The Watch Dogs series has been a staple of the open-world gaming genre since its inception, offering players a unique blend of hacking, driving, and action-packed gameplay. With two mainline titles and a spin-off, new players may be wondering where to start, and veterans may be considering revisiting the series. One common question that arises is whether it’s necessary to play the first Watch Dogs before diving into the second installment. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2, and what you can expect from each game.
Understanding the Watch Dogs Series
The Watch Dogs series is set in an open-world environment, where players take on the role of a hacker fighting against corrupt corporations and governments. The first game, released in 2014, introduced players to Aiden Pearce, a vigilante seeking revenge for the death of his niece. Watch Dogs 2, released in 2016, takes place in a new setting, San Francisco, and follows the story of Marcus Holloway, a young hacker fighting against the corrupt tech industry.
Why Play Watch Dogs 1 Before 2?
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the reasons why playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2 can enhance your gaming experience. From understanding the game’s mechanics to appreciating the narrative connections between the two titles, we’ll explore the benefits of playing the series in chronological order.
Should I Play Watch Dogs 1 Before 2?
The Watch Dogs series has gained a significant following since its inception, and many gamers are wondering whether they should play the first game before diving into the second installment. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2, and provide guidance on whether it’s necessary to play the first game to fully appreciate the second.
The Story Connection
One of the primary reasons to play Watch Dogs 1 before 2 is to understand the story connection between the two games. While Watch Dogs 2 is designed to be a standalone game, it does build upon the events of the first game. Playing the first game will give you a deeper understanding of the characters, their motivations, and the overall narrative.
Here are some key points to consider: (See Also: How To Stop Dog Excited Pee)
- The protagonist of Watch Dogs 2, Marcus Holloway, is a new character, but his story is heavily influenced by the events of the first game.
- Several characters from the first game make appearances in Watch Dogs 2, and their roles are more meaningful if you’ve played the first game.
- The overall narrative of Watch Dogs 2 is more impactful if you’ve experienced the events of the first game.
Gameplay Mechanics
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Watch Dogs 2 has improved significantly over the first game. The combat, hacking, and driving mechanics have all been refined, making for a more enjoyable gaming experience. However, playing the first game can still provide some benefits:
Here are some key points to consider:
- Familiarity with the hacking mechanics: While the hacking mechanics have been improved in Watch Dogs 2, playing the first game can help you understand the basics of hacking, which will make it easier to transition to the new game.
- Understanding the open-world design: Watch Dogs 1 introduced the open-world design, which has been refined in Watch Dogs 2. Playing the first game can help you understand how to navigate the open world and take advantage of its features.
Is It Necessary to Play Watch Dogs 1 Before 2?
In conclusion, while playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2 can provide some benefits, it’s not strictly necessary. Watch Dogs 2 is designed to be a standalone game, and the story is written in a way that allows new players to jump in without feeling lost.
Here are some scenarios where playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2 might be beneficial:
- If you’re a fan of the series and want to experience the full story arc.
- If you want to understand the characters and their motivations in more depth.
- If you’re interested in seeing how the gameplay mechanics have evolved over time.
On the other hand, if you’re short on time or not interested in playing the first game, you can still enjoy Watch Dogs 2 without feeling lost.
Recap and Key Points
In summary, playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2 can provide some benefits, including a deeper understanding of the story and characters, as well as familiarity with the gameplay mechanics. However, it’s not necessary to play the first game to enjoy Watch Dogs 2.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Watch Dogs 2 is designed to be a standalone game, but playing Watch Dogs 1 can provide a deeper understanding of the story and characters.
- The gameplay mechanics have improved significantly in Watch Dogs 2, but playing the first game can help with familiarity.
- Playing Watch Dogs 1 before 2 is beneficial for fans of the series, but not necessary for new players.
Ultimately, the decision to play Watch Dogs 1 before 2 depends on your personal preferences and gaming goals. If you’re interested in experiencing the full story arc and understanding the characters in more depth, playing the first game is a good idea. However, if you’re short on time or not interested in playing the first game, you can still enjoy Watch Dogs 2 without feeling lost.
Frequently Asked Questions: Should I Play Watch Dogs 1 Before 2?
Is Watch Dogs 2 a direct sequel to Watch Dogs 1?
Watch Dogs 2 is not a direct sequel to Watch Dogs 1. While it shares the same universe and gameplay mechanics, it features a new protagonist, Marcus Holloway, and a new storyline that takes place in San Francisco. You can play Watch Dogs 2 without playing the first game and still understand the story.
Will I miss out on important story elements if I don’t play Watch Dogs 1?
No, you won’t miss out on important story elements. Watch Dogs 2 is designed to be a standalone game, and the story is self-contained. You might miss some references to the first game, but they won’t affect your understanding of the overall narrative.
Are the gameplay mechanics significantly different between Watch Dogs 1 and 2?
Yes, Watch Dogs 2 has improved and refined gameplay mechanics compared to the first game. The sequel introduces new hacking abilities, a more open-world design, and a greater emphasis on stealth and strategy. If you’re new to the series, you might find it easier to start with Watch Dogs 2, which has more polished gameplay.
Can I play Watch Dogs 2 without knowing the backstory of the first game?
Absolutely! Watch Dogs 2 is designed to be accessible to new players. The game provides enough context and backstory to help you understand the world and its characters, even if you haven’t played the first game.
Is it worth playing Watch Dogs 1 just for the story?
If you’re interested in the Watch Dogs universe and want to understand the full scope of the story, playing Watch Dogs 1 can be beneficial. However, if you’re short on time or not interested in the first game’s story, you can still enjoy Watch Dogs 2 without feeling lost. The sequel’s story is more focused on its own narrative, rather than relying heavily on the events of the first game.