Watch Dogs Hacking and Tailing Tips

It isn't just online hacking that we need to consider in Watch Dogs. Online missions also include “Online Tailing”, which sets someone the task of invading and watching you, while you have to kill them before they leave again. But the chase has long since started when you, as the target, realise it is even going on. In some cases you may never realise what’s going on, or if anything did actually happen. Don't worry, it shouldn't concern you, assuming you’ve already read through our Watch Dogs tips. If not, here is your chance and you should take it! Definitely. No one wants to lose a multiplayer game, especially on home ground as the target always does. The following is a list of our best tips for players when they’ve got a Fixer to worry about.

Previous: Hints and Tips for Fixer players

Crafting Tips

Blackout: It’s likely that the Fixer will use cameras to track you from afar, stop them by using a Blackout item and you may see them come out of their hiding place. Once you’re pursuing your opponent, you can use Blackout to prevent them from using infrastructure against you. Read our Hacking Skills guide for a list of abilites the Blackout prevents.

Jam Coms: Things get tense once the Fixer’s backdoor installation begins; it means that the end is near. But you can hold it off for a little longer by using Jam Coms. Although the effects are only temporary, every second is vital if you’re still searching for the hacker. You’ll only be able to use Jam Coms once during your mission and it won’t have any effect during Tailing missions.

Hacking Tips

General Tactics: One of the biggest advantages to being the target is your ability to use all of your single-player hacks. So don’t hold back! When you’re chasing the Fixer use everything you can to get them, whether that’s explosions or chaos. You’ll also be able to hack security cameras to search for the Fixer. If you come across a camera you can’t hack, your opponent is using it to spy on you. That discovery may be disconcerting, but think of it as bonus information you can use to hone in on your foe.

Portraits: This may be blatantly obvious to some of you, but sometimes the simplest things are easy to overlook. Not everyone can play as Aiden Pearce when you’re in multiplayer mode. It’s a shock, I know, but it’s for the best. The face that appears on your screen is actually the hacker’s. You must pay attention to it and specifically search people with those characteristics. It’s no use chasing down young men if the picture is of a woman. The portrait is an advantage exclusive to you; the hacker has no idea what you look like.

Stealth Tips

Expect the Unexpected: One of our best tips for Fixers is to look out for civilians acting strange, because that might be a big giveaway for targets – like you! However this advice also applies to you as a target, the Fixer will have their own movement style and mannerisms that you should try to look out for. Once you’ve been invaded, try to flee your current area and find an open space. The Fixer will come and find you, so it’s better to see and shoot them down as soon as you can. Exits benefit the Fixer, which you don’t want, aim for areas that could trap your opponent instead.

The Waiting Game: You may feel pressure build as time ticks on as every new direction you take could result in your loss. But it’s OK, the Fixer will feel it too. In order to win the game the Fixer needs to approach you, one of the best target tactics is to use your time well for setting up traps like IEDS.

Violence Tips

Reaction Shots: As the target you’re allowed, actually encouraged, to use violence. While you’re still hunting down your opponent, shoot crowds and look out for anyone who reacts differently to the others. Chances are the oddball will be your enemy. However you’ll probably attract ctOS's attention when behaving like this, so be prepared to use them as a smokescreen or face a large inconvenience.

Sidewalk Antics: Another way to identify likely intruders is to drive a car along the pavement. In this case the bigger the vehicle is the better. The Fixer will probably react differently to civilians, just make sure you drive slow enough to see them and run them over.

Have you got any Hints and Tips for online hacking and tailing in Watch Dogs? Share them in the comments below.

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