Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 might very well be the best open world game of 2016. It offers ton of content, different ways to complete missions and brilliant visuals. If you are a fan of open world games, you should be playing Watch Dogs 2. Period.

81%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

optimization, stability

82% User Score Based on 20,969 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 54 reviews

Platforms

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About

Watch Dogs 2 is an action-adventure game set in the San Francisco Bay Area, where you play as Marcus Holloway, a hacker fighting against the abusive surveillance system, ctOS 2.0. Join forces with the hacking group Dedsec to execute the largest hack in history and complete various missions in a dynamic open-world setting. The Deluxe and Gold Editions come with additional packs and Season Pass content for extra customization and gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 21,023 reviews

story2.7k positive mentions

optimization264 negative mentions

story
8,463 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
60%
8%
The story of "Watch Dogs 2" is generally viewed as less compelling than its predecessor, with many players noting its lighthearted and comedic tone compared to the darker narrative of the first game. While some appreciate the engaging characters and humorous dialogue, others criticize the plot for being shallow, repetitive, and lacking emotional depth, often feeling disconnected from the gameplay. Overall, the game is seen as fun and enjoyable, particularly for its gameplay mechanics and open-world exploration, but the story does not resonate as strongly with players seeking a more serious or intricate narrative.
- “The story is engaging, the characters have personality, and the actual gameplay is enjoyable due to the fact that it lets you go about it the way you want.”
- “The story is lighthearted, although the mission structures are a bit off-putting, but can't deny that Ubisoft makes a great game.”
- “The story is fun and engaging and the characters are charming and likable, the gameplay is very fun if you play it like a stealth game.”
- “The storyline is completely forgettable—nothing stands out, nothing grabs your attention.”
- “The story is mediocre, and the way missions and cutscenes are paced makes the narrative hard to follow.”
- “The story is boring zoomer tier garbage, very generic: 'we're going to fight the man because he hates us, we are cool hacker kids, look at our memes lel.' and is terrible.”
gameplay
2,894 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
51%
7%
The gameplay of "Watch Dogs 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its innovative hacking mechanics and the freedom to approach missions in various ways, including stealth and direct confrontation. However, some players noted issues with driving mechanics, repetitive mission structures, and a lack of depth in combat, leading to a somewhat uneven experience. Overall, while the game offers engaging gameplay and a vibrant open world, it is often criticized for its story and character development.
- “I particularly loved the freedom to solve challenges in creative ways, thanks to the advanced hacking mechanics that let you control almost everything in the environment.”
- “The hacking feels fluid and integrated into both stealth and action gameplay, allowing for multiple approaches to each mission.”
- “With its engaging hacking mechanics, vibrant world, and well-developed characters, the game offers a compelling narrative that keeps players invested.”
- “As for the gameplay, it’s practically a copy-paste of the first game—zero improvements.”
- “Crashed after every 30 minutes of gameplay... was fine up until maybe 26 hours, while be it still a mess but don't recommend it because.”
- “Full of bugs, no proper checkpoint system, gun and motion mechanics are terrible.”
graphics
1,968 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
43%
4%
The graphics in "Watch Dogs 2" are widely praised for their vibrant and detailed environments, showcasing a colorful aesthetic that enhances the open-world experience. Many players note that the game maintains impressive visuals even years after its release, with smooth animations and well-designed character models. However, some users report significant optimization issues, particularly on certain graphics cards, leading to graphical glitches and performance drops that can detract from the overall experience.
- “Visuals: Watch Dogs 2 showcases impressive graphics, with a vibrant color palette and detailed environments.”
- “The graphics are colorful and detailed, with realistic characters and stunning environments that give the game a unique style.”
- “The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is very engaging, plus you get trading cards with this game (added value).”
- “Unfortunately, now that I play on PC, I have an issue with flickering graphics to the point where the game is virtually unplayable for me because of how annoying and immersion-breaking it is to look at.”
- “The graphics are mediocre, the engine is garbage, and the overall feel of the game is just terrible.”
- “The graphics did not have a downgrade (for once) and the game is very well optimized (unlike my favorite release of 2015 just cause 3).”
optimization
903 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
48%
29%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, crashes, and inconsistent frame rates, even on high-end systems. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on lower settings or specific hardware configurations, the general consensus is that it is poorly optimized for PC, particularly compared to console versions. Overall, players recommend caution for those considering a purchase, especially if they are on a budget or using lower-end hardware.
- “Even today the graphics of the game are on a very high level with excellent optimization.”
- “Highly optimized, runs 4k ultra settings smooth as butter on a 1080 ti build.”
- “The core gameplay of driving, shooting, stealth, and hacking is fun and replayable which is something I always thought GTA struggled with, and it's surprisingly well optimized for a Ubisoft title.”
- “Great game, beautiful world but it is badly optimized. I meet the requirements but I can't run it smoothly, so I returned the game. It's weird because I run games like Elden Ring in high graphics but can't run Ubisoft games smoothly and in high graphics.”
- “This game isn't optimized, and they still haven't fixed the sky flickering issue. The sheer amount of performance issues this game has with an RTX 2060 and 40 gigs of RAM is insane.”
- “I really wanted to like this game, but the terrible optimization and crashing make that really hard to do. The performance is so terrible I simply couldn't recommend it until I got a better graphics card.”
music
542 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
56%
4%
The music in "Watch Dogs 2" has received a largely positive reception, with many players praising its eclectic and energetic soundtrack that enhances the game's vibrant atmosphere. The inclusion of diverse radio stations and the ability to create custom playlists through an in-game app have been highlighted as significant improvements over the first game. However, some players found certain tracks forgettable or not to their taste, indicating a subjective experience with the overall music selection.
- “The soundtrack is eclectic, featuring a mix of genres that suit the game's energetic vibe.”
- “The radio stations provide a diverse range of music, enhancing immersion.”
- “The music is also mostly great - if something doesn't click, just change the radio or play any song you want through the app on the in-game phone.”
- “The music is completely forgettable and obnoxious; WD1's music was iconic in comparison.”
- “There wasn't a single decent song in the entire game, and yet there was a lot of focus around it for some reason.”
- “The guns were unsatisfying, and worst of all, the music was horrid. I had to turn off the radio several times because I found so much of it unlikable, even as plain background music.”
humor
513 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The humor in "Watch Dogs 2" is a significant departure from its predecessor, featuring a lighthearted and often irreverent tone that blends sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and playful storytelling. Players appreciate the game's mix of edgy humor and social commentary, though some find it cringey or overly reliant on memes and pop culture references. Overall, the humor is seen as a key element that enhances the engaging narrative and entertaining gameplay, making it a fun experience for many, albeit not universally appealing.
- “The dialogue is sharp and often humorous, keeping players engaged throughout.”
- “The narrative is engaging, with a perfect blend of humor, tension, and social commentary.”
- “With its tongue-in-cheek humor, memorable characters, and outrageous missions, it's impossible not to laugh your way through the bonkers Bay Area.”
- “The tone is best looked at through a parody lens; most of the humor is more cringey than it is funny, but the characters do come across as realistic if you're familiar with average hipster-rebel millennials.”
- “A lot of the humor is forced and a bit cringey, with an overuse of sexual innuendos and sex jokes in general, and they really did not have any character development at all.”
- “It's also full of garbage unfunny Reddit humor.”
stability
315 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
90%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a significant number of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including frequent freezes and crashes. While some users found the glitches to be amusing or minor, others described the game as nearly unplayable due to its instability, particularly on PC. Overall, the game's performance appears to vary widely depending on hardware and settings, with many recommending caution for potential buyers.
- “The game runs great on PC, which is something the first one couldn't do.”
- “It's polished to a shine, and runs great, even on older machines.”
- “I'm running it on an i5 with a GTX 970 and 16GB RAM, and I don't have any issues at all with the performance; it looks great running on very high for most things and ultra for some others.”
- “This game is so buggy that it actually makes the whole experience underwhelming.”
- “Game is super buggy and this makes it unplayable.”
- “The game freezes every time I play for more than 20 minutes and has very poor frames even on medium graphics.”
grinding
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
34%
63%
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, repetitive, and often frustrating. Many reviews highlight the excessive need to complete monotonous missions and collect items, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and pacing of the game. While some players find certain grinding elements manageable or even enjoyable, the consensus leans towards a significant amount of grinding that feels unnecessary and detracts from the experience.
- “I tend to like these kinds of games because they can be pretty zen when the collectibles aren't too tedious to find.”
- “The side missions in the game aren't tedious or spammed like previous Ubisoft and open world games, and all of the side missions are memorable in their own right.”
- “These skills, while I would say, should come with the highly skilled hacking capability of the protagonist, but unlocking them isn't that tedious.”
- “But instead of keeping it short and sweet, the game stretches this thin plot by forcing you to do tedious, repetitive missions to gather more followers.”
- “The biggest problem with this game is just how far downhill it goes after the 10-13 hour mark, as the missions get ridiculously repetitive and tedious.”
- “Going 'completionist' on this is tedious and boring; I stopped that effort and stuck to the main mission halfway through.”
atmosphere
141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
56%
2%
The atmosphere in the game has shifted significantly from the dark and gritty tone of the first installment to a more vibrant and cheerful representation of San Francisco, which some players appreciate for its liveliness and immersive design. While many enjoy the colorful graphics and upbeat soundtrack, others feel that this change detracts from the seriousness and authenticity of the narrative, leading to mixed feelings about the overall atmosphere. Overall, the game is noted for its engaging environment, though opinions vary on whether the new tone enhances or undermines the experience.
- “Augmented reality overlays and futuristic digital designs contribute to the immersive atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere and world design is great and I love that you can play music from your phone while walking around.”
- “The sights, the sounds, and the atmosphere are all exceptional.”
- “Atmosphere-wise, it is a significant downgrade from the gritty, more realistic vibe of Watch Dogs 1.”
- “The difference in atmosphere from a serious one to a jovial mood made me dislike it instantly, thinking the game might go on a trivial storyline.”
- “While the premise of Watch Dogs 2 is much more interesting than the first game, the game’s goofy atmosphere really takes away from the immersion and makes otherwise suspenseful moments fall flat.”
replayability
79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
53%
9%
Overall, the game exhibits a mixed reception regarding replayability. Many players praise its high replay value due to diverse gameplay options, creative problem-solving, and engaging online modes, while others criticize it for lacking substantial content and depth after the initial playthrough. Ultimately, those who enjoy the core mechanics and multiplayer aspects find it infinitely replayable, whereas some feel it falls short in long-term engagement.
- “Honestly amazing game with lots of replayability.”
- “The freedom to approach missions with stealth or all-out action adds replayability, and the ability to tackle objectives in various creative ways is a testament to the game's design.”
- “It's a great game with a lot of replayability and a very nice skill set.”
- “The story, on the other hand, is rather dry in my opinion, and while entertaining, the game itself lacks replay value.”
- “I finished this game in like 12 hours... the only good part about the game is the free play, but even then it gets increasingly more boring and just fizzles out; the first Watch Dogs has a replayable campaign, this one is 100% not replayable.”
- “The main problem being the complete lack of replay value.”
emotional
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
74%
26%
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of depth and connection compared to the original title. While some moments are described as heartfelt, the overall narrative is often deemed boring and lacking in emotional weight, leading to a disconnect with the characters. Despite this, a few players found enjoyment in the game's charm and character diversity, highlighting moments of relatability and fun, though these were not enough to elevate the emotional experience significantly.
- “The characters are diverse, well-developed, and incredibly relatable, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.”
- “For me, they were my favorite character, so to have them be killed in such a way was nothing short of tragic and heartbreaking.”
- “Players will find themselves emotionally invested in the characters' motivations and connected to the larger fight against oppressive forces.”
- “I couldn't finish it... what a boring story with even more boring characters with no personalities but typical Instagram/TikTok influencer traits that are supposed to humanize them.”
- “But with the lack of a solid connection between the story of the original and sequel, a boring story of its own, obnoxious characters, and odd controls has made the experience not the greatest for me.”
- “Pathetic characters, boring story, below average map with repeated side objectives; you'd get bored and tired at max 5 hours in this game.”
character development
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
46%
18%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of depth and emotional engagement compared to the original title. While some characters are well-designed and contribute to the game's charm, the overall narrative and character arcs are often described as mediocre, forgettable, or non-existent. Players express a desire for more exploration of backstories and meaningful interactions, suggesting that the game misses opportunities to create deeper connections between characters.
- “One of my favorite single player games, amazing storyline and character development.”
- “Great character development, superb gameplay, beautiful graphics and atmosphere, nice storyline, no repetitive mission.”
- “The character development is great with everyone having a clear personality (unlike many games).”
- “Lastly, the characters could have been better if you took time with them and dove into the backstories and backgrounds. After the first mission, they are all instantly friends—no character development, just straightforward the whole game.”
- “There's also zero character development during the course of the campaign.”
- “The storyline and character development were so mediocre and honestly forgettable.”
monetization
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
48%
42%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the prevalence of ads and microtransactions, which they feel detract from the gaming experience. While some appreciate that microtransactions are not overly intrusive, others criticize them as cash grabs, particularly in single-player modes. Overall, there is a strong sentiment against the aggressive advertising and monetization strategies employed, with calls for a more player-friendly approach.
- “Ubisoft put microtransactions in a palatable way that doesn't feel and isn't forced on us players.”
- “They can implement microtransactions without them being off-putting to players.”
- “Ubi didn't screw it up with in-game purchases this time.”
- “First thing I see after starting the game is an ad, and there are ads after ads.”
- “Video games aren't a billboard to display ads on.”
- “The worst part is that you can't opt out of it, and it doesn't even provide any essential services aside from giving Ubisoft a chance at microtransactions and a source for data mining, disguised as a 'player profile' feature.”