This guide walks you through how to get the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2, including where to find it, how to unlock it, and tips for using it effectively. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned hacker, you’ll learn everything you need to add this agile vehicle to your garage.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Car Location: The Smart Car can be found parked in specific neighborhoods like SOMA and the Financial District in San Francisco.
- No Purchase Required: Unlike some vehicles, the Smart Car is free—just locate and hack it to drive away.
- Hack to Unlock: Use Marcus’s phone to hack the car’s system and take control without breaking a window.
- Best for Stealth: Its small size and quiet engine make it ideal for sneaky missions and narrow alleyways.
- Customization Options: Once added to your garage, you can modify the Smart Car at any garage terminal.
- Not Available Early Game: You’ll need to progress slightly to access areas where the Smart Car spawns.
- Useful for Challenges: The Smart Car helps complete vehicle-related missions and hacking challenges efficiently.
Introduction: Why the Smart Car Is a Must-Have in Watch Dogs 2
If you’re exploring the vibrant, tech-infused streets of San Francisco in Watch Dogs 2, you’ve probably noticed a tiny, futuristic vehicle zipping through traffic—the Smart Car. It’s not just a cute ride; it’s a stealthy, agile, and surprisingly useful vehicle that can give you an edge in both combat and exploration. Whether you’re sneaking past enemies, completing missions, or just enjoying the city’s scenery, the Smart Car is a fun and functional addition to your garage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to get the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2—step by step. You’ll learn exactly where to find it, how to hack and claim it, and how to make the most of its unique features. We’ll also cover customization, tips for using it effectively, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be cruising through San Francisco in style—quietly and efficiently.
So, grab your phone, fire up your hacking skills, and let’s get that Smart Car!
What Is the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2?
Visual guide about How to Get Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before we dive into how to get it, let’s talk about what makes the Smart Car special. In the real world, Smart Cars are known for their compact size, fuel efficiency, and urban-friendly design. In Watch Dogs 2, the game pays homage to this with a fictionalized version that fits perfectly into the game’s high-tech, hacker-driven world.
The in-game Smart Car is a small, two-seater electric vehicle with a sleek, minimalist design. It’s not the fastest car on the road, but it makes up for it with exceptional maneuverability. It can squeeze through tight spaces, park in tiny spots, and blend into traffic easily. Plus, its electric motor makes it nearly silent—perfect for stealth missions.
Unlike many vehicles in the game that require purchase or special unlocks, the Smart Car is completely free. You don’t need to spend any in-game currency or complete a specific mission to get it. All you need is the right location, a bit of hacking skill, and a little patience.
Where to Find the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2
The Smart Car doesn’t appear randomly everywhere. It spawns in specific areas of San Francisco, usually in urban zones with high foot traffic and narrow streets. Here are the most reliable locations to find one:
SOMA (South of Market)
SOMA is one of the best places to find a Smart Car. This bustling neighborhood is packed with tech companies, cafes, and alleyways—perfect for a compact vehicle. Look for the car parked along side streets near the waterfront or near the Blume Corporation building. It often appears near crosswalks or in small parking zones.
Tip: Visit during daylight hours for better visibility. The car is usually parked legally, so you won’t need to break into it.
Financial District
The Financial District is another hotspot. The narrow streets and dense traffic make it ideal for the Smart Car’s design. Check near banks, office buildings, and plazas. You’ll often find one parked near the intersection of California Street and Montgomery Street.
Pro Tip: Use your drone to scout ahead. Fly your RC Jumper over the area to spot the car before you arrive on foot.
Mission-Related Spawns
Sometimes, the Smart Car appears during specific missions or side activities. For example, during hacking challenges or delivery missions, you might see one parked near the objective. While not guaranteed, keeping an eye out during missions can increase your chances.
Note: The car may not always be there—spawn locations can vary slightly between playthroughs. If you don’t see it, try revisiting the area later or fast-traveling to reset spawns.
How to Hack and Claim the Smart Car
Once you’ve located a Smart Car, the next step is to hack it and drive away. Here’s how to do it safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Approach the Vehicle
Walk or drive up to the Smart Car. Make sure you’re close enough for your phone to detect it—usually within 10–15 feet. The game will highlight the car with a blue outline when it’s in range.
Step 2: Open Your Phone and Select “Vehicle Hack”
Pull out your phone by pressing the designated button (usually LB/L1 on consoles or Q on PC). Navigate to the “Vehicle” tab and select “Hack Vehicle.” The game will scan for nearby drivable cars.
Step 3: Choose the Smart Car from the List
A list of nearby vehicles will appear. Scroll through and select the Smart Car. It should be labeled clearly. Once selected, Marcus will initiate the hack.
Step 4: Wait for the Hack to Complete
The hacking process takes a few seconds. You’ll see a progress bar on screen. During this time, stay close to the car—don’t wander off or the hack may fail.
Once the hack is complete, the car’s doors will unlock, and the engine will start. You can now enter and drive away.
Step 5: Drive to a Garage to Save It
To permanently add the Smart Car to your collection, drive it to any garage terminal. These are marked on your map with a wrench icon. Once inside, park the car and interact with the terminal to save it.
Important: If you don’t save it at a garage, the car will disappear when you exit it or fast-travel. Always save new vehicles to keep them.
Tips for Finding the Smart Car Faster
Finding the Smart Car can take a little trial and error, especially if you’re new to the game. Here are some practical tips to speed up the process:
Use the Map and Fast Travel
Use your map to navigate directly to SOMA or the Financial District. Fast travel to a nearby outpost or hideout, then walk or bike to the target area. This saves time and helps you cover more ground.
Visit During the Day
Smart Cars are easier to spot in daylight. Nighttime can make the small vehicle blend into shadows, especially in poorly lit alleys.
Check Multiple Spots
If you don’t find a Smart Car in one location, try another. Sometimes it spawns in different spots each time you visit. Revisit the area after completing a mission or fast-traveling.
Use the Drone for Reconnaissance
Your RC Jumper drone is a powerful tool. Fly it over the area to scan for vehicles from above. Look for small, boxy cars with a distinctive front grille. This method helps you confirm the car’s presence before approaching.
Avoid High-Security Zones
While the Smart Car can go anywhere, avoid areas with heavy police presence or gang activity when trying to claim it. A chase could ruin your stealthy approach.
Customizing Your Smart Car
Once you’ve saved the Smart Car to your garage, you can customize it to suit your style. Here’s how:
Access the Garage Terminal
Drive to any garage (marked on your map) and interact with the terminal. Select “Vehicle Customization” and choose the Smart Car from your collection.
Available Upgrades
You can modify several aspects of the Smart Car:
- Paint Job: Change the color to match your style—choose from solid colors, metallic finishes, or even custom patterns.
- Wheels: Swap out the default wheels for sportier or more rugged options.
- Performance: While the Smart Car isn’t built for speed, you can slightly improve acceleration and handling.
- Hacking Mods: Add mods that enhance its hacking capabilities, like faster remote start or improved signal range.
Note: Customization costs in-game currency (BitCoins), so save up if you want premium options.
Why Customize?
Customizing isn’t just about looks. A better paint job can help you blend into traffic, while performance tweaks make it more responsive. Hacking mods can make it easier to summon the car remotely or use it in missions.
Best Uses for the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2
The Smart Car isn’t just a novelty—it’s a practical tool for many situations. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Stealth Missions
Its quiet electric engine makes it perfect for sneaking into restricted areas. Use it to approach targets without alerting guards. Park it in shadows or behind obstacles to stay hidden.
Urban Exploration
San Francisco is full of narrow streets, alleys, and tight corners. The Smart Car can navigate these spaces easily, while larger vehicles get stuck.
Hacking Challenges
Some missions require you to hack vehicles quickly. The Smart Car’s small size makes it easy to position near targets, and its hacking range is reliable.
Photo Mode and Sightseeing
Love taking screenshots? The Smart Car’s futuristic design looks great in Photo Mode. Drive it to scenic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz for stunning shots.
Avoiding Police
If you’re wanted, the Smart Car can help you lose pursuers. Its small size lets you slip through traffic gaps, and its low profile makes it harder to spot.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Can’t Find the Smart Car
Still no luck finding the Smart Car? Don’t worry—here are some common issues and solutions.
Issue: The Car Doesn’t Spawn
Sometimes, the Smart Car simply doesn’t appear in expected locations. This can happen due to game bugs or spawn randomization.
Solution: Try revisiting the area after completing a mission or fast-traveling. You can also restart the game or reload a save to reset vehicle spawns.
Issue: The Car Is Already Taken
Another player (in co-op mode) or an NPC might have already hacked and driven off with the car.
Solution: Look for another one in a different location. Smart Cars can spawn in multiple spots, so keep searching.
Issue: Hack Fails or Car Doesn’t Unlock
If the hack doesn’t work, you might be too far away, or the car might be glitched.
Solution: Move closer and try again. If it still doesn’t work, leave the area and return later. Sometimes, restarting the game helps.
Issue: Car Disappears After Driving
If you drive the Smart Car away but don’t save it at a garage, it will vanish.
Solution: Always drive it to a garage terminal and save it immediately after claiming it.
Advanced Tips for Smart Car Mastery
Once you’ve got the hang of it, here are some advanced strategies to level up your Smart Car game:
Use It for Remote Hacks
You can summon the Smart Car remotely from your phone. Use this to bring it to your location during missions or escapes.
Pair It with Drones
Use your drone to scout ahead while driving the Smart Car. This combo is great for planning routes or spotting enemies.
Exploit Its Size in Combat
In tight spaces, the Smart Car can be used to block doors, trap enemies, or create diversions. Ramming isn’t its strength, but positioning is.
Combine with Hacking Skills
Use the car to get close to targets, then hack traffic lights, cameras, or security systems while parked nearby.
Conclusion: Drive Smart, Hack Smart
Getting the Smart Car in Watch Dogs 2 is easier than you might think—once you know where to look and how to claim it. This compact, stealthy vehicle is more than just a fun ride; it’s a valuable tool for exploration, stealth, and hacking. Whether you’re sneaking through SOMA or snapping photos at the pier, the Smart Car adds a new layer of strategy and style to your gameplay.
Remember: find it in urban areas, hack it with your phone, save it at a garage, and customize it to your liking. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be zipping through San Francisco in your very own Smart Car.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up the game, head to the Financial District, and start your search. Your next great adventure is just a hack away.