The MMO shooter The Division 2 is likely to survive the launch weeks well and unscathed, our author Tom finds. And that is a special feature.
Why do MMO shooters disappoint at launch? All previous MMO shooters with a focus on PvE went through roughly the same process.
- Up to the release, they build hype, so many players eagerly await the launch with high expectations.
- Shortly after release, however, disillusionment sets in. The community uncovers bugs, exploits, and balance issues. Usually, the endgame cannot motivate for long, cheaters ruin the gaming experience, or other problems arise. The launch weeks do not live up to expectations.
- The developers then chase after the mistakes for weeks and months. Major innovations are not to be expected, as the base game must first function properly.
- Only after months – or about a year – does the MMO shooter stand as one would have wished at launch. But by then, many players have already moved on.
This development has already been experienced by MMO shooters Destiny 1, Destiny 2, and The Division 1 – Anthem is currently in the midst of it.
Why doesn’t this happen with The Division 2? The Division 2, on the other hand, could skip this process and stand on a solid foundation from the start. Why is that?
The Division 2 launches with a lot of diverse content
The problem with other MMO shooters: Like all games, MMO shooters face the problem that players eventually run out of content. However, as they are “games-as-a-service,” the community expects regular and satisfying content updates.
Especially MMO shooters with a focus on PvE, like The Division 1 or Anthem, cannot deliver new content as quickly as it is consumed by players.
Typically, they lack sufficient modes at launch with high long-term motivation to quench the thirst for content over an extended period.
Only with future expansions will new content be delivered – but in the meantime, players must exercise patience.
This is what The Division 2 does better: The Division 2 boasts a solid campaign right at launch, which Ubisoft claims should keep agents occupied for about 40 hours. However, if you play in a team, it can be completed significantly faster, as the first players have already completed the campaign.
Additionally, an open world invites exploration, filled with side missions, collectibles, and many hidden details.
In addition to extensive PvE content, which you can actually play solo or co-op, The Division 2 also features PvP modes that can keep many agents engaged for a long time and motivate through the competitive aspect. And then there is also the Dark Zone, a PvEvP area, which is a unique feature of the Division brand.
At launch, you already have a wide selection of how and what you want to play with your agents in The Division 2.
The Division 2 has an extensive endgame at launch
The problem with other MMO shooters: For many players, the fun in an MMO shooter only begins in the endgame. Because then it’s about optimizing the build, tackling the hardest challenges, and claiming the best loot.
That’s why some players rush through the campaign quickly to start the endgame – and find hardly any content waiting for them. The Destiny games, in particular, struggled for a long time with a varied endgame; The Division 1 initially had little to offer besides an underdeveloped Dark Zone and few incursions.
This is what The Division 2 does better: According to all available information, Massive seems to deliver a well-thought-out endgame that has a lot to offer. First, you actually have to unlock the full endgame.
There, 5 world tiers await you, each of which determines the difficulty and loot of the entire game world. New endgame features await you in each tier.
Furthermore, a new faction appears only in the endgame in The Division 2, which is said to be quite strong, introduces new weapons and tricks, and significantly shakes up the game. They occupy previously played story missions and strongholds, making this already played content exciting again.
The Division 2 offers what players expect from an endgame: that the game only truly begins then and that it sets goals for players to pursue.
The Division 2 will be a feast for build optimizers
The problem with other MMO shooters: MMO shooters often struggle with loot issues at launch. Either there is a lack of exciting loot, the drop rates are too high or too low, or some items are completely overpowered and ruin the balance.
This is what The Division 2 does better: Whether The Division 2 has its loot under control will only be seen in the coming days. However, it certainly shouldn’t become boring anytime soon.
Because you have plenty of options to optimize your character. In addition to different quality levels of armor (up to high-end), you can enhance builds with exotics, gear sets, specializations, and brand armor, all of which grant unique benefits.
Moreover, there are several skills, perks, weapons, and talents. Most can also be customized with mods, allowing you to experiment for hours to gradually improve your agent.
The Division 2 has learned from the mistakes of part 1
The problem with other MMO shooters: Here, Destiny serves as an example. For three years, the first part was continuously improved and fed with new content, culminating in a well-rounded MMO shooter.
And then came Destiny 2. Many of the praised improvements were discarded, the loot became horribly boring, and it took over a year before the game could be elevated to a higher level with Forsaken. It felt like Bungie did not learn from the development path that Destiny 1 went through and repeated the mistakes.
This is what The Division 2 does better: The Division developers have already emphasized multiple times that they learned from the mistakes of The Division 1 and will build on all the improvements they implemented in the first part over the past three years.
Currently, it seems these are not empty words. With clans, loadouts, dedicated PvP modes, a photo mode, and much more, The Division 2 delivers important features right at launch, which players waited for a long time – or in vain – in the first part. Much community feedback has been implemented in The Division 2.
The Division 2 has a solid post-launch plan
The problem with other MMO shooters: After the launch, many MMO shooters quickly run out of steam. While developers chase after many bugs, players impatiently await fresh content.
In the case of The Division 1, although the first DLC was released as planned after launch, it only caused more balance issues and failed to convince content-wise. The fact that it divided the community (only those who paid received new modes and PS4 players had to wait an additional month) added to the problem.
This is what The Division 2 does better: Massive has already presented a packed post-launch plan for The Division 2. The post-release content
- is free for everyone
- includes new story missions, new modes, new specializations, and more
- and does not disadvantage players on certain platforms through time exclusivity. But: Players who own the year 1 pass will receive earlier access to the narrative content of the expansions.
How The Division 2 will ultimately perform in the hot release phase will be shown in the coming days and weeks. Then, masses of agents will roam Washington D.C. and explore every corner of the game.
Currently, it looks good that The Division 2 will have an excellent launch for an MMO shooter.
