How Many Hours Is Watch Dogs: Legion? A Deep Dive into DedSec’s London Adventure

So, you’re thinking about joining DedSec in dystopian London? Excellent choice! But before you dive headfirst into hacking drones and recruiting grannies with surprisingly lethal skills, you probably want to know: how long is Watch Dogs: Legion?

The short answer: If you’re laser-focused on the main story, expect to spend around 18 hours. However, if you’re the type who needs to see every nook and cranny, recruit every unique operative, and complete every side mission, you’re looking at a completionist run that could take 48 and a half hours (48.5) or even more. This figure is closer to a 100% completion mark.

But, as any seasoned gamer knows, playtime isn’t just about hitting the credits. It’s about the journey, the exploration, and the sheer fun of causing mayhem in a virtual world. Let’s break down what factors contribute to the overall playtime of Watch Dogs: Legion, and then address some frequently asked questions to help you decide if this is the game for you.

Factors Influencing Watch Dogs: Legion Playtime

Main Story Focus: This is the bare minimum. Plow through the core missions, and you’ll see the credits roll relatively quickly. This ignores a huge chunk of what the game offers.
Side Missions and Activities: London is brimming with opportunities. From rescuing oppressed citizens to disrupting Albion’s operations, side missions add significant hours.
Recruitment: The “play as anyone” mechanic is a core feature. Recruiting operatives, finding those with unique skills, and building your dream team can be time-consuming but rewarding.
Exploration: London is beautifully rendered, even in its dystopian state. Exploring landmarks, finding collectibles, and uncovering hidden secrets will eat up playtime.
Difficulty: Playing on a harder difficulty setting can increase playtime as you’ll need to strategize more, fail missions, and replay sections.
Playstyle: Do you prefer stealth? Guns blazing? A mix of both? Different playstyles can significantly impact how long it takes to complete missions. Stealth will generally require more patience.

The “Play As Anyone” Factor: A Time Sink (But in a Good Way)

The cornerstone of Watch Dogs: Legion’s appeal is its “play as anyone” mechanic. This means you can recruit virtually any NPC you encounter in the game, each with their own backstory, skills, and personality. Finding the perfect operative for a specific mission can become an obsession, leading you down rabbit holes of exploration and recruitment that dramatically extend playtime. You might spend hours searching for a construction worker with a drone or a hacker with the right skillset. While not necessary to beat the game, it adds a huge degree of unique gameplay and character.

Is Watch Dogs: Legion Replayable?

Absolutely! The “play as anyone” mechanic offers a high degree of replayability. You can start a new game with different operatives, approach missions in entirely new ways, and explore different skill combinations. The game also features multiple difficulty settings, which adds another layer of challenge and replayability. Furthermore, some missions branch out, allowing you to play the same mission in a different way.

Watch Dogs: Legion – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further help you decide if Watch Dogs: Legion is a worthwhile addition to your game library:

Is Watch Dogs: Legion a short game?

Compared to other open-world games, the main story of Watch Dogs: Legion can feel relatively short at around 18 hours. However, the sheer amount of side content and the “play as anyone” mechanic can easily extend your playtime to 40+ hours.

Is Watch Dogs: Legion enjoyable?

Generally, yes! The game boasts a compelling narrative, fantastic mission design, and a visually stunning world. The “play as anyone” mechanic can be a ton of fun, allowing you to experiment with different characters and playstyles. It’s a unique feature to the Watch Dogs Franchise.

Is Watch Dogs: Legion after 2?

Yes. Watch Dogs: Legion is the third installment in the Watch Dogs series, following Watch Dogs 2. The first game was set in Chicago, Watch Dogs 2 in San Francisco, and finally London for Watch Dogs Legion.

Is Watch Dogs 2 or Legion better?

That’s subjective! Watch Dogs 2 is praised for its strong protagonist and cohesive narrative, while Legion offers the unique “play as anyone” mechanic and a dystopian London setting. Some prefer the focused story of 2, while others enjoy the emergent gameplay of Legion.

Can you skip Watch Dogs 1?

Yes, the stories are largely independent. While there are some minor references, you won’t be lost if you jump straight into Watch Dogs: Legion.

Is Watch Dogs Legion better than GTA V?

They are very different games. GTA V boasts a more polished story, memorable characters, and a wider range of activities. Watch Dogs: Legion offers a unique hacking experience and the “play as anyone” mechanic. It depends on your preferences.

Should a 13-year-old play Watch Dogs Legion?

Watch Dogs: Legion contains mature themes, violence, strong language, and suggestive content. It’s generally not recommended for younger teenagers. Parents should carefully review the game’s content before allowing a 13-year-old to play.

Which is better: Cyberpunk 2077 or Watch Dogs Legion?

At launch, Watch Dogs: Legion was generally considered more stable and less buggy than Cyberpunk 2077. If you’re looking for a smoother experience, Legion might be the better choice. Both games feature very different gameplay.

How old is Watch Dogs 1?

Watch Dogs 1 was released in 2014.

Is Watch Dogs 2 for Kids?

No. Watch Dogs 2 contains violence, strong language, and mature themes. It is not suitable for children.

Is Watch Dogs Legion a AAA game?

Yes, Watch Dogs: Legion is a AAA title developed and published by Ubisoft.

Does Watch Dogs Legion ever end?

Yes, Watch Dogs: Legion has a definitive ending. Once you complete the main story, DedSec clears its name and Bagley is restored. However, you can continue playing after the ending to complete side missions and explore London.

Is Watch Dogs Legion good in 2024?

Despite initial performance issues, Watch Dogs: Legion is now a solid and enjoyable open-world game. The “play as anyone” mechanic remains unique and engaging. Plus, at a reduced price tag, it’s a good value for the money.

Why is Watch Dogs rated 18+?

Watch Dogs games often receive an 18+ rating due to depictions of violence, strong language, and mature themes. In some cases, implied sexual violence can contribute to the rating.

Can I get banned from Watch Dogs Legion?

Yes, cheating or violating the game’s Code of Conduct can result in a ban. Ubisoft uses BattlEye anti-cheat software.

Final Verdict

Watch Dogs: Legion offers a unique and engaging open-world experience with the innovative “play as anyone” mechanic. While the main story can be completed in around 18 hours, completionists can easily spend over 48 hours exploring London, recruiting operatives, and tackling side missions. Whether you’re a seasoned hacker or a casual gamer, Watch Dogs: Legion offers something for everyone. The Games Learning Society encourages the exploration of games and their educational potential. Consider the strategic thinking and problem-solving required in Watch Dogs: Legion, as it’s just one example of how gaming can be a learning experience. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org. So, gear up, recruit your team, and prepare to liberate London!

How many hours is Watch Dogs: Legion?