Are the Watch Dogs 2 Deluxe and Gold Editions Worth Buying?

Gameplay Enhancements in Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 was developed to expand on its predecessor in nearly every aspect. Ubisoft focused on improving core mechanics, starting with character movement. The protagonist, Marcus Holloway, was designed with parkour abilities for more fluid traversal of the game’s San Francisco Bay Area setting. This contrasted with the stiffer movement of Aiden Pearce in the original Watch Dogs.

Vehicle handling also received a major overhaul. Driving cars and riding motorcycles was tuned to feel more arcade-like and accessible, moving away from the more realistic physics of the first game. This change aimed to make chases and general travel more enjoyable.

Hacking, the central pillar of the series, returned with greater depth. Marcus was capable of performing both small-scale hacks, like accessing an individual’s smartphone, and large-scale disturbances that could manipulate city infrastructure. The mission design was built around player choice, accommodating multiple playstyles. Players could approach objectives with direct combat, stealth, or a combination of hacking and misdirection, offering more freedom than the often-linear missions of the first title. These collective improvements positioned the sequel as a significant step forward from the original game.

Comparing the Standard, Deluxe, and Gold Editions

With the game’s release on November 15, 2016, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, players had three main physical editions to choose from: Standard, Deluxe, and Gold. Each offered a different level of content at a corresponding price point.

Standard Edition The Standard Edition was the most basic and affordable option. It contained the full base game of Watch Dogs 2 on a physical disc. For those who preordered, this edition also included the Zodiac Killer bonus mission. This version was intended for players who wanted the core game experience without any additional digital cosmetics or future content commitments.

Deluxe Edition Priced higher than the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition included the physical game disc and the preorder bonus, along with two “Deluxe Packs.” These packs provided a variety of premium customization items. The digital content allowed players to alter the appearance of Marcus, his drone, vehicles, and weapons, offering more personalization options from the start. This edition catered to players who valued cosmetic variety but were not yet ready to commit to the full Season Pass.

Gold Edition The Gold Edition was the most expensive and comprehensive package. It bundled everything from the Deluxe Edition—the base game, the preorder bonus, and the two Deluxe Packs—and added the Watch Dogs 2 Season Pass. Ubisoft positioned this edition as the best value for dedicated fans, as purchasing the Gold Edition was less expensive than buying the Standard or Deluxe Edition and the Season Pass separately. It was the all-in-one option for players who wanted the complete Watch Dogs 2 experience, including all planned post-launch DLC.

Season Pass and Preorder Bonus Details

A key factor in choosing an edition was the content offered through the Season Pass and the preorder bonus. These digital add-ons provided new missions, modes, and cosmetic items scheduled for release after the game’s launch.

Preorder Bonus: Zodiac Killer Mission Anyone who preordered any edition of Watch Dogs 2 received access to a special bonus mission titled “Zodiac Killer.” Based on the infamous unsolved murder cases from the 1960s, this mission tasked players with uncovering and deciphering messages left by a killer who had seemingly returned to the Bay Area. Successfully completing this mission unlocked a unique in-game outfit for Marcus.

Season Pass Contents The Season Pass, included in the Gold Edition or available for separate purchase, promised a significant amount of post-launch content. It also granted early access to some missions, weapons, and customization items. Ubisoft detailed five distinct DLC packs:

• Psychedelic Pack: This pack was available on day one and included a groovy-themed outfit, weapon, drone skin, and car skin, reflecting the hippie culture of San Francisco.
• Root Access Bundle: Scheduled for release in the winter, this bundle featured a new set of missions where someone claiming to be the Zodiac Killer reappears. In addition to the mission content, it included new outfits, cars, a drone skin, and a new weapon.
• T-Bone Content Bundle: Releasing first for PlayStation 4 on December 13, this bundle marked the return of Raymond “T-Bone” Kenney from the first Watch Dogs. It included his signature truck and outfit. The pack also introduced a new “Mayhem” difficulty level for co-op, which added a new, heavily armed enemy archetype.
• Human Conditions: Planned for spring 2017, this was a story expansion with several hours of content spread across three new world stories. The narrative focused on uncovering scandals in San Francisco’s science and medicine industries. It also added new elite co-op missions featuring a “Jammer” enemy capable of hunting the player.
• No Compromise: Also scheduled for spring 2017, this DLC added another new world story where Marcus confronts the Russian Mafia. It also introduced a new co-op mode called “Showd0wn,” described as a survival challenge for skilled players.

The decision between the editions ultimately depended on a player’s interest in cosmetic items and future DLC. The Standard Edition offered the complete base game, while the Deluxe and Gold editions provided additional digital content and, in the case of the Gold Edition, a cost-saving bundle for the planned post-launch expansions.