The Ultimate Watch Dogs 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & Artist

Stepping into the vibrant, neon-soaked streets of San Francisco as Marcus Holloway requires the perfect rhythm to match the high-stakes hacking and parkour. The watch dogs 2 soundtrack isn't just background noise; it is a meticulously curated auditory landscape that defines the rebellious spirit of DedSec. Whether you are infiltrating a Blume server farm or cruising across the Golden Gate Bridge, the watch dogs 2 soundtrack provides the essential pulse for every high-tech heist.

Understanding how to navigate this massive library of tracks—ranging from underground hip-hop to heavy electronic beats—is key to personalizing your gameplay experience. In this guide, we will break down the original score composed by Hudson Mohawke, the extensive list of licensed tracks, and practical tips on how to manage your in-game playlist to ensure your hacking sessions always have the right vibe.

The Sonic Architecture of DedSec: Hudson Mohawke’s Score

Unlike many open-world games that rely solely on licensed hits, Ubisoft took a bold step by commissioning Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke to compose the original score. His work on the watch dogs 2 soundtrack captures the "techno-optimism" and the gritty underground hacker culture perfectly. The original score, titled DedSec - Watch Dogs 2 (Original Game Soundtrack), features 16 tracks that blend electronic textures with frantic, cinematic energy.

The score is designed to be reactive. When you transition from a stealthy approach to a full-blown police chase, the music shifts dynamically. Community reports suggest that the track "Shanghaied" is a fan favorite for its slow-building tension that mirrors the complexity of a difficult hack.

Highlighted Tracks from the Original Score

Why the score matters Hudson Mohawke’s contribution provides a cohesive "hacker" identity that licensed music alone cannot achieve. It bridges the gap between the game's narrative themes and the player's actions.

Exploring the Licensed Genres: From Hip-Hop to Punk

Beyond the original score, the watch dogs 2 soundtrack features a massive array of licensed music. The selection is incredibly diverse, reflecting the eclectic culture of the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll find everything from classic rock like Creedence Clearwater Revival to modern experimental hip-hop like Run The Jewels.

The licensed music is organized into various in-game radio stations. Players often note that the "Hip Hop" and "Electronic" stations are the most popular for general traversal, while the "Classical" station provides a surreal, ironic backdrop for chaotic police chases.

Top Licensed Tracks by Genre

How to Use the Media Player and SongSneak

One of the best features of the watch dogs 2 soundtrack implementation is the level of control given to the player. Unlike the first game, where music was mostly tied to vehicles, Marcus has a smartphone that allows him to listen to music anywhere—on foot, while climbing buildings, or during combat.

The SongSneak App

To expand your library, you need to use the SongSneak app on Marcus's phone. When you hear music playing in the world (in a coffee shop, a clothing store, or a passing car), open SongSneak. If the song is in the game's database, it will be added to your permanent collection.

Creating Custom Playlists

The Media Player app allows you to create your own custom "DedSec Mix."

1. Open your in-game phone.
2. Select the Media Player.
3. Browse by genre or artist.
4. Add tracks to your "Favorites" to create a loop of only the songs you enjoy.

Maximizing your collection Spend some time walking through the various districts of San Francisco. Different neighborhoods play different genres in public spaces. The Mission District is great for finding Latin and Hip-Hop tracks, while the Silicon Valley areas often feature more Electronic music.

The Role of Music in Mission Design

Ubisoft used the watch dogs 2 soundtrack strategically to enhance specific story beats. A prime example is the mission "CyberDriver," where you steal a high-tech movie car. The music during this sequence is perfectly timed to the jumps and stunts you perform, creating a "playable music video" feel.

According to player experience discussions on community forums, these scripted musical moments are among the most memorable in the game. The use of "Turbo Lover" by Judas Priest or "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival during specific high-action sequences provides a nostalgic yet fresh context for the game's modern setting.

Key Mission-Music Pairings

Technical Details and Official Links

For fans who want to enjoy the music outside of the game, the soundtrack is widely available on major streaming platforms. You can find the official Watch_Dogs 2 Steam Page for more information on the game and its various DLCs which sometimes include additional audio content.

The soundtrack is officially divided into:

• The Original Score: Composed by Hudson Mohawke (Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon).
• The Official Playlist: A curated selection of the licensed tracks by Ubisoft Music.

Community Favorites: What Players Are Listening To

Based on community reports from Reddit and Ubisoft forums, the "Electronic" and "Urban" stations receive the most praise for their curation. Players have noted that the inclusion of artists like N.E.R.D and Big Sean helps ground the game in a specific era of mid-2010s culture.

Many players also enjoy the "hidden" tracks that can only be found by hacking NPCs' phones or exploring remote areas of the map. This "treasure hunt" aspect for music adds another layer of completionism for dedicated players.

Most Popular Community-Voted Tracks

1. "Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fk)"** by Run The Jewels - Often cited as the perfect "combat" song.
2. "Fiona Coyne" by Skylar Spence - A favorite for daytime driving through the city.
3. "Crimewave" by Crystal Castles - Popular for night-time stealth missions.

Managing Audio Settings for the Best Experience

To truly appreciate the watch dogs 2 soundtrack, you should optimize your audio settings. The game offers a high dynamic range that separates the ambient sounds of the city from the music Marcus is listening to.

• Music Volume: If you find the licensed music distracting during dialogue, you can lower the music volume specifically in the settings menu.
• Headphone Mode: If playing with a headset, ensure "Surround Sound" or "3D Audio" is enabled to hear the directional cues of world music.
• Streamer Mode: For content creators, Watch Dogs 2 includes a "Streamer Mode" that disables copyrighted licensed music while keeping the Hudson Mohawke score active, preventing DMCA strikes on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.

Copyright Risks If you are recording gameplay or streaming, be aware that most of the licensed tracks in the watch dogs 2 soundtrack will trigger copyright claims. Always use the "Streamer Mode" in the audio settings to stay safe.

Conclusion: Why This Soundtrack Stands Out

The watch dogs 2 soundtrack remains one of the most impressive examples of world-building through audio in modern gaming. By combining the unique, experimental sounds of Hudson Mohawke with a massive list of licensed tracks that reflect the diversity of San Francisco, Ubisoft created a world that feels alive and culturally relevant.

Whether you are a fan of punk rock, underground hip-hop, or atmospheric electronica, there is something in this game for you. By using tools like SongSneak and the Media Player, you can curate an experience that is uniquely yours, making every hack and every chase feel like a scene from a movie.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Watch Dogs 2 Soundtrack

Can I listen to the Watch Dogs 2 soundtrack on Spotify?

Yes, the original score by Hudson Mohawke is available as a standalone album titled DedSec - Watch Dogs 2. Additionally, Ubisoft and PlayStation have curated official playlists that include most of the licensed songs found on the in-game radio stations.

How do I unlock more songs for Marcus's phone?

You can unlock more songs by using the SongSneak app on Marcus's in-game smartphone. When you are near a speaker playing music in the game world, activate the app to identify and save the song to your library. You can also unlock some tracks by completing specific side missions or hacking certain NPCs.

Is the music in Watch Dogs 2 different from the first game?

Yes, significantly. While the first game featured a more somber and serious tone with a score by Brian Reitzell, the watch dogs 2 soundtrack is much more upbeat, colorful, and diverse, reflecting the shift in tone from the dark streets of Chicago to the vibrant culture of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Does Watch Dogs 2 have a "Streamer Mode" for music?

Yes. In the audio settings menu, you can toggle "Licensed Music" off. This will ensure that only the original score (which is generally safer for streaming) plays, preventing your videos or streams from being flagged for copyright violations by the various artists featured in the game.