With the release of Title Update 5, the new Apparel Event Heatwave launched in The Division 2. Numerous fans were looking forward to cool new cosmetics and are now disappointed. But why?
This is what the event is about: In The Division 2, concurrently with the release of Title Update 5 and the “Episode 1” DLC on July 23, the third clothing event – Heatwave has launched. During the event, you can earn or purchase all kinds of new cosmetics such as outfits, clothing items, masks, emotes, or weapon skins.
That’s why many were looking forward to the event: Many agents were excited about this event. So far, the apparel events have always been well received by fans. They offer players a fair way to score additional customization options for their agents.
Additionally, the cosmetics, in the form of numerous outfit sets, masks, or special uniforms like those of a Black Tusk agent, have been very well received.
That’s why many players are now disappointed: However, the new cosmetic items of the Heatwave event apparently do not meet the taste of many players this time.
Instead of tactical gear or worn clothing in a survival look, agents are being presented with flashy vacation attire including flip-flops, a wetsuit, a Hawaiian shirt, or a bright yellow rain jacket.
Many players had hoped for something better – or at least something that somewhat fits the story and post-apocalyptic setting. Thus, many are annoyed by the event now.
This is what fans say about the new event cosmetics: Accordingly, reactions in Reddit threads reflect the mood of many players. The title of a popular post on the topic (over 2,000 upvotes) captures the sentiment well: “Oh, how far the mighty have fallen…” it says there.
Why the elite agents, after half a year of hard battles and deprivations in the ruins of D.C., should look fresh from vacation and trade their tactical gear for flashy clothes simply does not make sense to many fans.
Comments like
- “Whoever is responsible for the new cosmetics should not be next time”
- “Looks like they skimped on the outfit designers”
- “What the hell has happened to The Division?”
- “What would Tom Clancy say about this?”
- “Why does Ubisoft hate giving us tactical clothes so much?”
- “Seriously?”
- “Heatwave cosmetics just don’t fit the story”
- “I really don’t like the direction the outfits are taking”
- “Someone from marketing must have thought the target audience plays Fortnite”
- “I’m still waiting for the cyclist outfit”
are just a few examples that show how many fans are feeling right now.
This is what agents wish for in the future: Fans have been making it clear for some time what cosmetic options they wish for from The Division.
The general tenor is: they want more tactical and authentic gear – like what is seen in Ghost Recon Wildlands or from the Black Tusk mercenaries in The Division 2 itself.
Players want to look like agents who have spent six months in a post-apocalyptic hell, with worn and thematically fitting appearances. The calls for more (para-)military and tactical equipment are hard to miss.
Many also emphasize that The Division 1 not only had more clothes to offer, but that these also fit much better into the setting. Thus, many would be satisfied if The Division simply brought some of them back.
What do you think of the new cosmetics of the Heatwave event? Do they meet your taste for hot summer days, or would you also wish for more tactical or at least thematically appealing clothing and accessories?
