Should I Play Watch Dogs in Order? A Hacker’s Guide

Yes, while not strictly necessary to understand each individual game’s plot, playing the Watch Dogs series in order – starting with the original Watch Dogs, then Watch Dogs 2, and finally Watch Dogs: Legion – is highly recommended for the best overall experience. This allows you to appreciate the evolution of the gameplay mechanics, the shifting tones, and the subtle connections that weave through the narratives.

The Case for Chronological Play

The Watch Dogs series isn’t known for its deeply interconnected storylines in the way, say, the Mass Effect trilogy is. Each game features a new protagonist, a new city, and a new set of problems to solve. However, playing in order provides a richer context for understanding the evolving themes of hacking, social justice, and corporate overreach that run through the entire franchise.

Character Arcs and Easter Eggs: While the main characters of each game are distinct, there are subtle nods and cameos that enhance the experience for players who have followed the series from the beginning. For example, Aiden Pearce from Watch Dogs makes appearances in both Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion, and seeing his evolution is more impactful if you know his backstory. Recognizing these returning characters and references adds a layer of enjoyment that newcomers will miss.
Gameplay Evolution: The gameplay in Watch Dogs 2 significantly improves upon the original, offering a more fluid and engaging hacking experience. Going back to Watch Dogs after playing Watch Dogs 2 can feel clunky. Playing in order allows you to appreciate the advancements made by Ubisoft and avoids potential frustration. Watch Dogs: Legion introduces a whole new “play as anyone” mechanic, which is another gameplay evolution.
Thematic Resonance: While each game tells a self-contained story, they all explore similar themes. Seeing how these themes are presented and developed across different settings and with different characters deepens your understanding of the series’ core message. The first game really builds the foundation of DedSec as a group.
Appreciating the Flaws and Improvements: Understanding what Watch Dogs got wrong helps you appreciate what Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion get right. Experiencing the series in order provides a better perspective on the overall development of the franchise.

The Drawbacks of Skipping Games

Skipping a Watch Dogs game won’t leave you completely lost, but you’ll miss out on some of the nuances.

Lost References: As mentioned, there are subtle references and easter eggs that connect the games. Skipping Watch Dogs means missing out on these moments, which can add to the overall enjoyment for long-time fans.
Missing Context: While each game has its own plot, understanding the history of DedSec and the world of Watch Dogs can provide a richer context for the events in later games.
Potential for Spoilers: While the connections are subtle, playing the games out of order could potentially spoil certain plot points or character arcs.

Is There a “Best” Order to Experience Content Within Each Game?

This is a slightly different question than the overarching one, but worth addressing. For example, many players debate when to tackle the Bloodline DLC in relation to the Watch Dogs: Legion main campaign. The consensus there is typically to start the main game, complete the intro/tutorial mission, then jump into Bloodline. Completing Bloodline first can give you a head start with Aiden and Wrench in the main campaign.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether to play the Watch Dogs series in order is a personal one. If you’re primarily interested in the story, starting with the original Watch Dogs is highly recommended. If you’re more concerned with gameplay, you might be tempted to jump straight into Watch Dogs 2. However, for the most complete and satisfying experience, playing the games in order is the best approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Watch Dogs 1 and 2 story connected?

Not directly. Watch Dogs 1 and Watch Dogs 2 are both set in different locations, and you play as different people. However, there are subtle story connections and references that make playing the first installment worthwhile.

Are all the Watch Dogs games connected?

The games exist within the same universe and share thematic elements. However, the main storylines are largely independent. Certain characters and organizations reappear, creating a loose narrative thread throughout the series.

Do you need to play all the Watch Dogs games?

No, it’s not mandatory to play all the Watch Dogs games. Each installment offers a self-contained story. However, playing them in order enhances the experience and provides a deeper understanding of the overall narrative.

Can you skip Watch Dogs 1?

Yes, you can skip Watch Dogs 1 without being completely lost. However, you’ll miss out on the origin story of DedSec and the introduction of key characters, which can enrich your experience with the later games.

Should I play Watch Dogs 1 before Bloodline?

It’s generally recommended to start the main game of Watch Dogs: Legion, play through the intro/tutorial mission, and then play Bloodlines. This order avoids potential spoilers and provides a better understanding of the main game’s mechanics.

Are Watch Dogs 2 and Legion connected?

Watch Dogs: Legion is a sequel to Watch Dogs 2 and continues the story of DedSec, though in a new location (London) and with a “play as anyone” mechanic. Characters from Watch Dogs 2 appear in Legion.

How long does it take to 100% watch dogs 1?

Completing the main story of Watch Dogs takes around 19½ hours. Achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 61½ hours.

Which Watch Dogs game is the best?

Watch Dogs 2 is often considered the best game in the series by fans and critics. It improves upon the original in terms of gameplay, setting, and characters.

Which is better Watch Dogs 1 or 2?

Watch Dogs 2 offers several improvements over Watch Dogs 1, including better side quests, more interesting abilities, and improved customization options. However, some players prefer the darker, more serious tone of the first game.

Is Watch Dogs a AAA game?

Yes, Watch Dogs is a AAA game series developed and published by Ubisoft.

Is Watch Dogs a heavy game?

Watch Dogs (the first game) was considered a demanding game upon its release in 2014, requiring relatively powerful hardware to run smoothly.

Was Watch Dogs 2 a success?

Watch Dogs 2 was a critical and commercial success, praised for its improvements over the original game.

Is Watch Dogs same as GTA?

Both Watch Dogs and GTA are open-world action-adventure games, but they have different focuses. Watch Dogs emphasizes hacking and technology, while GTA is more focused on crime and realism.

Is Assassin’s Creed in Watch Dogs?

There are Assassin’s Creed easter eggs in Watch Dogs, and even a full crossover in Watch Dogs: Legion. However, Ubisoft has stated that the two series are not directly connected in terms of story.

Is Watch Dogs based on a true story?

The Watch Dogs games are set in fictionalized versions of real cities and explore themes of hacking, surveillance, and social control, which are inspired by real-world issues.

Learning through games is an interesting subject to consider, and the Games Learning Society helps explore this relationship. To find out more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Should I play Watch Dogs in order?