During the E3, Massive repeatedly talked about a twist awaiting players after the campaign of The Division 2. Since then, there have been no substantial updates, except for a few hints. What could this twist be about?
Not much is known about the main campaign of The Division 2 yet. We know that we can play the campaign completely with friends or solo, just like in its predecessor.
An interesting point that was raised during the E3 presentation is a twist that is supposed to await agents after the campaign ends. Since this became known, fans have been heavily speculating on reddit. We present you some ideas about what this twist could be.
The twist at the end of the campaign is said to have implications for gameplay and story
It is probably referring to a type of plot twist: A plot twist is a surprising turn of events that directs the narrative in an unexpected way. This device is used in both films and games. If the twist works, it can be shocking or, depending on the events, euphoric for the players/viewers.
However, plot twists can also fall flat, especially when the narrative is already predictable or boring.
According to Creative Director Julian Gerighty, the twist is supposed to have a significant impact on the campaign of The Division 2, both in terms of gameplay and narrative:
We have a twist at the end of the campaign which is a huge hook, narratively and gameplay-wise, that will take people by the scruff of the neck and drag them into endgame, and it’s super compelling.
What could this twist look like?
Rogue or not – Do we have to make a choice in the end?
In The Division 1, there were already several rogue agents led by Aaron Keener. These agents have renounced the government and the Division, pursuing only their own goals. In Keener’s case, it was about the control over New York. The rogue Division agents became killers, threatening civilians, JTF, and the Division.
What would such a decision mean? It’s hard to assess without information about the main story. Being rogue does not necessarily mean being hostile.
In The Division 1, however, rogue agents led by Aaron Keener kidnapped, killed civilians, and executed non-rogue agents. They worked with the Last Man Battalion, a private mercenary army that wanted to take control of all of New York.
Would one embark on the “dark side of power”? Civilians could then become enemies; perhaps one would work with formerly hostile factions. This is supported by the fact that one can already hunt other agents in the Dark Zone as a rogue. This would create a more consistent setup.
The idea of an “evil” agent sounds intriguing. However, such a twist could cause controversies if players suddenly can act against civilians, especially since the highest goal of the Division is to protect them and restore order.
Overall, it would be refreshing and could bring some new gameplay and narrative possibilities, but it does seem rather unlikely.
The Division corrupts – Should we start the rebuilding?
The first story trailer already hints that danger also lurks from within the government and the Division. Since The Division 1, it has been clear that parts of the Division are rogue, but how deep does the corruption reach in a government that is already in disarray? However, it is conceivable that in the conflicts around the capital of the USA, it will become apparent that both the remnants of the government and the leadership of the Division are no longer working for peace.
Should we take matters into our own hands? As a new generation of agents, we may need to take the situation into our own hands after the events and rebuild the Division.
This also aligns with a statement from an interview with Mathias Karlson, Game Director of The Division 2, where he describes what a solid endgame should look like. In his view, such an endgame consists of new experiences combined with familiar elements that should be experienced in a new way.
So it will also involve repeating activities that have already been played, but with a twist that should change the previously played.
I think a solid end-game for us is a mix of experiencing new things for the first time, [then] experiencing things you experienced before but in a new way. So it’s not just about re-playing, it’s about re-playing with a twist, especially in the areas where we do re-play.
Rebuilding after the main campaign? After completing the campaign, it could continue with the rebuilding. We would play missions, help civilians, and continue fighting hostile factions. However, we would no longer do this in the name of the government and the old Division, but rather build our own group free from corruption, so we can operate in an organized manner on the ground.
Perhaps everything will turn out differently
It is conceivable that the twist may not be as grave. It could just as easily go in a completely different direction. Either way, we are excited about how the campaign of The Division 2 will be structured and what story awaits us around Washington D.C. and the Division.
Do you have any other ideas on what this ominous twist could look like? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Are you interested in the sound of The Division 2? You can read all about it with us.
