The Cleansing in Holland Valley Far Cry 5 Guide and Walkthrough
Last update: 27 March 2018
The Cleansing starts automatically after reducing the cult's influence in Holland Valley. This attack happens when you reach level 1 out of 3 in this region. You can't protect yourself from being kidnapped. Don't worry, this is a scripted story mission, not a result of your mistake. This walkthrough contains information that will help you run away from the cultists.
The kidnapping
This quest starts just like one of the attacks done by John Seed's men (such as a random encounter). The main character loses consciousness. After that you have to follow Pastor Jerome.
Important note - Reach your ally and help them if they got knocked down during this mission.
Reach Merle
Your first objective is to secure a checkpoint. Eliminate your enemies by using stealth attacks or you can shoot them (cover behind walls to avoid snipers). Move on. Keep defeating the cultists and rescuing hostages.
The place presented in the picture above is especially dangerous because you will be in a reach of a mortar. Run to the tunnel on the left (presented in the picture) - do that when your enemies are reloading the weapon. Head to the drawbridge after another salve and kill the mortar squad quickly.
Merle is nearby and you have to save him. This is the most difficult part of this mission. Defend yourself for 2 minutes and wait for a helicopter to arrive. You can use the mortar to eliminate your enemies with ease. Shoot at the opposite side of the canyon, at the drawbridge and the area on the right.
Leave the mortar when you notice that enemies have managed to dodge your shots and got closer to you. The rest of the fight goes as usual - you have to use your firearms. Sadly, you can't use abilities of your specialists which means that you are on your own.
Save Merle and wait for the helicopter
The helicopter will arrive after 2 minutes. However, you don't have to rush to it. There is a high probability that Merle got hurt or that he will be under fire on his way to the helicopter. You have to help him get up but be sure that there isn't anyone around when you do that. Enter the helicopter only after Merle gets inside.
The mission ends after a short flight. You can now go back to exploring the world (you can also use specialists again).