In The Division 2, a new feature called “Expeditions” is coming in Episode 1. However, many Division veterans who played the feature on the PTS expected more: They would have liked modes from “The Division 1” like Underground or Survival as a DLC.
These are the new Expeditions: The major new feature of Episode 1 are “Expeditions.” These are larger missions where players will once again kill many enemies and collect loot, but with a puzzle twist:
- An expedition will go live, consisting of 3 wings
- The wings will open weekly, starting from July 23 (initially only for season pass holders – available for everyone from July 30)
- The expeditions are on a weekly lockout – they can be done once a week
The expeditions will appear with the free DLC of The Division 2: Episode 1.
This is how the Expeditions are marketed by Massive: The expeditions are sold by Massive as a “puzzle” task in the style of the “12 Hunter Masks.”
There should be content that players can play multiple times, where they are on their own and have something to solve.
Massive originally didn’t want to reveal too much, so it remains a secret. The rewards are still completely open – with a US site stating that all 4 new items in The Division 2 depend on the final completion of the expedition.
Veterans criticize free DLCs – too little variety
This is how critics see the expeditions: The expeditions could already be played on the PTS and the reaction is rather subdued:
- Players see the expeditions as “longer missions with puzzle elements” and doubt that they have much replay value.
- One calls them “secret missions on a larger scale.” (via reddit)
- He also says: That would be the price for “free” DLCs – they wouldn’t provide good content.
Hardly anyone seems to be really excited about the feature.
The biggest complaint: The expeditions offer relatively little variety compared to what you usually do.
Expeditions do not appear entirely as planned
This exacerbates the problem: Originally, the expeditions were supposed to offer a “mastery system” that would bring more variety. Players should solve increasingly difficult challenges and be faced with tasks.
However, the system is not yet finished for release and is planned to be added later.
This is the mood among veterans: Many currently view the free DLC critically. Veterans from The Division 1 wished for the DLC modes from part 1 like “Underground” or “Survival.”
In their opinion, these would have brought variety and life to The Division 2.
One says: “I would pay $100 if we could play Resistance and Survival in 3 months.”
The free expeditions are not seen as a full-fledged substitute by the veterans from The Division 1 here. They are concerned about the longevity of The Division 2.
Will the mood improve when Episode 1 goes live?
Is this all final? At the moment, there are only a few impressions from hardcore players who were on the PTS and checked it out.
Only PC players can access the PTS – and in general, only a few go to such lengths.
Perhaps the “finished” expeditions on the live server will be much better received. The mood could improve if casual players have fun in the expeditions.
At least the content is free.
The two new missions that The Division 2 brings seem to be well received. And the update brings many sensible improvements to The Division 2.
New DLC approach annoys veterans
This is what it’s about: Massive is pursuing a completely different DLC strategy with The Division 2:
- In The Division 1, DLCs were paid and brought new modes and side paths
- In The Division 2, DLCs are free and bring “more of the same,” more missions, more story, more zones – they continue the main game
The new “DLC direction” is more aimed at casual players, who look in The Division 2 again after 4 months for a few weeks rather than at “hardcore players.”
It will be exciting to see how Episode 1 and Update 5 ultimately fare. But in general, veterans of The Division 1 now view “the new Division” quite critically.
Many feel that Massive is making the “old mistakes” from part 1 again and is not incorporating enough “proven concepts.”
