Extra time needed for polish and optimization
Time has taught me not to expect day-and-date parity between console and PC versions of Ubisoft games, so it’s not exactly unexpected to hear Watch Dogs 2 is facing that same situation.
The PC version is now aiming for November 29, 2016, two weeks after the PS4 and Xbox One versions, in order for the developers to better polish and optimize the platform-specific features.
Speaking of, there’s a blog post detailing what all is making it into the PC port and the hardware you’ll need to run the game and pet its canine friends. Ready? Ready. Here we go:
Minimum Specs
- Supported OS – (64-bit versions only)
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
- Processor
Intel Core i5 2400S @ 2.5 GHz | AMD FX 6120 @ 3.5 GHz
- RAM
6GB
- Video Card
Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) | AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) or better
- Hard Disk Space
50 GB
- Peripherals
Windows-compatible keyboard and mouse, Microsoft Xbox One Controller, Dual Shock 4 Controller
- Multiplayer
256 Kbps or faster broadband connection
Recommended Specs
- Supported OS – (64-bit versions only)
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
- Processor
Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHz | AMD FX 8120 @ 3.9 GHz
- RAM
8GB
- Video Card
Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 (3GB) | Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 (4GB) | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB) or better | AMD Radeon R9 290 (4GB) or better
- Hard Disk Space
50 GB
- Peripherals
Windows-compatible keyboard and mouse, Microsoft Xbox One Controller, Dual Shock 4 Controller
- Multiplayer
256 Kbps or faster broadband connection
PC Features
General
- 4K support
- Stuttering/lag framerate optimization – We employed a fix that makes all controls much more responsive and less framerate-related. We’ve optimized resource creation, GPU VRAM upload and required VRAM for the game.
- No FPS cap
- Full SLI/Crossfire support at launch
- Multiple save file support – This feature allows players to have up to three auto save slots for three separate playthroughs.
- Multi-monitor support with borderless mode and advanced settings that allow for customized placement of menu and HUD.
- Multiple windowed mode options – Windowed mode with flexible/resizable windows, multi-monitor borderless.
Improved Graphic Features
- Screen Space Reflections
- Headlight Shadows – Support for additional shadows from car headlights
- Extra Details Options – Increases the level of detail for all objects in the game, and adds more details to objects in the distance.
Improved Graphics Options
- FOV sliders
- Pixel Density sliders
- Sharpness sliders
- Ultra Textures pack available at launch
- Anti-aliasing options:
TXAA
MSAA
Post Processing Anti-Aliasing options SMAA and FXAA
Improved Keyboard/Mouse controls
- Full adaptation with mouse and keyboard
- We’re using raw mouse input to reduce latency and use the Windows hardware cursor throughout the game without any additional signal filtering to smooth or accelerate mouse movement by default
- Advanced keyboard support – Keyboard hotkeys for every menu and app for faster access. Additionally, all hotkeys can be remapped.
- Mouse-centric UI – Any UI screen, menus or smartphone app supports full mouse interaction, so the player can finish any UI task with the mouse only. Everything is clickable and has appropriate button states.
- Toggle/Hold modes for different controls (aim, sprint, walk, inventory, etc.)
Driving
- Driving has been adapted to suit the keyboard controls, with adjustable steering sensitivity. Same goes for driving camera sensitivity and auto-centering camera behavior
Gamepad support
- On-the-fly switching between mouse and keyboard to gamepad, without any additional options, UI will just switch to gamepad mode
- Supported gamepads: Xbox One controller, PlayStation 4 DualShock controller
I’ll say this much: I appreciate that we’re hearing about this stuff now and not the week or even day of release. It’s nice to have a heads up on the nitty-gritty of a PC port.
Watch Dogs 2 for PC Gets New November 29 Release Date [Ubisoft]
