Watch Dogs 2 DLC Plans Change, With More Free Content Now On The Way

Ubisoft has announced changes to its DLC and update plans for Watch Dogs 2, which will see the release of more multiplayer-focused content for free.

The previously announced No Compromise DLC will no longer include the Showdown multiplayer mode, as that will now be released for free. Showdown is a 2v2 mode meant to be an "endgame challenge for experienced players." Here's how Ubisoft describes it in a blog post:

"Its competitive matches come in three flavors: Steal the HDD; Doomload, a King of the Hill-style match; and Erase/Protect the Servers, a Watch Dogs twist on classic domination matches. Spread out across 15 distinct locations, these modes will flow seamlessly from one to the next, pushing you to bust out every skill you've learned over the course of the game with dynamic hacking, shooting, driving, and puzzle-solving challenges."

In the blog, Watch Dogs 2 live producer Kris Young explained that there were two main reasons for moving Showdown from a premium DLC pack to a free update.

"The first is that we want everyone to be able to participate and play it. We really wanted to have as many people as possible playing the mode for a better challenge, better matchmaking time and quality, and a healthier, more active community.

"The other is community feedback we've received since we announced the original plans. Our community asked for more multiplayer content, and that's also a reason why we've decided to make Showdown accessible for free for all players."

A free update coming to all platforms on April 17 will add Showdown, as well as multiplayer and leaderboard support for the drone, motocross, and ekart races. There will also be new loot truck challenge events where you hack an armored car while fighting off enemies, new clothing, and a quick-swap option for weapons. Finally, there will be a non-lethal paintball gun that can "stun enemies, splash color across the environment, and temporarily splatter a paint effect across the screens of multiplayer opponents."

Further free updates are planned for the months ahead, including one in June that will allow a group of four players to explore the city and take part in activities together. The image above provides a rundown of the announced content for 2017.

To make up for the removal of Showdown, No Compromise will now feature more single-player content than previously planned. Launching on April 18 on PS4 and May 18 for Xbox One and PC, it will consist of a DedSec Operation, single-player time trials, two non-lethal weapons (the Air Shotgun and Taser Sniper Rifle), and three emergency service packs. These let you dress up as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic "with a DedSec twist," providing an outfit and vehicle with new abilities that let Marcus "affect NPC behavior and do previously impossible things." More details will be shared during a livestream on April 13.