Dominate the Digital Playground: Your Ultimate Watch Dogs 2 Shopping Guide

So, you’re diving into the vibrant, hack-filled world of Watch Dogs 2, ready to tear down Blume and expose their ctOS system. But before you can stick it to the man, you’re gonna need the right gear. Forget the moral high ground for a second; let’s talk shop! What should you buy in Watch Dogs 2?

The answer is multifaceted and depends on your playstyle, but here’s a prioritized list of essential purchases, considering both practicality and fun:

1. Early Game Essentials (Prioritize These First):

   • Jumper (RC Jumper): This is non-negotiable. The RC Jumper is your best friend. Its ability to scout areas, hack objects remotely, and even trigger explosions makes it invaluable for stealth, recon, and creative problem-solving.
   • Quadrocopter (Drone): Another must-have. The drone expands your hacking reach significantly. Use it to survey entire areas, tag enemies, plan routes, and access otherwise inaccessible locations.
   • Improved Springs for the Jumper: Allows the Jumper to jump higher, accessing new areas and providing a vital mobility boost for puzzles and exploration.
   • Increased Jumper Battery: Crucial for extending the Jumper’s operational time, allowing for more thorough recon and complex hacking sequences without needing to recharge constantly.

2. Mid-Game Upgrades (Focus on These Next):

   • Weapon Proficiency Skills: Start with Marksmanship. Improved accuracy and handling make gunfights more manageable, even if you prefer a stealthy approach.
   • Improved Vehicle Hacking: The ability to hack multiple vehicles at once creates chaos and is incredibly useful for escaping pursuers or creating distractions. This tree offers abilities like “Massive Vehicle Hack”
   • Explosive Device: A powerful tool for both offense and distraction. Plant these strategically for maximum impact, whether you’re clearing a path or setting a trap.
   • Enhanced Takedowns: Allows you to perform silent takedowns from further away, making stealth significantly easier and less risky.

3. Late-Game Powerups (Invest in These When You Have the Funds):

   • Expert Vehicle Hacking: Max out your vehicle hacking skills to gain full control of vehicles, turning them into remote-controlled bombs or sending them careening into enemies.
   • Environmental Hacking Master: Unleash your full hacking potential on the environment, manipulating objects to your advantage in combat and stealth scenarios. Includes things like hacking forklifts to drop crates.
   • Fully Automatic Weapons: If you enjoy gunplay, unlock powerful fully automatic weapons for maximum firepower. Consider weapons with good accuracy and moderate recoil.
   • Unique Clothing Items: While purely cosmetic, stylish clothing can add to your immersion and personalize your character. Find outfits that reflect your hacking style and personality.

Understanding the Economy:

Money is relatively plentiful in Watch Dogs 2, earned through completing missions, side activities, and finding hidden cash bags. Focus on completing main story missions and side operations to build your funds quickly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gadgets and skills to find what suits your playstyle best.

Playstyle Matters!

Ultimately, the “best” purchases depend on how you want to play. A stealth-focused player will prioritize hacking skills and gadgets, while a more aggressive player might focus on weapon proficiency and explosive devices. Experiment and find what works best for you! Remember, the Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of experimentation and learning through play. You can explore more about the intersection of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shopping in Watch Dogs 2

H3: General Shopping Questions

1. Q: Where can I buy items in Watch Dogs 2?

   • A: You can purchase items from several sources: Hackerspaces (like the one at your HQ) offer gadgets and skills, while clothing stores sell cosmetic items. The 3D printer at your HQ lets you create weapons and some gadgets once you’ve unlocked the blueprints.

2. Q: How do I unlock new weapons and gadgets?

   • A: New weapons and gadgets are unlocked by earning Research Points and using them to unlock skills and crafting blueprints in the Skills Tree. Research Points are earned by completing missions, side operations, and finding collectibles around the world.

3. Q: Can I sell items in Watch Dogs 2?

   • A: No, Watch Dogs 2 does not feature a system for selling items. Once you acquire something, it’s yours to keep.

4. Q: Is there a way to get discounts on items?

   • A: There are no explicit discounts in the game. However, completing certain side operations or challenges can unlock unique clothing items or modifications, effectively saving you money on those specific purchases.

H3: Gadget-Specific Questions

5. Q: Is the RC Jumper really as essential as everyone says?

   • A: Absolutely. The RC Jumper is a game-changer. Its maneuverability, hacking capabilities, and small size make it perfect for stealth, reconnaissance, and accessing areas that Marcus can’t reach. It’s your key to bypassing security systems and setting up elaborate hacks.

6. Q: How can I upgrade my drone to be more effective?

   • A: Upgrade the drone by purchasing skills in the Skills Tree that enhance its battery life, speed, hacking range, and other abilities. The improved drone significantly increases your tactical options.

7. Q: What’s the best way to use the Explosive Device?

   • A: The Explosive Device is versatile. Use it for clearing groups of enemies, creating distractions, breaching walls, or even setting up elaborate traps. Experiment with different placement strategies to maximize its effectiveness.

H3: Skill Tree and Hacking Questions

8. Q: What’s the most important skill to unlock early in the game?

   • A: “Enhanced Springs” for the Jumper and improved “Jumper Battery” provide immediate and significant benefits to your hacking capabilities. Also, prioritize skills that improve your hacking range and speed.

9. Q: How do I get more Research Points to unlock skills?

   • A: Earn Research Points by completing main missions, side operations, finding hidden Research Point collectibles, and completing online activities. Explore the open world to uncover these hidden points and boost your progress.

10. Q: What’s the best way to use hacking in combat?

    • A: Use hacking to create distractions, manipulate the environment, disable enemy vehicles, and trigger explosions. Hacking can turn the tide of a fight in your favor, allowing you to take down enemies without firing a shot.

H3: Weapon and Gear Questions

11. Q: What’s the best weapon in Watch Dogs 2?

    • A: There’s no single “best” weapon. It depends on your playstyle. For stealth, a silenced pistol or SMG is ideal. For direct combat, an assault rifle or shotgun provides more firepower. Experiment with different weapons to find what suits you best.

12. Q: Should I focus on buying weapons or crafting them with the 3D printer?

    • A: Crafting weapons with the 3D printer is generally more cost-effective and allows you to customize your arsenal with attachments and upgrades. However, some unique weapons can only be found or purchased.

13. Q: What attachments should I prioritize for my weapons?

    • A: Prioritize attachments that improve accuracy, handling, and silencing. A good scope and suppressor can significantly enhance your stealth and combat effectiveness.

H3: Cosmetic and Miscellaneous Questions

14. Q: Are there any clothing items that provide gameplay benefits?

    • A: No, clothing items are purely cosmetic. They don’t affect your stats or abilities. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and the atmosphere of San Francisco.

15. Q: Is it worth buying all the clothing items in the game?

    • A: That’s entirely up to you! If you enjoy customizing your character’s appearance, then go for it. However, remember that clothing is purely cosmetic and doesn’t provide any gameplay advantages. Spend your money wisely based on your priorities. Remember that the beauty of gaming is to be able to learn new skills, and you can learn all about it at the Games Learning Society.