The Zero Day Rifle

Lore & Background

The Zero Day Rifle is a custom-modified sniper rifle that appears in *Watch Dogs 2* as a reward for completing a specific side operation tied to the game's hacking narrative. Its name and design are a direct reference to the Zero Day hacker collective, a shadowy group that operates in the background of the game's story, manipulating events to their own ends. The rifle is not a standard military or police weapon; instead, it is a piece of specialized equipment used by DedSec operatives for covert operations.

The weapon's existence is tied to the broader theme of hacking and surveillance in the game. It is a tool for players who prefer a stealthy approach, allowing them to eliminate targets from a distance without raising alarms. In the context of the game's world, the Zero Day Rifle represents the intersection of physical and digital warfare, where a well-placed bullet can be as effective as a well-crafted hack.

Unlike many other weapons in the game, the Zero Day Rifle is not available for purchase from gun shops. Instead, it must be unlocked through a specific mission, reinforcing its status as a unique and sought-after item among players. Its presence in the game underscores the idea that even in a world dominated by technology, traditional tools of violence still have their place—especially when they're wielded by those who understand the code behind the trigger.

In Their Own Story

The fog over the Bay was thick, but Marcus could see the target through the scope. The Zero Day Rifle felt cold against his cheek, a familiar weight. He had spent hours unlocking this weapon, completing the side op that led him to a hidden stash in a forgotten corner of the city. Now, it was time to use it. He adjusted his aim, waiting for the perfect moment. The target was a high-ranking Blume executive, a man who thought he was untouchable behind his digital walls. But Marcus knew better. With a soft exhale, he squeezed the trigger. The rifle's report was barely a whisper, lost in the city's noise. The executive crumpled, and Marcus vanished into the night, leaving only a single shell casing and a message: 'Zero Day never forgets.'

Reader's Guide

**Unique Weapon: Zero Day Rifle**

*Found/Unlocked:* Complete the 'Zero Day' side operation in *Watch Dogs 2*. The mission becomes available after progressing through the main story to a certain point.

*Mechanical Effect:* Extremely high damage, capable of one-shotting most human enemies. It has a slow rate of fire and limited ammunition capacity, encouraging careful, precise shots. The rifle has a built-in suppressor, making it ideal for stealth play.

*Flavor Note:* A custom piece of hardware, gifted by the shadows of the hacking world. The suppressor is integral, not an attachment—this rifle was built for silence from the ground up.

**Vehicle: None**

*Note:* The Zero Day Rifle is a weapon, not a vehicle. No vehicle is associated with it in the game's canon.

Did You Know?

• The Zero Day Rifle is one of the few weapons in *Watch Dogs 2* that cannot be purchased, only earned through a specific mission.
• The weapon's name is a direct reference to the Zero Day hacker collective, which is a major antagonist group in the game's story.
• In real-world hacking terminology, a 'zero-day' is a vulnerability unknown to the software vendor, which the rifle's name metaphorically represents as a 'one-shot' exploit.
• The rifle's design is based on a real-world sniper platform, though the exact model is not officially confirmed in the game's lore.