How Far Cry 4 Uses Keys to Kyrat and Share Play

Far Cry 4 includes a unique feature on PS3 and PS4, Keys to Kyrat, which allow users to invite other players who don't own the game to a co-op session lasting up to two hours. However, with the launch of the PS4's Share Play function, why have both?

In a new post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony's Adam Boyes has attempted to clarify. 

Keys to Kyrat: Each key allows one of your PSN friends to download Far Cry 4 and play a trial of online co-op without needing to purchase the game.

Share Play: Stream a game to a friend’s PS4 so they can watch you play, take over your controller, or play as the second player in games that feature local multiplayer (something Far Cry 4 does not) even when they don’t own a copy of it.

Keys to Kyrat can be used for up to two hours while Share Play sessions are limited to one hour, but you can immediately start a new Share Play session once the previous one has finished. 

Keys to Kyrat will give your friends a more accurate idea of how the game actually looks as they will need to download it, while Share Play is needed if you want to let your friends check out the single player or competitive multiplayer. In addition, Share Play graphics can be affected by the speed of the host's internet connection, with a maximum setting of 1080p and 30fps. 

Those playing on PS3 can only use Keys to Kyrat. 

Far Cry 4 is out now, and you can find out how to finish the game in under 15 minutes here.