Watch Dogs: Legion Gameplay Video
Watch Dogs: Legion Key Specifications
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | Disrupt Engine |
Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, Third-Person Shooter, Stealth, Hacking |
Initial Release | 2020-10-29 |
Developer | Ubisoft Toronto (Lead) |
Publisher | Ubisoft |
Setting | Near-Future Dystopian London, UK |
Perspective | Third-Person |
Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna |
Multiplayer | Watch Dogs: Legion Online (Co-op Missions, Tactical Ops, PvP Modes, Free Roam) |
Unique Feature | 'Play As Anyone' System (Recruit any NPC), Detailed London Recreation, Diverse Operative Skills & Gadgets, Hacking Integrated into all Gameplay Pillars. |
Watch Dogs: Legion System Requirements
1080p_No_RT
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset, DX11, No Ray Tracing) – Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF, DirectX 11
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, DX11, No Ray Tracing) – High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF, DirectX 11
1080p_With_RT
tune Ray Tracing Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, High Preset, Ray Tracing Medium, DX12) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Medium, DirectX 12 (DLSS Quality/Balanced recommended)
tune Ray Tracing Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, Very High Preset, Ray Tracing High, DX12) – Very High Preset, Ray Tracing High, DirectX 12 (DLSS Quality/Performance recommended)
1440p_No_RT
tune Recommended (1440p ~60 FPS, High Preset, DX11, No Ray Tracing) – High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF, DirectX 11
1440p_With_RT
tune Ray Tracing Recommended (1440p ~60 FPS, Very High Preset, Ray Tracing High, DX12) – Very High Preset, Ray Tracing High, DirectX 12, DLSS Performance
2160p_No_RT
tune Recommended (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, DX11, No Ray Tracing) – Ultra Preset, Ray Tracing OFF, DirectX 11
2160p_With_RT
tune Ray Tracing Ultra (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Ray Tracing Ultra, DX12) – Ultra Preset, Ray Tracing Ultra, DirectX 12, DLSS Performance/Ultra Performance
Watch Dogs: Legion Laptop Recommendations
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (20H1 version or newer, 64-bit versions only) or Windows 11 (64-bit)
64-bit Windows 10 (latest updates) or Windows 11 is required for ongoing support and best performance.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 11 (DirectX 12 required for Ray Tracing and potentially better performance on compatible hardware)
DX11 is minimum. DX12 is required for ray tracing features and offers potential performance benefits.
- save_altStorage Note: 45 GB available space (SSD Recommended). An additional 20 GB is required for the optional HD Texture Pack.
An NVMe SSD is recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and fast loading, especially with the HD Texture Pack which is often targeted by higher presets.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS (version 2.0+).
Key Settings: Ray Tracing Quality (Reflections), Shadow Quality, Geometry Detail, Environment Detail, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using DLSS is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Watch Dogs: Legion: Map Size and Regions
Features a detailed and faithful recreation of central London, divided into several iconic boroughs like City of Westminster, Camden, Islington & Hackney, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and City of London. Each borough has its distinct architecture, landmarks (e.g., Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus), and atmosphere. The map is dense with activities, collectibles, and opportunities for emergent gameplay.
Watch Dogs: Legion: Post-Launch Content / DLC
Major post-launch content included the 'Bloodline' story expansion (starring Aiden Pearce from Watch Dogs 1 and Wrench from Watch Dogs 2), new playable hero characters (Mina Sidhu with mind control, Darcy Clarkson from Assassin's Creed), new online modes (Tactical Ops, Spiderbot Arena, Invasion PvP), free roam activities for online, and various cosmetic packs and operative unlocks. Ongoing support with seasonal events and smaller updates.
Watch Dogs: Legion: Game Editions
Available in Standard, Gold, Ultimate, and Collector's Editions. Gold Edition included the Season Pass (Bloodline story expansion, 4 unique heroes including Aiden Pearce and Wrench, extra DedSec missions, car skin). Ultimate Edition included Gold content plus the Ultimate Pack (3 additional characters, masks, and 4 weeks VIP status for in-game currency boost). Collector's Edition included physical items like a DedSec Coronet Mask replica, SteelBook, posters, and all Ultimate Edition digital content.
Watch Dogs: Legion: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Watch Dogs: Legion supports cross-generation play within the same console family (e.g., PS4 with PS5). Full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox for the online mode was implemented post-launch.
Watch Dogs: Legion Specific Game Elements
Watch Dogs: Legion Weapons
- securityDedSec Unique Weapons (e.g., LTL 68P DedSec SMG, DedSec Grenade Launcher) (Faction Specific)
Special DedSec-themed versions of weapons, often with non-lethal variants or unique properties, unlocked through tech upgrades or as operative perks.
- securityGadgets (Spider-Bot, AR Cloak, Electro-Fist, Missile Drone, etc.) (Tactical/Hacking/Utility)
A wide array of deployable gadgets unlocked via Tech Points. These include various types of Spider-Bots (Infiltrator, Combat), an augmented reality cloak for temporary invisibility, shock traps, electro-fist for powerful melee, and more. Operatives can equip two gadgets.
- securityLethal Firearms (Pistols, SMGs, Assault Rifles, Shotguns, LMGs, Grenade Launchers) (Conventional Ballistic & Explosive)
A wide variety of standard firearms. Each operative class or specific recruit might have a preference or unique access to certain types (e.g., Spies get silenced pistols, Hitmen get Desert Eagles). Some weapons are DedSec issue, others are Albion or Clan Kelley specific.
- securityMelee Weapons (Batons, Wrenches, Fists) (Close Quarters Combat)
Operatives can engage in melee combat. Some operatives are more proficient or have unique melee weapons/takedowns (e.g., Bare Knuckle Fighter, Construction Worker with Sledgehammer/Wrench).
- securityNon-Lethal Weapons (Shock Weapons) (Stun/Disruptive)
Weapons designed to incapacitate rather than kill, such as shock pistols, shock shotguns, and shock SMGs. Useful for players wanting a less lethal playthrough or for recruiting operatives who might be injured by lethal force.
- securityOperative-Specific Weapons/Abilities (e.g., Spy Watch, Nail Gun, Berserker's Shockwave) (Unique Character Perk)
Many operative archetypes come with unique inherent weapons or special abilities that cannot be unequipped or changed (e.g., Spy's silenced pistol & car, Construction Worker's nail gun, Anarchist's smoke grenade).
Watch Dogs: Legion Vehicles
- directions_carBoats (Speedboats, Patrol Boats, Workboats) (Watercraft)
Various boats for navigating the River Thames and other waterways. Can be hijacked and driven.
- directions_carCars (Compact, Saloon, Sports, Super, Off-Road, Utility, Emergency, Taxi, Bus) (Land Vehicle (Wheeled))
A vast array of vehicles reflecting London's traffic. Includes iconic British cars (Minis, black cabs, double-decker buses), sports cars, everyday vehicles, and specialized service/emergency vehicles. All are hackable (distract, steer, explode) and drivable. Some operatives have personal unique vehicles.
- directions_carDrones (Cargo, CT-Drones, News Drones, Riot Drones, Parcel Drones) (Aerial Vehicle (Unmanned))
Numerous types of drones populate London's skies. Cargo drones can be hijacked and ridden for aerial access. CT-Drones (Albion) and Riot Drones are often hostile but can be hacked or disabled. News and Parcel drones serve civilian functions but can be interacted with.
- directions_carLondon Underground (Fast Travel) (Mass Transit System)
Tube stations across London serve as fast travel points once discovered, allowing players to quickly move between different boroughs.
- directions_carMotorcycles & Scooters (Land Vehicle (Two-Wheeled))
Various motorcycles and scooters for agile urban traversal. Also hackable and drivable.
- directions_carUnique Operative Vehicles (e.g., Spy Car, Getaway Car) (Personalized Land Vehicle)
Certain operative archetypes (like Spy or Getaway Driver) come with their own unique, often modified or weaponized, personal vehicle that they can summon.
Watch Dogs: Legion Characters
- personAiden Pearce (DLC Playable Character) - Returning Protagonist (Watch Dogs 1)
The protagonist of the first Watch Dogs game, returns as a playable character in the 'Bloodline' DLC and can be recruited into the main campaign's DedSec team.
- personBagley - DedSec AI Companion / Mission Handler
A sarcastic and witty AI that assists DedSec with hacking, intel, and mission coordination. Provides much of the game's humor and exposition.
- personDarcy Clarkson (DLC Playable Character) - Crossover Character (Assassin's Creed)
A modern-day member of the Assassin Brotherhood, added as a free post-launch operative, bringing Assassin skills and gadgets to DedSec.
- personMary Kelley - Main Antagonist / Leader of Clan Kelley
The sadistic leader of Clan Kelley, an organized crime syndicate involved in human trafficking, organ harvesting, and dark web activities. A major antagonist.
- personMina Sidhu (DLC Playable Character) - Unique Operative
A former test subject who gained mind-control abilities (Omini Project). Added as part of the Season Pass.
- personNigel Cass - Main Antagonist / CEO of Albion
The ruthless CEO of Albion, the private military corporation that has taken over London's security. He is a primary antagonist, seeking total control through technological dominance.
- personPlayable Operatives (Various) - Protagonist (Player-Recruited DedSec Members)
Any NPC in London can potentially be recruited. Each comes with a unique name, appearance, voice, backstory, daily schedule, and a set of perks/abilities (e.g., faster hacking, specific weapon proficiency, unique vehicle access, combat bonuses, negative traits like 'Doomed' or 'Low Mobility').
- personSabine Brandt - DedSec Leader / Key Ally
One of the last original DedSec London members after the Zero-Day attacks. She guides the player in rebuilding the resistance and serves as a primary mission handler.
- personWrench (DLC Playable Character) - Returning Character (Watch Dogs 2)
A popular anarchist hacker from Watch Dogs 2, returns as a playable character in the 'Bloodline' DLC and can be recruited into the main campaign's DedSec team.
- personZero-Day - Main Antagonist (Mysterious Entity)
The enigmatic individual or group responsible for the bombings that framed DedSec. Uncovering their identity and motives is a central plotline.
Watch Dogs: Legion Missions / Objectives
- flagBloodline Story Expansion (DLC)
Objective: A separate story campaign set before the events of the main game, starring Aiden Pearce and Wrench as they undertake a new mission in London. Features its own narrative, missions, and progression.
- flagBorough Uprising Missions
Objective: Each of London's boroughs is under oppressive control. Completing a series of specific destabilization activities within a borough (e.g., rescuing prisoners, destroying propaganda, sabotaging Albion equipment) culminates in a unique liberation mission. Completing this frees the borough and unlocks a skilled operative with unique abilities related to that borough.
- flagMain Story Campaign (Rebuilding DedSec & Uncovering Zero-Day)
Objective: A series of narrative missions focused on rebuilding DedSec London after the Zero-Day bombings, recruiting new members, destabilizing the control of Albion and Clan Kelley over the city, and ultimately investigating and confronting the mysterious Zero-Day entity.
- flagOnline Co-op Missions (Watch Dogs: Legion Online)
Objective: Narrative-driven cooperative missions designed for 2-4 players, often involving multi-stage objectives, teamwork, and unique challenges separate from the single-player campaign.
- flagOperative Recruitment Missions
Objective: After profiling an NPC and marking them as a potential recruit, players often need to complete a short mission tailored to that NPC's problems or needs to convince them to join DedSec (e.g., clearing their debt, finding a lost item, exposing a corrupt employer).
- flagSide Missions & Activities
Objective: Various optional tasks and activities found throughout London, such as parcel delivery missions (Parcel Fox), bare-knuckle fighting leagues, kick-up (football juggling) challenges, and disrupting specific Albion or Clan Kelley operations not tied to borough uprisings.
- flagTactical Ops (Watch Dogs: Legion Online)
Objective: Challenging, end-game 4-player cooperative missions requiring high levels of coordination, communication, and skilled use of operative abilities and gadgets to overcome difficult scenarios with multiple complex objectives.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective):
Uprising Missions: A series of missions in each London borough to destabilize Albion's control, culminating in a unique liberation mission and unlocking a skilled operative for that borough. 2. Key Story Missions involving Zero-Day: Unraveling the mystery behind the bombings and the identity of Zero-Day forms the core narrative thrust. 3. 'Bloodline' DLC Story Missions: Playing as Aiden Pearce and Wrench offers a nostalgic and engaging separate storyline connecting to previous games.
Watch Dogs: Legion Companions / Summons
- groupBagley (AI) (Artificial Intelligence)
Ability: Serves as DedSec's mission handler and tech support, providing intel, sarcastic commentary, and coordinating operations. Not a physical companion but a constant presence via comms.
- groupDedSec Operatives (Player Controlled) (Human (Various))
Ability: The core gameplay revolves around switching between recruited DedSec operatives. While not AI companions in the traditional sense, the player effectively has a team. In online co-op, other players' operatives act as companions.
- groupDrones (CT-Drone, Cargo Drone, News Drone, Riot Drone - Hackable/Summonable) (Robot (Aerial Drone))
Ability: Various drones populate London. DedSec can hack them to use for surveillance, distraction, or combat (e.g., turning an Albion CT-Drone against its owners). Certain operatives (like Construction Worker) can summon specific drones (Cargo Drone for riding/transport).
- groupSpider-Bot (Infiltrator/Combat) (Robot (Small Drone))
Ability: A deployable gadget that can be remotely controlled to infiltrate areas, perform stealth takedowns, hack terminals, and (if upgraded to combat variant) engage enemies. Essential for reconnaissance and accessing small vents.
Watch Dogs: Legion Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAudio Logs & Text Files (Data)
Location/Use: Found on computers, phones, and data pads across the city. Provide lore about the world, characters, factions (Albion, Clan Kelley, DedSec, Zero-Day), and insight into the dystopian state of London.
- collections_bookmarkETO Caches (In-game Currency)
Location/Use: Small stashes of ETO (the in-game currency) hidden in various locations, often in safes or less accessible areas.
- collections_bookmarkMasks
Location/Use: Hidden in distinctive parcel boxes throughout London, often requiring parkour or puzzle-solving to reach. Unlocks cosmetic masks for operatives to wear.
- collections_bookmarkRelics (Drink, Darts, Paste-Up locations for Borough Uprising)
Location/Use: Activities required to complete borough uprisings, such as playing darts in a pub, drinking at a specific bar, or putting up DedSec propaganda posters. Not traditional collectibles but contribute to area liberation.
- collections_bookmarkTech Points
Location/Use: Found throughout London in restricted areas, on rooftops, or as mission rewards. Used to upgrade DedSec's universal tech gadgets (e.g., Spider-Bot abilities, AR Cloak duration) and hacking skills.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Points: Found throughout London, used to upgrade DedSec gadgets and universal hacking abilities. Essential for progression. 2. Audio Logs / Text Files: Provide lore, backstory on characters, factions, and the state of London. Often found in restricted areas or during missions. 3. Masks: Numerous cosmetic masks can be found in hidden locations or earned, allowing for operative customization.
Watch Dogs: Legion Armor
- shieldClothing (Cosmetic)
Focus/Stats: Clothing choices are primarily cosmetic and do not offer direct armor or damage reduction values. Operatives might appear more 'armored' based on their profession (e.g., an Albion soldier recruit), but this is visual.
- shieldGadgets (e.g., Riot Shield Drone - Hypothetical/Similar to existing tech)
Focus/Stats: While no direct wearable armor is equipped, certain gadgets or operative abilities might provide temporary defensive bonuses or shields (e.g., a construction worker's cargo drone could be used as cover, or a specialized drone might project a temporary shield).
- shieldOperative Traits (e.g., 'Tough Drunk', 'Physically Fit')
Focus/Stats: Individual operatives may possess traits that grant them inherent damage resistance or increased health (e.g., 'Tough Drunk' takes less damage while intoxicated, 'Physically Fit' might have more health). This is not traditional armor but contributes to survivability.
Watch Dogs: Legion Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomFull Outfits
Details: Some pre-set outfits are available, often tied to specific operative archetypes (e.g., Albion uniform for an Albion recruit, construction gear for a worker) or purchasable as cosmetic sets.
- checkroomTops, Bottoms, Outerwear, Headwear, Eyewear, Masks, Gloves, Footwear
Details: Extensive clothing customization for each operative. Players can purchase a wide variety of items from numerous clothing shops scattered around London, reflecting diverse London street styles, subcultures, and professional attire. Items include jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, trousers, skirts, shoes, hats, glasses, etc. Masks are a key cosmetic, with many unique designs to find or buy.
- checkroomWeapon Skins & Vehicle Skins
Details: Players can apply various skins and paint jobs to their DedSec weapons and owned vehicles for further personalization. Unlocked through progression, challenges, or store purchases.
Watch Dogs: Legion Other Features & Info
- labelUser Interface
Features a futuristic, AR-overlay style HUD displaying a mini-map, objective markers, hackable objects, and operative-specific abilities. The phone interface is used for mission selection, team management, map, and accessing DedSec tech. The 'Deep Profiler' allows players to scan any NPC to learn their schedule, connections, and potential recruitment viability.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Stephen Barton and additional music by various artists, blending electronic, grime, and orchestral elements to reflect near-future London's atmosphere. Features in-game radio stations with a diverse selection of licensed tracks across multiple genres. Sound design emphasizes a technologically advanced city with drone hums, AR sounds, and distinct weapon/hacking effects.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by an updated version of the Disrupt engine, the game offers a detailed and vibrant recreation of London. It features impressive reflections (especially with ray tracing), realistic weather effects, dense crowds and traffic, and detailed character models. Ray-traced reflections are a key visual feature on supported hardware, significantly enhancing the look of London's glass and rain-slicked streets.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility options, including extensive control remapping, aim assist customization, subtitle options (size, background, speaker names, captions for important sounds), colorblind modes, options to change hold QTEs to toggles, adjustable text size, HUD scaling, and audio/visual cues for various gameplay elements.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in a near-future, post-Brexit London that has become a surveillance state under the control of Albion, a private military company. After a series of devastating bombings attributed to the hacker group DedSec (orchestrated by a mysterious entity called Zero-Day), DedSec is outlawed and its members are hunted. The player must rebuild DedSec by recruiting any citizen of London to fight back against Albion, the organized crime syndicate Clan Kelley led by Mary Kelley, and uncover the truth behind Zero-Day. The narrative explores themes of authoritarianism, technological overreach, and citizen resistance.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Operative & Tech)
Each playable operative has unique traits, abilities, and sometimes specific weapons or gadgets (e.g., a construction worker can summon a cargo drone, a spy has a silenced pistol and spy car). Universal DedSec tech upgrades (like improved hacking for drones, turrets, vehicles; new gadgets like AR cloaks, spider-bots) are purchased using Tech Points found throughout the world or earned from missions. Operatives do not have individual skill trees but can be equipped with different weapons and gadgets from the DedSec arsenal. Some operatives have specific 'Perks' that cannot be changed.
- labelTop 5 Operative Types/Abilities (Subjective)
- 1. Spy: Access to silenced pistol, spy car with rockets/cloak, and a watch that jams enemy weapons. 2. Construction Worker: Can summon a cargo drone (for aerial access/heavy lifting), wields a nail gun, and has tougher melee. 3. Hitman/Professional Killer: Gunkata takedowns, combat roll, and often comes with powerful firearms. 4. Hacker/Network Specialist: Faster hacking, viral hacking, or unique system exploits. 5. Drone Expert: Can summon shock drones or combat drones, excellent for distracting or disabling enemies remotely.
- labelMultiplayer Modes (Watch Dogs: Legion Online)
A seamless online component allowing players to explore London with up to 3 other friends. Modes include: Co-op Missions (narrative-driven missions for 2-4 players), Tactical Ops (challenging 4-player end-game missions requiring coordination), Spiderbot Arena (PvP deathmatch with armed spider-bots), Invasion (classic Watch Dogs PvP mode where one player invades another's game to hack them), and free-roam activities like City Events and challenges.
- labelTop 3 Factions/Antagonists
- 1. Albion (Nigel Cass): The private military corporation that has taken over London's security, led by the ruthless Nigel Cass. Uses advanced drone technology and heavily armed soldiers. 2. Clan Kelley (Mary Kelley): A brutal organized crime syndicate dealing in human trafficking, organ harvesting, and dark web activities, led by the sadistic Mary Kelley. 3. Zero-Day: The mysterious entity or group responsible for the bombings that framed DedSec, whose identity and motives are a central plot point.
- labelCore Gameplay Mechanic
Play As Anyone: The ability to scan, profile, and recruit virtually any NPC in the game world to become a playable member of DedSec. Each recruit has a unique daily schedule, relationships, skillset, and sometimes unique abilities, weapons, or vehicles. If an operative is captured or critically injured, they can become unavailable for a period (or permanently in Permadeath mode).
Watch Dogs: Legion Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What does 'Play As Anyone' mean in Watch Dogs: Legion?It means that nearly every non-player character (NPC) you see in the game's open world of London can be profiled, recruited, and become a fully playable member of your DedSec resistance. Each character has their own unique combination of skills, traits, weapons, and even daily schedules.
- help_outline Is there a main protagonist, or do you only play as recruited operatives?There isn't a single, fixed main protagonist in the traditional sense for the base game. You build your team from the citizens of London. However, the 'Bloodline' DLC features Aiden Pearce (from Watch Dogs 1) and Wrench (from Watch Dogs 2) as central playable protagonists for that specific story.
- help_outline Can my operatives permanently die?The game offers a 'Permadeath' option. If enabled, when an operative is critically injured (e.g., 'killed' in combat), they are permanently lost from your team. If disabled (default), operatives are instead arrested or hospitalized for a period, becoming temporarily unavailable.
- help_outline How does hacking work in Watch Dogs: Legion?Hacking is a core mechanic. Players can hack a wide variety of objects and systems: security cameras, drones, vehicles (distract, steer, weaponize), turrets, people's phones (distract, attract), environmental traps (explode junction boxes, raise bollards), and more. Advanced hacks are unlocked via Tech Point upgrades.
- help_outline Is Watch Dogs: Legion Online still active?Yes, Watch Dogs: Legion Online is active, allowing players to team up for co-op missions, Tactical Ops, engage in PvP modes like Spiderbot Arena, or explore London in free roam with friends. Content updates have slowed, but servers remain online.