Watch Dogs 2: Do Replayed Missions Give the Same Follower Rewards?

The progression system in Ubisoft’s open-world hacking sequel is built entirely around social influence. Instead of traditional experience points, Marcus Holloway gains "Followers" to unlock Research Points and climb the ranks of DedSec. As you look at your completed operations, a common question arises: watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards? This is a vital concern for players who find themselves a few thousand followers short of a crucial upgrade or those aiming to reach the prestigious maximum Hacker Level.

Understanding whether watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards requires a look at how the game handles "First-Time Completion" bonuses versus "Replay" incentives. While the 1.08 update introduced the ability to relive your favorite moments, the economy of followers is strictly regulated to prevent infinite farming through easy early-game missions. In this guide, we will break down the mechanics of mission replays, the rewards you can expect, and the most efficient ways to actually grow your DedSec following.

Quick Answer No, replaying missions in Watch Dogs 2 does not grant the massive "Main Operation" follower rewards a second time. You will only receive the incidental followers gained during the mission (such as from hacking NPCs or specific environmental interactions), but the large end-of-mission payout is reserved for the first completion only.

The Mission Replay Mechanic: Why It Exists

When Watch Dogs 2 first launched, players were unable to replay story missions once they were completed. Following community feedback, Ubisoft released Update 1.08, which added the functionality to replay any mission that is part of a Main Operation. This was a significant quality-of-life improvement, though its purpose was never intended to be an XP farm.

According to official patch notes and player experience, the replay feature was designed for three specific reasons:

1. Experimentation: Testing different gadgets, such as the Jumper or Quadcopter, on missions you previously completed using only stealth or brute force.
2. Achievements/Trophies: Picking up specific mission-related achievements that might have been missed during the initial run.
3. Cinematics: Reliving the high-stakes story moments and dialogue that define the DedSec journey.

Because the game wants to encourage players to explore the vast world of San Francisco and engage with multiplayer systems, the developers opted not to allow the "Double Dipping" of follower rewards. If you are asking watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards because you want to level up quickly, you will need to look toward side activities and online play instead.

Follower Reward Breakdown: First Time vs. Replay

To understand the difference in rewards, we have to look at how a mission "payout" is structured. A standard Main Operation usually grants a significant chunk of followers—often ranging from 27,000 to over 400,000—upon the completion of the final objective.

Comparison of Reward Structures

As shown in the table above, the "meat" of the reward is stripped away during a replay. This confirms that while the answer to "watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards" is a resounding no, you aren't technically getting "nothing." You still get the minor gains from interacting with the world, but these are negligible compared to the time investment required to finish a full operation.

How the Hacker Level System Changes the Stakes

With the same 1.08 update that introduced mission replays, Ubisoft also added the "Hacker Level" stat. This is displayed in Marcus’s phone and is a direct reflection of your total accumulated followers. This level allows you to compare your progress against friends and other players when you profile them in the world.

Because the Hacker Level is a badge of honor within the community, the lack of rewards in replayed missions prevents the leaderboard from being dominated by players who simply grind the shortest, easiest mission repeatedly.

Hacker Level Milestones

Community reports suggest that reaching the highest tiers of Hacker Level requires more than just finishing the story. You must engage with the open world and the various "Orange" side operations.

Efficient Alternatives to Replaying Missions

If you were hoping that watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards to help you reach the level cap, don't be discouraged. There are several high-yield activities that provide far more followers than a replayed mission ever could.

1. Online Invasions and Hacking

This is the most dynamic way to earn rewards. In Update 1.08, Ubisoft tweaked Hacking Invasions to be more rewarding based on your performance. You now receive followers based on the percentage of the download you complete, even if you are eventually caught.

2. ScoutX Landmarks

San Francisco is filled with ScoutX locations. Taking a selfie at these landmarks is one of the fastest ways to gain a quick 8,000 to 12,000 followers.

• Pro Tip: Use the Quadcopter to scout for landmarks from the air to save time.

3. Online Co-op Operations

Teaming up with another player for "Online Operations" (the purple icons on your map) provides a repeatable source of followers. Unlike Main Operations, these are procedurally generated or rotated, meaning they do provide rewards upon subsequent completions.

4. Competitive Multiplayer (Bounty Hunter)

If you enjoy high-octane chases, the Bounty Hunter mode is excellent. Neutralizing a target or escaping as the target provides a significant follower boost.

The Best Farming Method For the fastest follower gains outside of the main story, focus on ScoutX for early-game boosts and Online Invasions for late-game scaling. Online Invasions provide followers even if you fail, as long as you complete a portion of the download.

Detailed Look: Why Rewards Don't Reset

From a game design perspective, the reason watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards is a "no" comes down to the economy of Research Points. In Watch_Dogs® 2 on Steam, followers are the primary currency for earning Research Points. If rewards reset, a player could theoretically unlock the entire skill tree before even finishing the first act of the game.

Ubisoft’s goal with the 1.08 update was to provide "Free Content" and "Balancing," as noted in their official communications. By keeping the follower rewards as a one-time bonus, they ensure that players must engage with the various systems—stealth, combat, social engineering, and driving—across the entire map of San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley.

Update 1.08 Key Changes At a Glance

• Replay Missions: Added to the Main Operation app.
• Hacker Level: New stat visible via profiling.
• Enemy Weapons: Blueprints can now be printed at the 3D printer for a fee.
• Difficulty: Added a prompt for difficulty at the start of a new game.
• Multiplayer Tweaks: Reduced "accidental discoveries" in Hacking Invasions.

Common Mistakes When Replaying Missions

Many players dive into a replay thinking they can "fix" a low-follower count, only to realize an hour later that their progress bar hasn't moved. Here are the most common errors to avoid:

1. Ignoring Side Ops: Players often rush to replay "Power to the Sheeple" or "Alcatraz Showdown" because they are fun, while ignoring "Orange" side missions that they haven't completed yet. These side missions do give full rewards.
2. Farming NPCs: While you can hack NPCs for followers, the gain is usually around 5-10 followers. It would take thousands of hacks to equal one small side mission.
3. Missing Collectibles: If you missed a Research Point or a Paint Job during your first run, replaying the mission is a great time to get it. However, if you already picked it up, it will not reappear.

Mission Type Reward Efficiency

The Role of Difficulty in Rewards

A common community question is whether playing on "Realistic" difficulty increases the follower rewards. Based on game data, the difficulty setting affects the AI's lethality and the player's health, but it does not provide a multiplier for follower rewards.

Whether you play on Easy or Realistic, the answer to watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards remains the same. The reward is static based on the mission's importance to the story, not the challenge level you choose to play at. This ensures that players who prefer a narrative experience aren't punished compared to those who want a hardcore tactical challenge.

Community Insights: What Veteran Players Say

According to "player experience" shared on forums and Reddit, the best use of the replay system isn't for rewards, but for "Ghosting." Many veteran players challenge themselves to complete missions like "Infected Bytes" or "Kicking it Old School" without ever being spotted or using a single lethal weapon.

"I replayed the final mission just to see if I could do it using only the RC Jumper," one community report states. "I didn't get any followers, but the satisfaction of pulling off a perfect stealth run was worth the time." This sentiment reflects the developer's intent: replays are for mastery, not for grinding.

FAQ: Watch Dogs 2 Mission Replays and Rewards

Do you get any followers at all for replaying a mission?

You do not receive the large "Operation Complete" follower reward. However, any followers you gain during the mission from hacking civilians or completing small world interactions are added to your total. So, while the answer to watch dogs 2 do replayed missions give the same follower rewards is no, you still keep the pocket change you find along the way.

Can I replay side missions (Orange icons) for rewards?

No, the replay functionality added in Update 1.08 specifically applies to Main Operations. Side missions are generally one-time events. Once they are completed and the rewards are collected, they cannot be reset for more followers.

What is the fastest way to get followers if I've finished the story?

The most efficient method is participating in Online Operations and Hacking Invasions. These activities are designed to be repeatable and provide a steady stream of followers to help you reach the maximum Hacker Level. Additionally, ensure you have completed every ScoutX and Driver SF mission, as these are often overlooked.

Does the 1.08 update affect my current save game?

Yes, the update is retroactive. If you have already finished the game, you can open your DedSec App and see the "Replay" option available for all completed Main Operations. You will also see your new Hacker Level calculated based on the followers you have already earned.

If I fail a mission replay, do I lose followers?

No, failing a mission in Watch Dogs 2 never results in a loss of followers. You will simply restart from the last checkpoint. This makes replaying missions a low-risk way to experiment with the game's various hacking mechanics and gadgets.