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About Watch_Dogs
Watch_Dogs™ drops you into a fully simulated Chicago where every device linked to the Central Operating System (CTOS) can be accessed through a smartphone. You play as hacker Aiden Pearce, using CTOS to manipulate traffic, cameras, trains and other city infrastructure while hunting those responsible for a family tragedy.
The game mixes open‑world action, physics‑driven combat and high‑speed driving, and it adds a multiplayer layer that links directly to the single‑player world. No menus or loading screens separate the experiences, so other players can appear instantly in the same city.
01 / THE GUIDE
Hack the City
Using the in‑game smartphone you can connect to any CTOS‑linked element in Chicago. Actions include switching traffic lights, stopping trains, raising drawbridges and downloading personal data to locate a target, all in real time.
Each hack leaves a digital trail that records your moves and milestones, tying directly into the story as the more you manipulate CTOS, the deeper you become entangled in the city’s surveillance network.
- Pause before triggering a traffic hack; precise timing can eliminate multiple enemies at once.
- Download personal data only when needed to reduce the chance of immediate police attention.
02 / THE GUIDE
Street Justice
Combat blends melee, firearms and hacking. A baton delivers powerful blows, while physics‑driven shoot‑outs let you use the environment for cover and leverage against enemies.
More than 30 traditional weapons are available, and hacks can disable enemy optics or create distractions, giving you a tactical edge in any encounter.
- Combine a stun hack with a close‑range melee attack for quick takedowns.
- Switch weapon types to match enemy distance and armor.
03 / THE GUIDE
High Octane Driving
You can drive more than 65 vehicles, each with its own physics and handling, across the massive city while completing missions. Ubisoft Reflections contributed to the driving feel.
Vehicles serve as transport and tactical tools; you can cause crashes, block roads, or board a stopped train to evade authorities.
- Test each vehicle’s handling in a safe area before a chase.
- Use collisions to create temporary barriers for pursuers.
05 / THE GUIDE
Seamless Multiplayer
A new multiplayer system links single‑player and multiplayer without menus or loading screens, allowing instant cooperation or confrontation in the open world.
Other players can appear at any time, sharing the same CTOS tools and city space, which creates spontaneous interactions during missions.
- Coordinate hacks with teammates for larger impact.
- Stay aware of nearby players; sudden encounters can change the immediate situation.
COMMUNITY
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