Get Watch Dogs 2 for PC – A Complete Guide
Watch Dogs 2 is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Released in 2016, it takes players to a vibrant recreation of the San Francisco Bay Area where hacking is the ultimate weapon. Whether you are looking to buy it on sale or just want to know if your PC can run it, this guide covers everything you need.
Where to Buy Watch Dogs 2 on PC
You can purchase Watch Dogs 2 on multiple platforms. The game is available on Steam, the Ubisoft Store, and the Epic Games Store. It goes on sale frequently – often dropping to around $8-$12 during major sales events like the Steam Summer Sale, Ubisoft Forward, and holiday promotions.
The game requires the Ubisoft Connect launcher regardless of where you buy it. This is similar to how other Ubisoft titles like HyperScape and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla work on PC. Steam copies still launch through Ubisoft Connect in the background.
Watch Dogs 2 System Requirements
Before picking up the game, check these minimum and recommended specs:
Minimum: Intel Core i5-2400S or AMD FX-6100, 6 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870, 50 GB storage, Windows 7 SP1 or newer.
Recommended: Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290, 50 GB SSD storage, Windows 10 or 11.
The game runs well on most modern gaming PCs. If you are building a budget system, check out our budget gaming PC build guide for ideas.
Was Watch Dogs 2 Ever Free?
Yes, Ubisoft gave away Watch Dogs 2 for free on PC during a live event in July 2020. Players who logged into their Uplay (now Ubisoft Connect) account during the Ubisoft Forward event could claim a permanent free copy. While that promotion has long since ended, the game still appears on services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus occasionally, and deep discounts are common during Ubisoft’s seasonal sales.
For more free game opportunities, check our guide on how to claim free games on Epic Games Store.
Gameplay and Features
Watch Dogs 2 follows Marcus Holloway, a hacker in the DedSec group fighting against the corrupt ctOS 2.0 system. Unlike its predecessor, Watch Dogs 2 focuses more on stealth, hacking puzzles, and non-lethal takedowns. You can hack traffic lights, drones, cameras, and even people’s personal devices to complete missions.
The game world is one of the most detailed open-worlds Ubisoft has ever created. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley, every district feels alive with NPC routines, random events, and online multiplayer invasions. If you enjoy open-world games, you might also like our guide to GTA roleplay servers for a different kind of multiplayer experience.
Does It Run on Low-End PCs?
Watch Dogs 2 is reasonably optimized but can struggle on very low-end hardware. With the minimum specs listed above, you can expect 30 FPS at 720p on low settings. For a smoother experience, consider upgrading your GPU. Our GTX 1660 Super review covers a great budget card that runs Watch Dogs 2 at 60 FPS on high settings at 1080p.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get Watch Dogs 2 for free in 2026? The free Ubisoft Forward promotion ended in 2020. However, the game regularly goes on sale for under $10 on Steam and the Ubisoft Store.
Does Watch Dogs 2 have multiplayer? Yes. It features seamless online invasions, co-op missions, and competitive multiplayer modes like Bounty Hunter and Online Racing.
Do I need to play Watch Dogs 1 first? No. The stories are connected through the universe but Watch Dogs 2 stands alone with a new protagonist and setting.
Is Watch Dogs 2 better than Watch Dogs 1? Most players and critics agree that Watch Dogs 2 improves on nearly everything – the protagonist is more likeable, the hacking is deeper, and the world is more vibrant.
For more Watch Dogs and gaming guides, browse our top lightweight PC games or our best games for low-end PCs.
