Outsmarting the Law: How to Lose Cops Fast in Watch Dogs 2
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Losing the cops in Watch Dogs 2 is a crucial skill for any aspiring hacker and vigilante in the San Francisco Bay Area. The game offers a variety of tools and tactics to help you evade law enforcement, from hacking vehicles and infrastructure to finding clever hiding spots. The key is to be proactive, resourceful, and to understand the game’s mechanics. Here’s how to shake the heat quickly and efficiently.
The most effective way to lose the cops fast in Watch Dogs 2 is to combine hacking abilities with strategic driving and environmental awareness. Use hacks like “Disable Helicopter,” “Blackout,” or “Mass Vehicle Hack” to create chaos and hinder the police pursuit. Choose a fast and agile vehicle, and utilize the environment to your advantage by driving through narrow alleyways, under highways, or into parking garages. Finally, find a secluded hiding spot and wait for the heat to die down.
Mastering the Art of Evasion
Strategic Hacking is Key
Hacking isn’t just a gimmick in Watch Dogs 2; it’s your primary weapon against the police. Here are some effective hacks to use during a chase:
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Disable Helicopter: This is a lifesaver when you’re being tailed from the air. Removing the aerial threat significantly reduces the cops’ visibility and tracking ability.
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Blackout: Cutting the power to the entire area can create confusion and give you a window to escape. Use it strategically when you’re in a densely populated area or near potential hiding spots.
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Mass Vehicle Hack: This allows you to control multiple vehicles at once, creating chaos on the roads and blocking police cars.
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Traffic Lights: Manipulating traffic lights can create obstacles for pursuing vehicles and allow you to gain distance.
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Steam Pipes: Triggering steam pipes can create temporary barriers and disorient pursuing officers.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The vehicle you choose can make or break your escape. Opt for a car with high speed and good handling. The Fiammetta is often considered the best car in the game for its speed, but experiment with different vehicles to find one that suits your driving style. Remember:
- Speed: A fast car allows you to outrun the cops in a straight line.
- Handling: Good handling is essential for navigating tight corners and narrow streets.
- Durability: A sturdy vehicle can withstand more damage from collisions and police gunfire.
Utilizing the Environment
San Francisco is your playground, and it’s full of opportunities to evade the police.
- Narrow Alleyways: These offer quick escape routes and can often throw off pursuing vehicles.
- Underground Tunnels: Tunnels provide excellent cover and can lead to secluded areas.
- Parking Garages: These are maze-like structures that can easily disorient the police.
- Construction Sites: These areas are filled with obstacles and hiding spots.
- Waterways: While not always practical, using boats or navigating along the waterfront can be an alternative escape route.
Mastering the Art of Hiding
Once you’ve created some distance between you and the cops, it’s time to find a hiding spot. The key is to be out of sight and away from heavily populated areas.
- Under Highway Overpasses: These offer cover from aerial surveillance and are often away from foot patrols.
- Behind Buildings: Find a secluded spot behind a building, away from windows and streets.
- In Parks: Parks can provide cover with trees and bushes, but be careful of pedestrians.
- Inside Your HQ: If you’re close enough, returning to your HQ is a safe bet. The cops won’t follow you inside.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Avoiding police attention in the first place is always the best strategy.
- Behave in Front of the Police: Avoid reckless driving or suspicious activities when police officers are nearby.
- Prevent 911 Calls: If you’re about to commit a crime, consider hacking nearby phones to prevent anyone from calling the police.
- Use Hacks Instead of Bullets: Avoid using lethal force whenever possible, as it will only escalate the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best car to use for escaping the police in Watch Dogs 2?
The Fiammetta is widely regarded as the best car for escaping the police due to its exceptional speed and handling. However, other sports cars like the Sayonara or Rodney can also be effective choices depending on your driving style.
2. Can I call the police on other NPCs in Watch Dogs 2?
Yes, you can call the police on other NPCs by unlocking the appropriate hacking upgrade. You can even upgrade it further to call in SWAT teams for a more significant response.
3. Is there a way to stop civilians from calling the police on me?
Yes, you can hack nearby phones to prevent civilians from calling the police. This is a useful tactic to employ before committing a crime or engaging in activities that might attract unwanted attention.
4. How does the police alert system work in Watch Dogs 2?
The police alert system is represented by a star rating, similar to the Grand Theft Auto series. The more stars you have, the more aggressive and persistent the police will be. Evading the police involves breaking line of sight, creating distance, and finding a hiding spot until the alert level drops to zero.
5. Can I lose the cops by going off-road in Watch Dogs 2?
Going off-road can be an effective way to lose the cops, especially if you have a vehicle with good off-road capabilities. However, be mindful of obstacles and terrain that could slow you down.
6. What are some alternative hacking abilities that can help me escape?
Besides the ones mentioned earlier, you can also use hacks like “Gang War,” “Roadblock,” or “Botnet Upgrade: Vehicle Speed Boost” to gain an advantage during a police chase.
7. Does the time of day affect police activity in Watch Dogs 2?
While the time of day doesn’t drastically change police behavior, visibility is a factor. It’s generally easier to evade the police at night due to reduced visibility.
8. Can I use boats to escape the police in Watch Dogs 2?
Yes, boats can be a viable option for escaping the police, especially if you’re near the waterfront. However, be aware that the police can also pursue you by boat or helicopter.
9. Are there any specific locations that are particularly good for hiding from the police?
Some good hiding spots include the Golden Gate Park, the maze-like streets of Chinatown, and the secluded areas of Sausalito.
10. How can I improve my driving skills in Watch Dogs 2?
Practice makes perfect! Spend time exploring the city and experimenting with different vehicles to get a feel for their handling. Pay attention to the environment and anticipate obstacles.
11. What happens if I get caught by the police in Watch Dogs 2?
If you get caught by the police, you’ll be arrested and lose a small amount of money. You’ll then respawn at a nearby location.
12. Can I fight the police in Watch Dogs 2?
While you can engage in combat with the police, it’s generally not a good idea. The police are numerous and well-equipped, and fighting them will only escalate the situation.
13. How do I unlock new hacking abilities in Watch Dogs 2?
You unlock new hacking abilities by earning Followers (experience points) and spending them on the skill tree in the DedSec app. Complete missions, side activities, and online contracts to earn Followers.
14. Are there any consequences for causing too much chaos in Watch Dogs 2?
Causing too much chaos can attract the attention of rival gangs or other hostile factions. This can make the game more challenging, but it can also create opportunities for strategic alliances or manipulation.
15. Where can I learn more about the design of games?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding how games are made and what makes them engaging. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore more.
By mastering these techniques and understanding the game’s mechanics, you’ll be able to outsmart the law and become a true master of evasion in Watch Dogs 2. Remember, practice, experimentation, and strategic thinking are your greatest assets. Good luck, hacker!