The release of The Division 2 is just around the corner. 3 years after the predecessor, many returning players are now wondering: What’s new? We present to you 7 of the biggest innovations.
The Division 1 has a turbulent history behind it, but over the years the shared-world shooter has continued to evolve. The Division 2 continues this path. However, some fans are wondering: Where are the innovations?
While many of the features and systems were already present in a similar form in part 1 and have been further developed for part 2, there are now some innovations that were missed in The Division 1.
The Clan Feature
What’s new: In The Division 1, there were no options to form any clans or similar in-game.
Social features existed, but apart from the basic premise of co-op gameplay, there were none. In The Division 2, you will find an extensive clan system.
How does it work? In the game, you can create a clan at any time. However, you must first unlock the functions through the story.
Once you have done that, the following functions will be unlocked:
- You can create your clan
- Up to 50 accounts per clan
- There is a clan search where you can set criteria such as activity, clan atmosphere (relaxed to competitive), language, and more
- You can also set a clan emblem
- Within a clan, there are ranks
- Clans have their own progression system
We have already summarized everything about the new clan feature for you:
The Strongholds of the Factions
What’s new: Strongholds, or also strongpoints, are missions that are significantly larger than the main missions of the campaign.
There are a total of 4 strongholds, the headquarters of the enemy factions of The Division 2. They play an important role in both the story and the endgame.
How does it work? The first 3 strongholds can already be played during the main campaign. But for that, you must first complete the relevant main missions. The strongholds are one of the prerequisites to reach the endgame.
In the endgame, the 4th faction, Black Tusk, appears and takes over all strongholds itself.
Therefore, these must be completed again in a harder variation to advance in the world ranks.
Once you have completed all 3 strongholds again and reached world rank 4, the 4th stronghold, Tidal Basin, will be unlocked. It is the stronghold of the Black Tusk.
All information about endgame progression can be read in our summary.
Checkpoints and Settlements
What’s new: In contrast to part 1, the game world of The Division 2 is supposed to be significantly more dynamic and varied. To achieve this, Massive has implemented a system of checkpoints and settlements.
In addition to the safe houses known from the predecessor, civilians now live in proper settlements and organize themselves into groups. You can
- interact with civilians both inside and outside the story,
- accept missions and projects,
- deliver resources,
- trade
- and recruit individuals important for the Division’s mission.
Additionally, there is a network of dynamic checkpoints distributed throughout the game world. These are highly contested and can be controlled by either civilians or the enemy factions.
How does it work? Civilians and enemy factions constantly fight for control of these important points in the game world. You can support the civilians in capturing them.
Once you capture points, they will be occupied by civilians. You can constantly supply them with resources such as materials and food and assist in their defense. Captured checkpoints also provide loot that corresponds to your level.
There is finally a Photo Mode
What’s new: Many players have already wished for a way to take cool pictures and screenshots in the predecessor.
In The Division 2, players can finally use a photo mode to capture the detailed and large game world of Washington D.C. and create cool works.
How does it work? The photo mode can be started from the menu. You can move the camera within a certain radius of your character and test different positions. There are also filters and other effects.
The 3 Specializations
What’s new: In addition to the huge selection of weapons and gear, there are now also new specializations in the endgame. These are new progression trees that you can develop from level 30 onwards.
How does it work? Each of the 3 specializations comes with an individual weapon, various skill variants, perks, and other advantages.
- Sniper with a .50 caliber sniper rifle,
- Destruction expert with a grenade launcher
- Survival specialist with a crossbow.
This allows you to develop your preferred playstyle and optimize builds further. Are you more of a sniper who inflicts damage from a distance and locates enemies with a scanner drone, or rather the destroyer who creates chaos with a shotgun and grenade launcher?
You can constantly freely switch between the specializations and develop all to the maximum.
With Conflict, there is a dedicated PvP Area
What’s new: Although there were PvP modes in The Division 1, these were more of a nice addition that was only delivered later with DLCs.
In The Division 2, there is now a dedicated PvP area called Conflict, right from the start.
How does it work? In your operations base, you can choose from 2 PvP modes:
- Skirmish (Team Deathmatch, 4 vs 4)
- Domination (Capture and Hold, 4 vs 4)
The matches take place on dedicated PvP maps that have been specially designed for these modes. In the first part, only certain sections of the game world were used for the PvP maps.
You can read all information about the multiplayer aspects of The Division 2 here.
You can read about how Conflict works on MeinMMO:
8-player Raids are coming to The Division 2
What’s new: Even before the release of The Division 1, fans expressed the desire to play large raids. However, with incursions, rather mini-variants were introduced; there are no larger raids.
This will change in The Division 2, as the first raid “Operation Dark Hours” is set to launch shortly after release.
How does it work? There is hardly any more detailed information. It is certain that raids are designed for 8 players and that the venue for Operation Dark Hours will be the Washington Ronald Reagan Airport.
Otherwise, the developers provided only vague information. It is said that the raid will challenge players and remind one more of raids from classic MMORPGs. Exploration will apparently be a central point of the raid.
Dark Hours will be the first, but not the last raid. Massive is already planning further 8-player activities.
Starting March 15, you can see the innovations of The Division 2 for yourself. Those who pre-order certain editions can already take vacation in Washington D.C. starting March 12.
More information about single-player aspects of The Division 2 can be found here.
New to The Division 2? Then check out our story special
