In The Division 2, there will be numerous innovations in PvP compared to its predecessor. We have summarized everything you need to know about player duels in Conflict.
Whether alone or in a group – the heart of The Division 2 is clearly PvE, meaning the fight against computer-controlled enemies. However, PvP fans should also have a lot to enjoy in the next installment of the series. This is because the developers have significantly modified the PvP mode of The Division 2.
Here’s how you can compete against other players: In The Division 2, there will be two ways to challenge other players:
- On the one hand, agents will be able to battle other human players in the Dark Zones. This is a highly contaminated and confined area where PvE and PvP are fluidly mixed. Agents can hunt AI enemies there, but also fight against other agents.
- The other option is Conflict, a standalone PvP area where only player duels will take place.
You can find all the important information about the Dark Zones here: The Division 2: These 8 changes are intended to improve the Dark Zone
Conflict – the organized PvP area of The Division 2
What is Conflict? Conflict is essentially the umbrella term for organized PvP in The Division 2. There, players can compete against other human players in specially designated areas (maps) – without any AI opponents, as for instance in the Dark Zone. Conflict therefore represents the pure PvP experience. This feature will be available at launch.
This is what Conflict in The Division 2 includes
The Division 2 offers two different modes in pure PvP. These are
- Skirmish
- and Domination
Both are played in a 4vs4 format. For the first time, there are specially crafted maps for PvP within Conflict.
This is how Skirmish works: This mode is likely to be remembered by many players from The Division 1. At its core, the mode is still a Team Deathmatch but has been revised in numerous ways compared to its predecessor.
Each team starts with a certain number of respawns. The goal is now to use up the respawns of the opposing team through kills before your own are completely exhausted. When all lives of a team are used up, the game enters a kind of elimination mode for that squad. The round ends when all members of the team are dead.
This is how Domination works: This is a tactical mode where teamwork and coordination are particularly emphasized. Two teams fight for control over three control points that need to be captured. At the same time, they try to prevent or complicate access to these key zones for their opponents.
When capturing, you must decide based on the situation whether to take the zone passively, but slowly, or to speed up the process and actively claim the zone. Active capturing saves valuable time but also makes you vulnerable and unable to defend against attacks.
The changes and innovations in PvP of The Division 2
Boosts: These are new features that can have a massive impact on the course and outcome of a match. Boosts are fixed supply crates that appear in both Conflict modes and provide special team bonuses. For example, they grant additional armor or increased damage for a limited time once activated.
Supply Drops: You can use your special weapons in PvP, but at the beginning of a PvP round, you start without special ammunition. At a certain point in the match, a supply drop occurs, which will be shown to all players on the map. The coveted ammunition awaits you in the crate. However, if you are killed, enemies can pick up the special ammunition from you.
Revised matchmaking: The player search in PvP has also been adjusted. Skill-based matchmaking has now been implemented. This means that your skills as well as wins and losses will determine whom you face off against. Players should now be matched with opponents that correspond to their own skill level.
Which players you can play PvP rounds with depends on your game progress. The world ranks that unlock only from level 30 are also important.
Once you reach level 30, the 5 world ranks will be unlocked. These determine the difficulty of the game world. Players can continue to advance until they reach the highest gear level.
The players will be divided into two groups during matchmaking:
- All players who have not yet reached the world ranks and have started the endgame. These will be split into 3 subgroups (level ranges) and adjusted to the same strength there.
- All players who have already reached level 30 and thus the endgame. These will be matched to the same level according to their world ranks. Their equipment will be normalized.
This means normalization: The equipment of players is normalized in the Dark Zone and in PvP. This means their stats will be adjusted. Certain set bonuses are not affected, so builds will continue to function as usual.
This is intended to enable a fair and balanced PvP experience. Normalization allows developers to balance PvP and PvE separately.
Improved respawns: The respawn system has been revised to minimize spawn camping. Additionally, spawn points will now change if too many enemy players are present in the spawn zone.
Customized PvP maps: At launch, there will be 3 maps. All 3 are independent areas and are set outside of the story.
In The Division 2, developers can now design extra maps tailored for various forms of player duels. This was not possible in the predecessor due to the lack of tools. Instead, segments of the regular game world were used.
The maps are inspired by the Washington setting but do not replicate the real environment 1:1, as they did not want to sacrifice balance in PvP for authenticity. The following maps will be fought on:
- Capitol Ruins: Players fight for control of this wooded area
- Stadium: Players fight in streets and parking lots outside a baseball stadium
- Georgetown: Players fight for dominance on the roofs of a residential area
Own progression system in PvP: In PvP, there will be a separate progression system. It will not be linked to the PvP portion of the Dark Zone but will be focused solely on Conflict. However, you can earn rewards in PvP that you can also use in other areas of the game.
