Discover how to get a smart car in Watch Dogs 2 with our step-by-step guide. From unlocking vehicles to hacking traffic systems, we cover everything you need to dominate the streets of San Francisco with style and stealth.
Key Takeaways
- Smart cars are essential for stealth and speed: These connected vehicles allow remote hacking, silent driving, and quick escapes during missions.
- You can unlock smart cars by progressing through the story: Main missions and side activities gradually grant access to more advanced vehicles.
- Use the in-game map to locate smart cars: Look for vehicle icons with a Wi-Fi symbol to identify hackable, connected cars.
- Upgrade your hacking skills to control more vehicles: Invest in the “Vehicle Hack” skill tree to unlock remote control and auto-park features.
- Steal or summon smart cars legally and illegally: Choose between hacking parked cars or using the “Summon Vehicle” feature after unlocking it.
- Customize your smart car for better performance: Visit garages to upgrade speed, handling, and stealth capabilities.
- Avoid police attention by using silent electric modes: Many smart cars have eco-driving options that reduce noise and visibility.
How to Get a Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to the high-tech streets of San Francisco in Watch Dogs 2, where every car can be a weapon, a getaway vehicle, or a silent spy tool—if you know how to hack it. One of the most exciting features of the game is the ability to control and drive smart cars, which are internet-connected vehicles that respond to your hacking skills. Whether you’re sneaking past enemies, escaping a 5-star wanted level, or just cruising in style, knowing how to get a smart car in Watch Dogs 2 gives you a major advantage.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every method to acquire, unlock, and master smart cars in the game. From early-game tricks to late-game upgrades, you’ll learn how to identify, hack, summon, and customize these futuristic rides. We’ll also cover essential tips to avoid detection, maximize stealth, and use your smart car like a true DedSec operative.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to get a smart car—you’ll know how to dominate the streets with one.
What Is a Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2?
Visual guide about How to Get a Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2
Image source: oyster.ignimgs.com
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify what a “smart car” actually is in Watch Dogs 2. Unlike regular vehicles, smart cars are equipped with advanced connectivity features that allow Marcus Holloway (the protagonist) to hack them remotely using his smartphone or 3D-printed gadgets.
These cars typically have:
– A visible Wi-Fi or network symbol on the in-game map
– Remote start and unlock capabilities
– Silent electric or hybrid engines
– Integration with the city’s traffic and surveillance systems
Smart cars are often used in missions requiring stealth, quick escapes, or synchronized hacking with other systems like traffic lights or cameras. They’re also essential for completing certain DedSec operations and earning achievements.
How to Identify Smart Cars on the Map
The first step in getting a smart car is knowing where to find one. Fortunately, the game makes it easy to spot them.
Look for the Wi-Fi Icon
On your in-game map, smart cars are marked with a small Wi-Fi symbol (similar to a signal bar) next to the vehicle icon. This indicates that the car is connected to the city’s network and can be hacked.
These icons appear on parked cars throughout San Francisco, especially in tech-heavy areas like:
– The Financial District
– Silicon Valley (South of Market)
– University areas near Berkeley
– DedSec headquarters and safe zones
Use the Scanner to Detect Nearby Vehicles
Press and hold the scan button (default: right stick on console, Tab on PC) to activate Marcus’s scanner. This will highlight all hackable objects in your vicinity, including smart cars.
When you scan a smart car, you’ll see options like:
– Unlock
– Start Engine
– Honk Horn
– Flash Lights
– Drive (if you’re close enough)
This is your confirmation that the vehicle is hackable and ready to use.
Method 1: Hacking Parked Smart Cars
The most common and accessible way to get a smart car is by hacking one that’s already parked on the street. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
Step 1: Locate a Parked Smart Car
Use the map or scanner to find a smart car near your location. Look for the Wi-Fi icon and approach the vehicle.
Step 2: Hack the Car Remotely
Stand within hacking range (usually 10–15 meters) and press the hack button (default: L1/LB or Q on PC). Select “Unlock” from the menu.
Once unlocked, you can:
– Enter the car normally
– Start the engine remotely (useful for ambushes or escapes)
– Flash lights or honk to distract enemies
Step 3: Drive Away Stealthily
Many smart cars in Watch Dogs 2 are electric or hybrid, meaning they run quietly. Use this to your advantage when sneaking past guards or escaping police.
Tip: Avoid revving the engine or speeding immediately—this can draw attention. Instead, drive slowly and use side streets to stay under the radar.
Example: Stealing a Smart Car During a Mission
Imagine you’re infiltrating a Blume facility. You spot a smart sedan parked near the back entrance. Hack it, unlock it, and start the engine from a distance. When the guards are distracted, hop in and drive off silently—no alarms, no chase.
Method 2: Unlocking Smart Cars Through Story Progression
Not all smart cars are available from the start. Many are locked behind story missions or skill upgrades. Here’s how progression unlocks new vehicles.
Complete Main Missions to Unlock Vehicle Access
As you advance through the main storyline, DedSec gains access to more advanced technology—including better vehicles. For example:
– After completing “Robot Wars,” you gain access to the “DedSec Hovercar” (a fictional smart vehicle used in cutscenes)
– Later missions introduce high-end electric cars like the “Krieger Volt” and “Hak5 Cruiser”
These vehicles often appear in mission cutscenes and can sometimes be driven during gameplay.
Unlock the “Summon Vehicle” Skill
One of the most powerful ways to get a smart car is by unlocking the “Summon Vehicle” ability in the skill tree.
To do this:
1. Open the Skill Menu (default: D-Pad Down or M on PC)
2. Navigate to the “Vehicle Hack” branch
3. Spend Skill Points to unlock “Summon Vehicle”
Once unlocked, you can:
– Call any previously hacked smart car to your location
– Use it even if the car is miles away
– Summon it during missions or chases
This is especially useful when you’re on foot and need a quick escape.
Tip: Save Skill Points for Vehicle Upgrades
Don’t rush to spend all your Skill Points on combat or stealth. Prioritize vehicle-related skills early on, especially “Vehicle Hack” and “Auto-Park,” which make smart cars easier to control.
Method 3: Purchasing or Earning Smart Cars
While most smart cars are obtained through hacking, some can be purchased or earned through side content.
Visit In-Game Garages and Dealerships
Certain areas of San Francisco feature virtual car dealerships where you can buy vehicles using in-game currency (Ecoins).
Look for:
– Electric car showrooms in Silicon Valley
– DedSec-affiliated garages with custom vehicles
– Mission reward garages that unlock after completing operations
Some high-end smart cars, like the “Krieger Volt X,” can only be purchased after reaching a certain level or completing specific challenges.
Complete Side Missions and Challenges
Many smart cars are rewards for completing:
– DedSec Operations (co-op missions)
– Skill Challenges (e.g., “Hack 10 Vehicles in One Minute”)
– Exploration Achievements (e.g., “Visit All Districts”)
For example, finishing the “Hack the Planet” operation unlocks a unique smart motorcycle with enhanced hacking range.
Use the “Vehicle Customization” Feature
Once you own a smart car, visit a garage to customize it. You can:
– Change paint color and decals
– Upgrade engine, brakes, and suspension
– Install stealth modules (reduces noise and radar signature)
– Add hacking boosts (increases remote control range)
These upgrades make your smart car faster, quieter, and more effective in missions.
Method 4: Using the “Auto-Park” and “Remote Drive” Features
Once you’ve unlocked advanced vehicle skills, you can take control of smart cars like a true hacker.
Activate Auto-Park for Stealthy Getaways
The “Auto-Park” skill allows your smart car to drive itself to a safe location after you exit. This is perfect for:
– Evading police after a hack
– Creating diversions
– Setting up ambushes
To use it:
1. Exit the vehicle while it’s moving
2. Select “Auto-Park” from the menu
3. The car will drive to the nearest safe zone and stop
Control Cars Remotely with “Remote Drive”
With the “Remote Drive” upgrade, you can take full control of any smart car from a distance. This means you can:
– Drive a car into a crowd to cause chaos
– Ram enemy vehicles during chases
– Deliver packages or bombs (in certain missions)
To activate:
1. Hack a parked smart car
2. Select “Remote Drive” from the menu
3. Use the camera view to steer the car
Warning: Remote driving drains your battery quickly. Use it sparingly and recharge at hacking stations.
Tips for Using Smart Cars Effectively
Now that you know how to get a smart car, here are some pro tips to maximize its potential.
Use Electric Mode for Stealth
Most smart cars have an “Eco” or “Silent” mode. Activate it to reduce engine noise and avoid detection. This is crucial during stealth missions or when sneaking past guards.
Combine with Traffic Hacks
Smart cars work best when paired with other hacks. For example:
– Hack traffic lights to create green waves
– Disable enemy vehicles remotely
– Cause gridlock to slow down pursuers
Use your car as part of a larger hacking strategy.
Avoid High-Profile Vehicles in Chases
While sports cars look cool, they attract more police attention. Stick to sedans, hybrids, or compact cars when trying to stay low-key.
Save Your Favorite Smart Car
Once you find a smart car you like, mark it on your map or take a screenshot. You can return to it later or summon it if you’ve unlocked the skill.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Hack a Smart Car?
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to hack a smart car. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Problem: No Wi-Fi Icon on the Map
Solution: Not all cars are smart. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol. If it’s missing, the car isn’t hackable. Try another vehicle.
Problem: “Vehicle Hack” Skill Not Unlocked
Solution: You need to invest Skill Points in the “Vehicle Hack” tree. Check your Skill Menu and upgrade accordingly.
Problem: Car Won’t Start After Hacking
Solution: Some cars require you to be inside to start. Hack “Unlock,” enter the car, then start the engine manually.
Problem: Police Chase Starts Immediately
Solution: Avoid hacking cars in high-security zones. Use stealth mode and drive calmly to reduce suspicion.
Conclusion: Master the Streets with Your Smart Car
Getting a smart car in Watch Dogs 2 isn’t just about style—it’s about strategy. These connected vehicles give you the power to hack, escape, and dominate the city like a true digital rebel. Whether you’re hacking a parked sedan, summoning a custom ride, or remotely driving a car into chaos, mastering smart cars elevates your gameplay to the next level.
Remember: start by identifying smart cars on the map, invest in vehicle-related skills, and use stealth and strategy to stay ahead. With practice, you’ll be cruising through San Francisco like a pro—silent, smart, and always one step ahead of the system.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your console, open the map, and go find your first smart car. The city is yours to hack.