Are Watch Dogs 1 and 2 connected?

While Watch Dogs 1 and Watch Dogs 2 are not direct, sequential story continuations, they are indeed connected within the same fictional universe through shared elements and overarching lore.

Understanding the Connection Between Watch Dogs 1 and 2

The relationship between the two games is more nuanced than a typical sequel. Players encounter different protagonists and settings, yet the underlying world and its technological threats persist.

Key Differences

• Protagonists: In Watch Dogs 1, you play as Aiden Pearce, a skilled hacker and vigilante operating in Chicago. Watch Dogs 2 shifts focus to Marcus Holloway, a young, charismatic hacker based in the San Francisco Bay Area, part of the DedSec hacker collective.
• Locations: The sprawling urban environment of Chicago defines the first game, while the vibrant, diverse landscape of San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley serves as the backdrop for the second.
• Tone: Watch Dogs 1 often has a grittier, more serious tone compared to the lighter, more rebellious, and humor-infused atmosphere of Watch Dogs 2.

The Underlying Connections

Despite these differences, Watch Dogs 2 builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, creating a cohesive universe.

• Shared Lore: Both games are set in a world controlled by ctOS (central Operating System), a sophisticated network connecting city infrastructure, personal data, and surveillance. Watch Dogs 2 introduces ctOS 2.0, an enhanced and even more pervasive version of the system.
• Returning Elements: Players who have experienced Watch Dogs 1 will notice subtle but significant ties in Watch Dogs 2. These include:
  • Certain scenes that reference past events or the impact of Aiden Pearce's actions.
  • Brief appearances or mentions of characters from the first game, providing continuity.
  • Specific missions that link back to storylines or consequences established in Watch Dogs 1, enriching the narrative and the player's understanding of the world.

Is Playing Watch Dogs 1 Necessary?

While you can certainly enjoy Watch Dogs 2 as a standalone experience without having played the first game, it is highly recommended to play Watch Dogs 1 beforehand. Playing the games in order enhances the overall experience of Watch Dogs 2 by:

• Providing Context: Understanding the origins and implications of ctOS, the motivations of DedSec, and the history of the world makes the second game's narrative more impactful.
• Deepening Appreciation: Recognizing returning characters, subtle references, and the progression of the ctOS system adds layers of enjoyment and a richer understanding of the game's universe.

In essence, Watch Dogs 2 functions as a new chapter in the same technological rebellion, offering a fresh perspective while acknowledging its roots in the events of the first game.