While the title might bring with it a negative connotation, the truth of the matter is that Ubisoft is delaying the PC version of Watch Dogs 2 until November 29th in order to ensure its quality. But rather than simply offer up empty promises, Ubisoft also released a list of extra features the PC version of Watch Dogs 2 will be arriving with.
Before we get into all of that, it would probably be a good idea to show you what sort of a rig you'll need in order to actually run Watch Dogs 2 with some of these settings enabled. You'll find the minimum and recommended system requirements right below:
Minimum
• Supported OS (64-bit versions only) - Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
• Processor - Intel Core i5 2400S @ 2.5 GHz | AMD FX 6120 @ 3.5 GHz
• RAM - 6GB
• Video Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) | AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) or better
• Hard Disk Space - 50 GB
Recommended
• Supported OS - Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
• Processor - Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHz | AMD FX 8120 @ 3.9 GHz
• RAM - 8GB
• Video Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (3GB) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 (4GB) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB) or better | AMD Radeon R9 290 (4GB) or better
• Hard Disk Space - 50 GB
Outside of the need for an i5 CPU equivalent on minimum system requirements (something that is becoming quite common these days, mind you) there is really nothing special to talk about here. As long as you're capable of running basically any modern AAA game you'll be able to run Watch Dogs 2, with most likely quite a few of the 'fancier' options turned on as well.
And now for all of the additional features, of which there are thankfully many! Have a look:
General
• 4K support
• Stuttering/lag framerate optimization – We employed a fix that makes all controls much more responsive and less framerate-related. We’ve optimized resource creation, GPU VRAM upload and required VRAM for the game.
• No FPS cap
• Full SLI/Crossfire support at launch
• Multiple save file support – This feature allows players to have up to three auto save slots for three separate playthroughs.
• Multi-monitor support with borderless mode and advanced settings that allow for customized placement of menu and HUD.
• Multiple windowed mode options – Windowed mode with flexible/resizable windows, multi-monitor borderless.
Improved Graphic Features
• Screen Space Reflections
• Headlight Shadows – Support for additional shadows from car headlights
• Extra Details Options – Increases the level of detail for all objects in the game, and adds more details to objects in the distance.
Improved Graphics Options
• FOV sliders
• Pixel Density sliders
• Sharpness sliders
• Ultra Textures pack available at launch
• Anti-aliasing options:
- TXAA
- MSAA
- Post Processing Anti-Aliasing options SMAA and FXAA
Improved Keyboard/Mouse controls
• Full adaptation with mouse and keyboard
• We’re using raw mouse input to reduce latency and use the Windows hardware cursor throughout the game without any additional signal filtering to smooth or accelerate mouse movement by default
• Advanced keyboard support – Keyboard hotkeys for every menu and app for faster access. Additionally, all hotkeys can be remapped.
• Mouse-centric UI – Any UI screen, menus or smartphone app supports full mouse interaction, so the player can finish any UI task with the mouse only. Everything is clickable and has appropriate button states.
• Toggle/Hold modes for different controls (aim, sprint, walk, inventory, etc.)
Driving
• Driving has been adapted to suit the keyboard controls, with adjustable steering sensitivity. Same goes for driving camera sensitivity and auto-centering camera behavior
Gamepad support
• On-the-fly switching between mouse and keyboard to gamepad, without any additional options, UI will just switch to gamepad mode
• Supported gamepads: Xbox One controller, PlayStation 4 DualShock controller
Outside of some hilarious 'extra' features such as the absolutely revolutionary concept of multiple save files, I have to admit that these are some rather lovely additions. I especially love how they're using raw mouse input rather than messing around with the annoying (and forced) mouse acceleration most games seem to be arriving with these days.
I have to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised! Ubisoft really seems to be doing everything perfectly this time around. Hopefully the game itself won't be a massive disappointment, because the PC port really does seem to have a lot of thought put into it, and it would be a massive shame to have all of that wasted on something sub-par.