In The Division 2, the final stretch of “Year 1” began, and last night, on January 28, Ubisoft released a story trailer for the upcoming Episode 3. We are showing you 10 hints that the short trailer may have revealed about Episode 3.
When does Episode 3 start? The Division 2 is nearing the end of “Year 1” and closing this chapter with Episode 3. Although there is no concrete date yet, the developers have announced new content for February.
What does the trailer look like? The short video shows a story trailer for Episode 3 and takes place on Coney Island. It has been known for some time that Episode 3 takes place in New York, but with the trailer, the developers provided a bunch of hidden clues about the new story section.
The trailer reveals a lot if you look closely
The Division YouTuber “LtBuzzLitebeer,” known in the community as part of the Elite Task Force Echo and invited to Sweden by Massive, analyzed the trailer in an English video and found 10 hints that could point to facts about Episode 3.
I would like to present to you the 10 hints, along with my own thoughts and the community’s speculations, as some have already formed their own opinions.
1. Hint – Journey to Coney Island
Right from the start, you can see an unusual image. The Agents approach Coney Island from the sea and are likely to reach the peninsula by boat.
Since the usual means of transport is the helicopter, we are likely seeing part of the introduction mission that paves the way to Coney Island and unlocks a beachhead near the peninsula before going to rescue the scientist.
2. Hint – The Scientist
“LtBuzzLitebeer” suspects that the imprisoned scientist, who is to be rescued by the Division, could be a scientist from the first part: Gordon Emherst. The virologist was the mastermind behind the “Dollar Flu” pandemic and might have a trick up his sleeve for an antidote.
However, the comments under the video strongly contradict this, as Emherst’s body was found in the first part. Users believe it is more likely that it is Vitaly Tchernenko. This virologist was Emherst’s ruthless partner and prioritizes scientific progress over the well-being of people.
However, both theories have a problem. In the widely circulated photos of these individuals, both still have their full head of hair. Since the events of the first part are not too far from those of the second, it is unlikely that either of them would lose their hair so quickly. However, the photos may have been taken earlier.
Update January 30: In the State of the Game from January 29, one of the developers referred to the scientist as Tchernenko. So, it is likely not Emherst.
3. Hint – Exo-Weapon “Chameleon”
This Exo-rifle was announced a few weeks ago and has now been confirmed for Episode 3. The Chameleon changes color depending on the background and comes as an automatic assault rifle.
The weapon strongly resembles the SMG Vector and is, according to Fredrik Thylander, the Division weapon type, a heavily modified version of the Vector. There is a built-in suppressor in the barrel and a large drum magazine. Due to the visible equipment of the agent, “LtBuzzLitebeer” suspects a rifle for skill builds.
4. Hint – Cleaner & Black Tusk
Coney Island offers players two hostile factions – Cleaners and Black Tusk. It has previously been suspected that the two factions operate together to protect New York from the reckless Washington agents.
But in one scene, the Cleaners are seen showing up behind the Black Tusk lines, and the bandits do not seem to know what is going on. The Cleaners appear to be unwelcome visitors wanting to claim their part of the pie.
5. Hint – The New Cleaners
In the first part, the Cleaners were the chaos terrorists, formed from former employees of some public services and were mostly lightly armored. After losing their leader, this faction was considered severely weakened, and the JTF no longer classified them as a major threat.
That seems to have changed. Although the Cleaners still like to play with fire, they are now bringing significant armor with them. The bandits seem to have a new boss who has set it upon themselves to rid Coney Island of unwanted guests, be they Black Tusk or Division agents.
6. Hint – New Specialization
One of the most obvious hints is probably the flamethrower. That Episode 3 would come with a new specialization has been known since the launch of The Division 2. Now we have the confirmation.
The perks of the specialization are very interesting and are eagerly anticipated by some players. So far, there has been a tank (Sharpshooter) and a skill support (Technician). This class could become a damage dealer or a specialization with abilities for enhanced healing or something entirely different.
7. Hint – Honey Badger
The Honey Badger has been circulating in the community for a while as a possible weapon for Division 2. A few months ago, a community manager of the Ubisoft forum found it “very interesting” that someone was demanding this exact weapon for the game.
The weapon is based on the framework of the M4 but is a smaller variant that resembles an SMG. Whether the weapon comes as an Exotic or just as a new standard weapon remains to be seen.
Update January 30: In the State of the Game from January 29, it was officially announced that this is a regular weapon. The Honey Badger will not be an Exotic.
8. Hint – Giant Rocket Launchers
In one scene, we see 2 large rocket launcher batteries, likely responsible for preventing the agents from reaching Coney Island except by boat.
In one of the Pentagon missions from Episode 2, there was a fight against a machine that constantly sent drones after the agents. This boss battle is considered by some players to be the best element of the Pentagon missions, and it’s possible that there will also be a machine boss dropping explosives in the missions on Coney Island for some variety.
9. Hint – Location
“LtBuzzLitebeer” was able to pinpoint the precise location where the scientist is being held. It is a former baseball stadium known as the MCU Park of the Brooklyn Cyclones.
One can clearly see the floodlights on the boundary, the large LED screens, and the typical rounded field of baseball fields. It’s possible that the final battle of Episode 3 takes place here while the boss makes dismissive gestures on the screens.
10. Hint – Aaron Keener as Nemesis?
In the end, we see several images of the Nemesis, the adversary of Episode 3. Speculation is running rampant, and for some agents, it’s clear: This can only be Aaron Keener!
A nemesis seeks to spread the “Green Poison” virus further, and there will be a showdown when the episode releases early in 2020.
From a news article by Ubisoft (translated)
According to Ubisoft, the enemy is described as a nemesis, meaning a sworn enemy, so the character should already be known to the players from the story.
However, not everyone is so sure that it is really Aaron Keener. What seems certain is that it is a rogue agent of the “First Wave,” the first wave of Division agents sent to the city after the incident in New York to secure peace – with rather dubious success.
The figure appears rather thin from behind, which would fit more with a female adversary. But who could that be? “LtBuzzLitebeer” noted that the character wears a similar suit to Wyvern, the final boss of the “Division 2” story.
What do you think, who is the secret adversary of Episode 3? Do you have any other speculations for the upcoming DLC?
