following has been observed about the Privateers.

  • They have access to a wide variety of military equipment, such as American P416s, Russian RPGs and PKMs, as well as Croatian A2000s and Serbian Z93s.
  • They also have access to a variety of military-grade secondary equipment, such as ballistic vests, holsters, knee pads, helmets, as well as EOD and Fire-Retardant suits.
  • The Privateers also have military training, aiming and firing their weapons much more accurately than Pirates and generally trying to keep a safe distance from hostiles.
  • They also have access to a large variety of vehicles, from simple machine-gun mounted technicals and boats, to heavy APCs and Choppers.

Firearms List:

Equipment List:

  • Ballistic Vests
  • Holsters
  • Kneepads
  • Riot Gear
  • Helmets
  • EOD protective equipment
  • Firefighter protective Equipment

Vehicles List:

Notable members[]

The Privateers are more dangerous and better equipped than the Pirates. They are a tough faction that will not go down easily without a fight. There are a few less Privateer variants compared to Pirates.

Quick Review Table[]

For PC users, please check here. For Mobile users and others, please refer to the hyperlinks above.

« Assaulters are common thugs armed with basic weaponry. They are a force to be reckoned with when in large numbers. »

User Manual


Assaulters are standard Privateers who are usually found patrolling the island. Many are found playing poker or drinking when not on duty.

Strategic Data

  • Standard Privateers armed with Assault Rifles that use rush tactics.
  • They wear body armour, have better training, and fire from the shoulder. This makes them tougher, smarter, and deadlier than Pirate Assaulters.
  • Often found supporting heavier Privateers in larger battles, such as Defenders and Chargers
  • Elites have better accuracy, but no more armour compared to regular variants
  • Bosses are tough enemies that are smarter and can survive roughly twice the damage Standards can.

« Armed with powerful short range weapons, these troops will move in close before trying to punch through your defenses. »

User Manual


Chargers are aggressive enemies that believe in nothing but money. Many are found smoking or practicing close combat drills. Many are ex-criminals.


Strategic Data

  • Chargers are short range Privateer units that attempt to chase enemies down to attack from close range.
  • They favour a reckless approach and are a common unit on the island.
  • If possible take them out quietly as they are quicker and more alert than their Pirate counterparts.
  • They have much better accuracy and have more health than their pirate counterparts, preferring a BZ19 SMG to the M133 Shotgun (Co-op excluded).


« Defenders can soak up more bullets thanks to their light armor. »

User Manual


Defenders are veteran Privateers that are were chosen for their experience. Many are ex-military and serve as instructors for new recruits, or squad leaders for Privateer Strike Teams. Some use poker as a stress relief method,


Strategic Data

  • Defenders are more efficient troopers that instead of charging in, use range and their accuracy to wear enemies down.
  • Defenders hang back in battle, taking opportunistic shots and not charging in recklessly, whilst also co-ordinating the other Privateers.
  • Their body armor allows them to take more damage, but they are vulnerable to headshots despite their helmets.
  • Elites have better accuracy, but have same durability.

« Armed with RPG-7 weapons, these guys are technically anti-armor troops, but with an absence of tanks on Rook Islands, they're just happy to blow shit up. »

User Manual


RPGs are reckless individuals who use RPGs in combat. These fighters are often ex-EOD members and are found in sabotage squads.

Strategic Data

  • RPGs are mid-range fighters that attempt to line up their RPG with players and hostile vehicles.
  • Privateer RPGs are much calmer and are much less likely to commit friendly fire under pressure, but are still easily capable of misfiring if startled.
  • They are devastating and are quicker to line up their shots than Pirate RPGs.
  • They also use SMGs at close range or if surprised.

« Armed with a brutal light machine gun and heavily armored, these men are the embodiment of terror. Take them on if you dare. »

User Manual


Gunners are the walking tanks of the Privateers. Most were selected for their size and ability to carry armour. When not in combat they’re often found exercising, or blowing off steam on the firing range.

Strategic Data

  • Gunners are the walking tanks of the Privateers, who use overwhelming firepower and heavy body armour to overwhelm opponents.
  • Much better protected than Pirate Gunners and do not have the same weakspot, but will have to reload eventually.
  • If heavy beatdown is unlocked, they can be taken down.
  • They are extremely slow so running away is a valid strategy.
  • Try to gain an angle from above, as takedowns are much easier.
  • Found mostly in missions or some of the bigger outposts.

« Clad in heavy fireproof armor, these men are as strong as oxes and take great pleasure in burning everything they can to a fiery crisp. Countless civilians have died at their hands. »

User Manual


Flamers are the walking nightmares of the Privateers. Most were selected for their size and ability to carry a lot of weight. Many just enjoy burning everything in sight or are found practicing with their equipment on wild animals. It’s suspected these guys are at fault for a number of fires on the Southern Rook Island.

Strategic Data

  • Flamers are the walking tanks of the Privateers, who use fire to confuse and destroy opponents.
  • They wear heavy armor including helmets.
  • These guys have fuel tanks which can be targeted and don’t react well to gunfire.
  • Shooting them enough will cause them to kneel down temporarily, exposing their fuel tanks to sniper fire or rockets.
  • They are not actually immune to fire, so a molotov or flame arrow is extremely effective.
  • If heavy beatdown is unlocked, they can be taken down.

« These long range specialists support their allies from a distance with high caliber sniper rifles. Keep an eye out for their telltale laser sights. »

User Manual


Snipers are the Privateer lookouts and support fighters. Many prefer the distance from combat. Most are found getting rest or on the firing range during downtime.

Strategic Data

  • Privateer Snipers are long range fighters who use Z93s to whittle down enemy combatants.
  • Often seen as lookouts, they are much more perceptive than other Privateer members.
  • They lack armour, but are much smarter than Pirate Snipers and hold fire until they get a clear shot.
  • Not powerless up close because of their SMG backup weapons, stealth is the advised course of action for these enemies.
  • Bosses are found in Wanted Dead missions and can take some more damage than standard Snipers.

The Rules[]

« There are only three company rules you have to follow. One, protect my product - you can fuck them boys, but be gentle. Second, kill any native on sight. And third, all profits go to me. I'm an understanding boss, but if you break one of these rules... I roast you in the furnace until your skin crackles like chicken. »

Hoyt Volker, to his new recruits about his rules and punishments.


Upon arrival on the Rook Islands, Hoyt provides recruits with a set of rules. They are as follows:

  1. Protect Hoyt's product.
  2. Kill any native on sight.
  3. All profits go to Hoyt.

As punishment for breaking the rules, the offender will be placed in a small metal cage, drenched in petroleum and burnt alive. This is witnessed when Jason infiltrates the docks to pose as one of Hoyt's men and gain his trust.

Gameplay[]

The Privateers take the Pirates' place as enemies once the player reaches the Southern Island, being tougher to take down than the latter, but once Jason acquires the Privateer recruit uniform, they will only attack if provoked. It is important to note that even when wearing the uniform, Jason is not allowed to enter high-security command centres or outposts. Also, Jason will not be allowed to attack civilians while wearing the Privateer suit; doing so will cause nearby Rakyat to attack him. The Privateer uniform also has no effect on Vaas' pirates and they will still attack him on sight, indeed, it has been shown in the mission "Defusing the Situation" that the pirates attack the privateers' drug fields which may be related to Jason in privateer uniform having no affect on Vaas' Pirates. Despite that, the Pirates, will try to make Privateers angry at them, which shows the Pirates have no fear or respect for the Privateers.

Mission appearances[]

Trivia[]

  • At first, the Privateers seem to have an uneasy alliance with Vaas's Pirates. The alliance is broken with the death of Vaas Montenegro at the hands of Jason.
  • There is a conversation encountered occasionally between Privateers where one tells the other not to open fire on targets but the other states they're at the island to kill people then the other responds with calling him a psycho which shows some do not want to be violent as much towards natives.
  • As stated in the handbook, some Privateers come from a military background while some without prior experiences are also recruited.
  • The Privateers earn a minimum pay check of $30,000.
  • Although the in game manual suggests that Privateers have beheaders (with a picture in the manual) none are encountered in-game.
  • Liberating all the outposts on the South Island will stop every naval and land patrol of the Privateers, however the Compound, the bridge (list of traitors mission), the cavern (obtaining privateer disguise mission), and the Airstrip will still serve as their spawn points even after the single player campaign is beaten.
  • Privateers tend to win in gunfights with the Rakyat due to their superior armor and equipment.
  • Privateers will never fire on Pirates, even after their alliance is broken.
  • In their dialogue, Privateers may occasionally make a Jurassic Park reference. For example:("Good thing we didn't live in an island with dinosaur on it.")
  • They can be compared to The Royal Guard from Kyrat in Far Cry 4, by enemy types, better weaponry, armor and tactics. However, the body armor used by Privateers is weaker then the Royal Guard who have access to advanced armor.
    • In addition, Privateers has the same enemy type amount as Royal Guard. instead of the Recruit, Royal Guard has Hunters.
  • Just like their Pirate dialogue counterparts, some Privateers want to leave Rook Island. Some of them will mutter that another Privateer is making more money than them and consider asking for a raise or promotion.
  • Even after Hoyt's death and the destruction of most of their organization, Privateers will still be seen and they will still use the Compound, the bridge (list of traitors mission), the cavern (privateer disguise mission), and the Airship as their spawning points even when the campaign is over.
  • Sometimes when mauled by a bear or a tiger, they use the same screaming audio that the pirates use.
  • It is unknown what became of the rest of the Privateers, who were exposed as traitors who intend to steal from Hoyt, by Brody. Given Hoyt's retaliative nature, it is more than likely that he had them all brutally killed (likely burned alive in cages) as punishment.
  • Oddly the Elite and Boss variants of the Privateer variants don't move their faces when they talk or even stabbed.
    • Their yellow berets may implies that they used to serve in Zimbabwe Presidential Guard or Portuguese special operation groups in Africa, or they may simply using it to match the bright yellow color on their uniforms.
  • After you have gotten the Privateer outfit, the Privateers in the Compound can be heard saying "This island is as good as mine, and no one is gonna stop me". They could be referring to Vaas' Island offered by Hoyt Volker for Jason Brody's head.
  • The Privateers are shown to be more aggressive than their Pirate counterparts. They bully locals, shoot unauthorized personnel, harassing recruits, and even raping locals.
  • Other than raping the locals, some Privateers are implied to molest recruits. As by a guard saying "Hoyt's hiring pretty boys now, better pucker that asshole." to Jason when in Hoyt's Compound.

Quotes[]

Privateers/Quotes

Images[]

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