Massive presented its plans for the future of The Division. In addition to a sequel, a roadmap for Year 3 was introduced, which includes the new feature “Shields.” This will allow players in The Division 2 to prove that they are veterans from Part 1. Furthermore, players will have missions to complete in The Division 1.
With the announcement of The Division 2 and the plans for Year 3, Massive dropped a big bombshell during the State Of The Game on March 8. Besides the two new patches 1.8.1 and 1.8.2, which are set to release in April and June, the “Shields” feature was announced as part of the second patch.
What are Shields?
According to Massive, Shields are special achievements that give you the opportunity to unlock rewards for The Division 2 in The Division 1. These are supposed to
- be released monthly
- provide agents with plenty of engagement
- unlock rewards for The Division 2
Concrete information on how this will play out in The Division is not yet available. However, some solutions seem likely.
How could Shields look like?
There are many possible variations. They could be structured like the commendations that you can already unlock in the game. These come with a variety of tasks, whether you have to kill enemies in a certain way or complete missions without dying. Similar to the commendations.
Similar tasks like the daily and weekly assignments are also conceivable. These always follow the same pattern. “Collect 30 tools,” “Kill 50 LMB mercenaries” are common objectives, but something completely new is also possible.
Is The Division inspired by Destiny?
With a likely similar system like the Shields, Bungie managed the transition from Destiny 1 to Destiny 2. They relied on a “seal book.” Players unlocked milestones and then received emblems in Destiny 2 that signified what they had achieved in Destiny 1.
This is roughly how the system in The Division could look as well.
What could the rewards for The Division 2 look like?
There are several possibilities: Equipment, such as weapons and armor, but also weapon skins, patches, and unique outfits are always popular. Especially cosmetic items can give veterans the feeling of standing out from new players in The Division 2.
Equipment and weapons are problematic since this could give an advantage over newcomers. Therefore, cosmetic items are the more likely and less controversial solution.
A reward in the form of crafting materials and Cypher keys is also possible. However, we still do not know whether and in what form there will be crafting or a real-money shop in The Division 2.
So we have to wait for Massive to provide more information.
What do you think about this feature? Will you try to unlock the upcoming rewards?
Here you can find information about the changes in drop rates with patch 1.8.1
