Do You Have To Play Watch Dogs 2 Before Legion?
The short answer is: no, you do not have to play Watch Dogs 2 before diving into Watch Dogs: Legion. While Legion is indeed a direct sequel to Watch Dogs 2, its narrative is designed to be standalone and accessible even if you’ve never touched a previous game in the series. The events of Watch Dogs 2 are certainly referenced, and some characters may reappear, but these elements serve more as easter eggs and nods to fans rather than essential plot points necessary for understanding the events in Legion. You won’t be confused or lost jumping straight into Legion. However, experiencing Watch Dogs 2 before Legion does enrich the overall experience of the franchise.
The Standalone Nature of Watch Dogs: Legion
Watch Dogs: Legion stands out for its unique “play as anyone” mechanic, a departure from previous games that focused on a single protagonist. This fundamental change in gameplay also brings a more self-contained narrative. Legion is set in a near-future, dystopian London where you build a resistance using citizens with diverse skills. The core story revolves around fighting back against an oppressive regime, and this narrative is independent of the specific events and characters of Watch Dogs 2.
While there are connections, such as the existence of the hacking group DedSec and general themes regarding data security and corporate control, the individual stories are largely separate. Watch Dogs 2 focused on DedSec’s activities in the San Francisco Bay Area and the team of hackers based there. In Legion, you are rebuilding DedSec in London.
Benefits of Playing Watch Dogs 2 First
While not mandatory, playing Watch Dogs 2 does offer some benefits:
- Contextual Understanding: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the overarching lore of the Watch Dogs universe. References to events and characters from Watch Dogs 2 in Legion will land with more impact and meaning.
- Appreciation for Returning Characters: Characters who originated in Watch Dogs 2 may appear in Legion. Understanding their backstories and motivations can elevate their role within the narrative.
- Familiarity with Gameplay Mechanics: Watch Dogs 2 introduces hacking and open-world mechanics that are expanded upon in Legion. Experiencing them beforehand will make you more comfortable with the gameplay loop.
- Enjoyment of a Strong Narrative: Many consider Watch Dogs 2 to have the best story in the franchise. Playing it before Legion offers a valuable perspective on the series’ narrative progression.
- Comparison: You’ll be able to better appreciate the evolution of the series, seeing how the developers have built upon previous installments.
Potential Drawbacks of Skipping Watch Dogs 2
Skipping Watch Dogs 2 doesn’t drastically affect your gameplay experience with Legion, however, you might miss out on the following:
- Missed Lore Nods: You might not fully grasp the significance of certain references and easter eggs, which could slightly diminish the experience for die-hard fans.
- Less Attachment to Characters: If a familiar face from Watch Dogs 2 appears, you might not have the same emotional connection or understanding of their motivations as someone who played the previous title.
- Evolution Appreciation: You won’t fully witness the development and refinement of the hacking mechanics and the open-world formula across the two games.
Should You Play Watch Dogs 2 Before Legion?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you’re keen on jumping into the latest installment immediately, you absolutely can. You won’t be lost or confused. However, if you want a more enriching experience and a deeper understanding of the lore, playing Watch Dogs 2 before Legion is highly recommended. Consider it a bonus experience, not a requirement. If you have the time and inclination, playing through Watch Dogs 2 will only enhance your experience with Watch Dogs: Legion.
Watch Dogs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify things:
1. Is Watch Dogs: Legion a direct sequel to Watch Dogs 2?
Yes, it is. It’s the third installment in the main Watch Dogs series, following Watch Dogs (2014) and Watch Dogs 2 (2016). While a sequel in narrative, Legion stands more independently than most sequels as the overarching plot is not reliant on previous storylines.
2. Are there returning characters from Watch Dogs 2 in Legion?
Yes, there are some familiar faces from Watch Dogs 2 that return in Legion. However, their roles are not central to the main narrative of Legion, and it does not diminish your enjoyment if you don’t know who they are.
3. Is the story of Watch Dogs: Legion connected to Watch Dogs 1?
While not directly connected in a story sense, there are references to events that occurred in the first Watch Dogs game. However, you do not need to have played the first game to understand the plot in either Watch Dogs 2 or Legion.
4. Do I need to know the story of Watch Dogs 1 to understand Watch Dogs 2?
No, you do not. Watch Dogs 2 is its own story, though there are some references to the first game. You can play it without having any prior knowledge of Watch Dogs 1.
5. Which Watch Dogs game should I play first?
If you’re interested in experiencing the series chronologically, begin with Watch Dogs (2014), then move on to Watch Dogs 2 (2016), and then Watch Dogs: Legion (2020). However, if you just want to try Legion, you can do so without playing the other two games.
6. Is Watch Dogs 2 worth playing in 2023?
Absolutely! Many consider Watch Dogs 2 to be the best in the series. It features a vibrant open world, fun gameplay mechanics, and a solid story. It holds up very well even in 2023.
7. Which is better: Watch Dogs 1 or 2?
Watch Dogs 2 is generally considered better than the first game. It improves upon the gameplay, adds more depth to the world and mechanics and provides a more enjoyable experience. The original game, however, still has many fans that prefer the more serious tone.
8. Should I play Watch Dogs 1 before Bloodline?
It is recommended that you start the main game, play the tutorial mission, and then play the Bloodline DLC. When done with Bloodlines, return to the main story.
9. Where does the Bloodline DLC fit within the Watch Dogs timeline?
The Bloodline DLC takes place before the main events of Watch Dogs: Legion. It’s a separate story that introduces new characters and expands on the franchise.
10. Can you play as a female character in Watch Dogs 1?
Yes, you can. However, in later titles, the female characters are within the main story as part of the DedSec team. The unique “Play as anyone” in Legion allows for players to play as female characters as their main protagonists.
11. Which Watch Dogs game has the best stealth?
The stealth mechanics in Watch Dogs 1 are more defined than Watch Dogs 2. While Watch Dogs 2 improved on many aspects of the first game, stealth took a step backward. Legion offers both stealth and more “gung-ho” options.
12. Is it okay to skip Watch Dogs 1?
Yes, it is. The stories are different, and you will not get confused if you miss out on the first game’s plot.
13. Should I buy Watch Dogs 2 or Legion?
Both games are excellent, offering open-world hacking adventures. However, Watch Dogs 2 often gets the nod due to its superior narrative, well-developed characters, and polished open-world experience.
14. What is the best part of Watch Dogs 2?
Many players enjoy Watch Dogs 2 for its improved side quests, use of a quadracopter, and interesting hacking abilities like calling cops on people. The level of character and vehicle customization has also been greatly increased.
15. Is Watch Dogs 2 connected to Watch Dogs 1?
The game is a sequel, but it largely stands on its own. There are some references to the original, and one character makes an appearance. You do not need to have played the first game to understand the plot or the events.
By addressing these frequently asked questions, you should now have a clear understanding of the connections between Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion. Feel free to jump into whichever game suits you best, and enjoy the open-world hacking adventures of the Watch Dogs universe!