The Division 2: release date, beta, gameplay, trailers and more

For fans of Ubisoft's The Division, the wait for its sequel has been tense.

The original game was plagued with bugs on release and it became more of a queuing simulator more than anything else in its early days. What with those launch issues for the first game, players are eagerly awaiting word on the beta for The Division 2, to see if Ubisoft can manage a smoother launch for the sequel.

Fans are asking almost daily when the beta will begin, but Ubisoft remains tight-lipped on the matter. So, until such a time where it releases more information, here's everything we know about The Division 2.

The Division 2 Release date and DLC updates

The Division 2 is due on March 15, 2019, providing there aren't any delays, and is available for pre-order. The Division 2 is getting a full year worth of DLC completely free for all players, with new areas and story missions available every three months.
The Division 2 Pre-order and Season Pass

There are five variations of The Division 2 available to pre-order and each guarantees entry into the beta, though it's not clear if this will be a separate beta to the one with an open register.

The Year One Pass hasn't been given a separate price yet, though it does come with versions of the game except for the standard game. The pass simply allows holders access to the game's free Year One Content seven days early.

See below for a breakdown of the contents of each of The Division 2's editions.

Standard edition

• The Division 2 base game
  

Gold Edition (Physical)

• The Division 2 Steelbook Gold Edition
• Three-day early access to the game starting March 12, 2019
• The Year One Pass, which includes seven-day early access to all free Year One Episodes, exclusive customisation items, additional activities, and more.
  

Gold Edition (Digital)

• The Division 2 base game
• Three-day early access to the game starting March 12, 2019
• The Year One Pass, which includes seven-day early access to all free Year One Episodes, exclusive customisation items, additional activities, and more.
  

Digital Ultimate Edition

• The Division 2 base game
• Three-day early access to the game starting March 12, 2019
• The Year One Pass, which includes seven-day early access to all free Year One Episodes, exclusive customization items, additional activities, and more.
• Three additional digital packs (Elite Agent Pack, Battleworn Secret Service Pack, First Responder Pack).
  

The Dark Zone Definitive Collector's Edition

• The Division 2 Steelbook Gold Edition
• Three-day early access to the game starting March 12, 2019
• A 30cm-high Ubicollectibles figurine of Heather Ward, The Division 2 Specialized Agent.
• Other high-end physical items, including a book of lithographs, the game soundtrack, and a Washington, DC map packed together in a premium box.
  

The Phoenix Shield Collector's Edition (Ubisoft Store exclusive)

• The Division 2 base game
• Three-day early access to the game starting March 12, 2019
• The Year One Pass and three additional digital packs (Elite Agent Pack, Battleworn Secret Service Pack, First Responder Pack).
• An Ubicollectibles high-end one-sixth scale articulated figurine of Brian Johnson with equipment and gear.
• Other high-end physical items including a Steelbook metal case (Ubisoft Store exclusive), a Book of Lithographs, the selected Game Soundtrack and a Washington, DC map.
  

The Division 2 Beta

The beta registration is still open for all platforms and a pre-order isn't necessary to play it, though you will be automatically registered to the list if you pre-order The Division 2. The beta sign up for The Division 2 is the biggest in the company's history, so to say fans of previous Tom Clancy games are excited is an understatement.
The Division 2 Gameplay, endgame and settlements

Ubisoft has added new Shield Challenges to The Division over the summer which, once unlocked, will provide you with some interesting in-game content once The Division 2 is released. It would be fair to say the company is doing all it can to keep our intrigue as we wait out the next six months.

The Division 2 is set in Washington DC this time around, though Ubisoft is keen to stress that The Division 2 is strictly apolitical.

Given that it isn't out yet, you might think it a bit odd that we're discussing the endgame this early on. Ubisoft is keen to stress that there will be a wealth of post-campaign events and challenges to complete, including eight-player raids for the first time.

You'll also be able to experience the campaign and endgame events completely solo or as a regular co-op experience. Unless you invite other players into your sessions, you won't see other players on your screen like you would in Destiny.

NPCs will play a bigger role in The Division 2. Safe houses will return; however, settlements are the interesting new addition.

Upon liberating an area of the map, a settlement will be built as NPCs move in to claim the area. A trader will spawn in the area, meaning even more side quests will become available, so you're encouraged to explore the entire map.

There will be a big focus on helping locals which contributes to the open world feel of The Division 2. Whether you're playing solo or co-op, you'll be able to see the impact your choices have on the world around you.
The Division 2 changes to the mod system

Weapons have also been given an overhaul in The Division 2. The main change that's coming is that mods won't be available as random drops. Instead, they will be unlocked through gameplay, such as by completing challenges, taking part in raids and traditional story progression.

Arekkz breaks down the changes in his video and highlights several key features.

It's also worth noting that once you have unlocked a mod it will be available permanently across all weapons, rather than juggling a limited inventory list filled with mods.

There will be a limited number of mods available to allow players to focus on experiencing a specific playstyle as opposed to constantly grinding for the best gear (we're looking at you, Bungie).
The Division 2 weapons

Weapon damage will also be more appropriate this time around. Human enemies in The Division were notoriously difficult to take down, so the damage system has been revamped in The Division 2 so that weaker enemies will go down much faster.

When you shoot enemies with armour you should be able to see it physically break off, revealing weak points, which should make the action a little more interesting.
Levelling up and specialisations

After playing the demo at E3, we discovered that upon reaching the level cap, you'll have access to three new progression trees as part of the games new Specialisation system, with Survivalist, Sharpshooter and Demolitionist being your options. Each has its own signature weapon, unique mods and skills.

You also have the option to swap between each one and max them out.
The Division 2 changes to gear and Brand

There will be better build diversity and gear customization in The Division 2. Brands will be introduced to the game and will be different from the gear sets previously available in the first game. Players will have access to Brands right from the start and the feature is prominent in every area of The Division 2.

Each piece of a certain Brand will provide a bonus and wearing a full set of one particular Brand will grant an even bigger bonus. If you have three sets of gear that are also all the same Brand, you'll get further bonuses again.

Some of the Brand pieces are tied to specific talents, so depending on the talent you're after you might find yourself becoming an ambassador for that specific Brand.

The Division 2 will be taking a leaf out of Destiny's book, with exotic weapons that each have their own lore to make them more unique, and will be a lot more powerful.

We'll be updating this page regularly as we learn more about The Division 2, so watch this space.

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