What's New in Watch Dogs: Legion's Free Online Mode Update?

The online update for Ubisoft's open world sequel Watch Dogs: Legion is set for launch on the 9th March for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Stadia. The update will be free for all players and introduce a few different co-op and competitive gameplay modes for up to four players.

Spiderbot Arena - PvP Mode

The first PvP mode, Spiderbot Arena, sees up to four players participating in a free-for-all deathmatch with their spiderbots. Rounds last for six minutes, and arenas are packed with weapon pickups like shotguns and missile launchers. There are XP rewards, exclusive cosmetic unlocks and influence points up for grabs in this competitive—and refreshingly non-lethal—game mode.

Co-op Open World

In addition to PvP, the update also introduces a shared co-op version of London for up to four players to explore side-by-side. Players' solo mode progress will not carry over to co-op; it will start in an all-new instance of London unaffected by their single-player actions. As a standalone mode, co-op brings with it several differences in comparison to the main single-player game. 

For instance, progress is much quicker in co-op thanks to a new currency known as influence points, which are unlocked through ranking up in the game's various seasons. These points can be spent on instantly recruiting DedSec members and upgrading gear. The season-based unlock system should be familiar to anyone who has experience with modern AAA multiplayer battle pass or season pass systems. From the looks of things, it's essentially the same thing: there are even exclusive cosmetics to be earned by ranking up, like with a wealth of multiplayer titles available today.

Co-op Missions

The co-op mode introduces a selection of missions which can only be completed with friends in tow. They include tasks such as stealthily taking down a target, destroying a vehicle and carrying out a hack. Success will earn players seasonal XP and help them grow their cooperative-only branch of DedSec.

Tactical Ops

Playable in teams of three or four, Tactical Ops present the most formidable challenge Watch Dogs: Legion's co-op has to offer. Essentially the game's version of raids, these five-stage missions reportedly require precise teamwork and constant communication; if one player dies, the team must start the entire stage over again.

Interestingly, as demonstrated in the co-op overview video above, Tactical Ops missions don't always take place in the same location. They can require players to coordinate their actions from opposite ends of the city. When we say communication is important, we mean it.

The online modes for Watch Dogs: Legion launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Stadia on the 9th March.