In what order should I play Watch Dogs?

In What Order Should I Play Watch Dogs?

The Watch Dogs franchise has garnered a loyal following with its unique blend of action, adventure, and hacking mechanics. But, with multiple games to choose from, it can be confusing to know which one to play first. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on the optimal order to play the Watch Dogs games.

Playing the Games in Chronological Order

If you prefer playing games in chronological order, you’ll start with Watch Dogs: Legion. However, this approach will lead you astray, as you’ll encounter spoilers and game-breaking bugs. Instead, it’s recommended to play the games in the release order:

• Watch Dogs (2014)
• Watch Dogs 2 (2016)
• Watch Dogs: Legion (2020)
• Watch Dogs: Bloodline (DLC)

Watch Dogs (2014)

Watch Dogs, the original game, follows Aiden Pearce, a hacktivist seeking revenge against those who killed his niece. Although it received mixed reviews, the game’s hacking mechanics and open-world gameplay laid the foundation for the franchise. It’s not essential to play Watch Dogs first, but it provides valuable insight into the world and characters.

Watch Dogs 2 (2016)

Watch Dogs 2, the sequel, takes place six years after the first game. Set in San Francisco, you’ll play as Marcus Holloway, a young hacker seeking to clear his name and expose the corrupt forces within the CTTF (California Tactical Training Facility). Watch Dogs 2 improved upon the original’s mechanics and is widely regarded as one of the best action-adventure games of all time. It’s essential to play Watch Dogs 2 next, as it features direct references to the first game’s events and characters.

Watch Dogs: Legion (2020)

Watch Dogs: Legion is a spiritual successor, taking place in a fictionalized London during a fictionalized London 2018-2023 uprising. The game’s protagonist is a unnamed member of the resistance group, Dedsec. While Watch Dogs: Legion doesn’t necessarily build upon the events of the first two games, it’s a standalone game that can be played without prior knowledge. It introduces new characters and takes a bold new direction in its story and gameplay.

Watch Dogs: Bloodline (DLC)

Watch Dogs: Bloodline is a downloadable content (DLC) released for Watch Dogs: Legion. It offers a single-player campaign featuring a new character, and can be played without knowing anything about the previous games. However, familiarity with the series’ lore and world may enhance your experience.

Important Notes and Recommendations

• You don’t need to play the games in the same order we’ve listed; the order is subjective and solely for personal preference.
• Watch Dogs 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion can be played as standalone games without knowledge of the first game.
• Watching Dogs: Bloodline (DLC) may contain spoilers for the previous games.
• Playing Watch Dogs first will provide insight into the world and characters, but it’s not crucial for understanding the events of Watch Dogs: Legion.
• If you’re looking for a chronological experience, start with Watch Dogs 2, followed by Watch Dogs: Legion.

In Conclusion

When it comes to playing the Watch Dogs games, the order is up to you. While chronological order may seem the best approach, playing the games in the order of their release (Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Watch Dogs: Legion, Watch Dogs: Bloodline (DLC)) provides a more traditional gaming experience. Familiarize yourself with the franchise’s world and characters before diving in, and enjoy the hacktastic adventure that awaits!

Table Legend

• : Essential to play first for the best experience
• : Can be played as a standalone game without prior knowledge
• : Optional, can be played at any time