The Goblin
Small, fast, and built to ghost through traffic.
The Goblin is a compact, high-performance vehicle in the Watch Dogs franchise, prized for its razor-sharp handling and a design that looks like it's snarling at the traffic ahead. This nimble machine thrives in urban jungles, offering a sweet spot between blistering acceleration and the ability to thread a needle through gridlock. It's the go-to ride for players who want to vanish into the city's veins—ideal for quick getaways and shaking tails without the bulk of a tank.
- type
- Compact sports car
- affiliation
- Available to player characters (e.g., Aiden Pearce, Marcus Holloway)
- first_appearance
- Watch Dogs (2014)
- performance
- High acceleration and responsive steering, moderate top speed
Lore & Background
The Goblin was designed by a fictional automaker within the Watch Dogs universe, reflecting the franchise's near-future setting where technology and urban life are deeply intertwined. Its compact frame and sporty aesthetics make it a common sight in the streets of Chicago (in Watch Dogs) and later San Francisco (in Watch Dogs 2). The vehicle's name suggests a mischievous, elusive nature, fitting its role as a nimble escape car for operatives like Aiden Pearce or DedSec members. In the game's lore, the Goblin is often associated with street racers and those who need to navigate congested cityscapes quickly, though it lacks the durability of heavier vehicles. Its design emphasizes speed and agility over armor, making it a risky but rewarding choice for players who prioritize evasion over confrontation.
In Their Own Story
The rain-slicked asphalt of the Loop gleamed under the neon glow of billboards. Aiden Pearce slid into the driver's seat of a stolen Goblin, its engine humming with a low, eager purr. The police scanner crackled—two blocks away, a patrol car had just turned onto the street. He tapped the profiler, marking their route. The Goblin's tires chirped as he punched the accelerator, weaving between a taxi and a delivery truck. The compact car responded instantly, darting into an alley just as the patrol's lights flashed in the rearview mirror. For a moment, the city's grid was a playground, and the Goblin was the perfect toy—small, quick, and gone before anyone could catch its tail lights.
Reader's Guide
**Vehicles**
The Goblin is a compact sports car found in Watch Dogs (2014) and Watch Dogs 2. It can usually be acquired by stealing it from NPC drivers in the open world, particularly in residential or commercial districts. Its mechanical effect includes high acceleration and responsive handling, making it ideal for tight turns and urban chases. However, it has low durability and moderate top speed compared to supercars. Flavor note: 'A goblin in traffic—fast, nimble, and hard to catch.'
In Watch Dogs 2, the Goblin returns with similar stats, often appearing in the Oakland or Silicon Valley areas. It remains a favorite for players who prefer agility over brute force. Stat line: Speed: 6/10, Handling: 8/10, Capacity: 2 (driver + 1 passenger). No known unlock requirements beyond theft or purchase from vehicle delivery services in later games.
**Pro tip:** The Goblin's handling shines in alleyways and parking garages, where its small footprint lets you outmaneuver heavier patrol cars. But watch your flanks—a single head-on collision with a truck can turn this pocket rocket into scrap.
Did You Know?
- The Goblin's design in Watch Dogs was inspired by real-world compact sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 and the Fiat 124 Spider.
- In Watch Dogs 2, the Goblin is one of the few vehicles that can be customized with paint jobs through the game's vehicle delivery app.
- The Goblin's name is a playful reference to its small size and mischievous handling, echoing the trickster archetype in folklore.
- Despite its speed, the Goblin is one of the least durable vehicles in the franchise, often sustaining significant damage from collisions.
- Eagle-eyed players might notice the Goblin's exhaust note changes pitch in tunnels, a subtle audio detail that adds to its goblin-like, skittering personality.
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