If you have been looking for an excuse to dive into Ubisoft’s open-world hacking playground, now is arguably the best time to do so. Watch Dogs 2 is currently seeing a significant price drop, making it a difficult deal to pass up for anyone who missed the game at launch.
You can currently pick up the Gold Edition of the game for just $2.49 on Steam, or $4.00 via the Ubisoft Store. For a price that’s lower than your average morning coffee, you are getting the complete package: the base game, the Deluxe Pack (which includes two personalization packs), and the full Season Pass. That bundle includes hours of additional mission content, new co-op difficulty modes, and a variety of extra outfits and vehicles.
Why Watch Dogs 2 Still Holds Up
Despite arriving with a heavy dose of residual cynicism following the original game, Watch Dogs 2 managed to carve out its own identity as a bright, lively version of San Francisco. Unlike its predecessor, the game embraced a more inviting, tech-obsessed aesthetic that suited its protagonist, Marcus Holloway, perfectly. Marcus felt like a genuine hacker, cracking jokes and wearing band tees, which helped make the hacker identity feel earned rather than forced.
The gameplay remains the highlight. The title shines when you lean into its stealth and hacking systems, utilizing drones, remote vehicles, and environmental hacks to navigate infiltrations. While the game provides plenty of firepower, it is most rewarding when you approach situations through social engineering or by setting up elaborate chain reactions to bypass security without firing a shot.
However, the experience is not without its flaws. The game’s combat often feels at odds with Marcus's characterization as a clever hacker, as the sheer amount of weaponry available encourages a lethal playstyle that the story doesn't fully support. Additionally, the writing for the hacker collective DedSec can occasionally lean into awkward territory, though it remains consistent with the characters' status as a loose, idealistic group of internet-brained activists.
The Legacy of the Series
Looking back at the franchise, Watch Dogs 2 feels like the clearest expression of the series' potential. While Watch Dogs Legion later experimented with a rotating cast and a London setting, it often lacked the human center that made Marcus Holloway’s story so effective. By focusing on a specific city, mood, and protagonist, the second entry established a cohesive vision that still feels distinct today.
In a current industry climate where Ubisoft has faced creative uncertainty and shifting development cycles, Watch Dogs 2 serves as a reminder of the studio’s talent for building open worlds with genuine personality. For less than three dollars on Steam, it is a low-risk way to revisit one of the studio's more vibrant entries.