What PC do you need to play The Division 2?
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 open beta has started today. Since this is one of the most important games of the spring, we decided to tell you the main features and system requirements. Anyone is free to join open beta — it will last until March 4. The data given in the article will be relevant for the full version of the game as well — the launch is scheduled for March 15.
System Requirements
The Division 2 is powered by a modified version of the Snowdrop engine. PC version is made by Massive Entertainment, so we can expect a good optimization. Unlimited frame rate, support of any resolutions, widescreen, multi-display, HDR and dynamic refresh rates (AMD FreeSync) — everything you could only wish.
Well, the game will require some powerful hardware even for 1080p:
• Minimum (1080p @ 30 fps): Intel Core i5–2500K or AMD FX-6350 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 or AMD Radeon R9 270 graphics card and 8 GB of RAM;
• Recommended (1080p @ 60 fps): Core i7–4790 (Ryzen 5 1500X), GeForce GTX 970 (Radeon RX 480), 8 GB of RAM;
• “High” (1440p @ 60 fps): Core i7–6700K (Ryzen 7 1700), GeForce GTX 1070 (Radeon RX Vega 56), 16 GB of RAM;
• “Elite” (4K @ 60 fps): Core i9–7900X (Ryzen 7 2700X), GeForce RTX 2080 Ti (Radeon VII), 16 GB of RAM.
Even playing on minimum settings will require 3 GB of video memory and 8 GB of RAM. Ubisoft advises using DirectX 11 only for budget configurations; mid-range or high settings will require DirectX 12. And to be honest we are not surprised by these requirements — the first episode had stunning graphics and the sequel stepped even further. Nevertheless, don’t get upset if your PC is not powerful enough — try to play The Division 2 on Playkey.net at 1080p and smooth frame rate.
Features and future expectations
Judging by the reviews of the February closed beta, The Division 2 gives a familiar impression. Yes, the scenery has changed dramatically (location has moved from New York to Washington, story takes place 7 month later), but the gameplay is the same. Still the same third-person shooter with cover-based combat system though due to many role-playing elements it can be called action/RPG. But in general it’s the just improved version of it prequel — the same opponent color identification, a lot of loot, an impressive arsenal, enjoyable shooting and unexpectedly wiser AI. Moving progress from the original game alas is impossible.
The destroyed and weed-infested capital is full of fascist groups, religious fanatics and random marauders, which the Division agents will fight against. Your first base will be the White House.
There are three dark zones (PvP locations with high-level equipment) in Washington, DC, East, West and South. Up to 12 people can explore the zone at the same time. PvP in Conflict also has traditional Domination and Skirmish modes. Both modes involve 4 vs 4 battles between agents and renegades and are not related to the main campaign.
The main feature of The Division 2 — eight-player raids. The first raid, called “Operation Dark Hours”, will be available after the release. Ubisoft also will add to the game Tidal Basin stronghold occupied by the Black Tusk group.
From summer to winter, the publisher will release three free episodes with new additions, including storylines. This summer Ubisoft will roll out “D.C. Outskirts: Expeditions” episode (2 main missions in the suburbs and a new mode), and “Pentagon: The Last Castle” will be released in fall, in which you will storm the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. The third episode has no title yet.
At E3 2018, Ubisoft confused a lot of people by saying that a) all DLCs would be free, b) there will be a season pass. It turned out that there is no contradiction here; the owners of Year 1 Pass will get some bonuses, such as early access to addons and skins.
According to some players, the original The Division had a significant disadvantage — a lack of additional content. Ubisoft has considered that and here you are — the sequel will get new operations, 3 specializations with unique skill trees (after level 30), fractions, weapons, occupied Dark Zones, raids and much more.
Open beta
Main features of The Division 2 open beta:
• 3 story missions (Grand Washington Hotel, Jefferson Trade Center, Viewpoint Museum);
• 5 optional side missions in the open world;
• 4 zones for exploration: The White House, Downtown East, The Federal Triangle and the Smithsonian;
• having finished the Jefferson Trade Center operation you will get a task, after which you will open three fighters of level 30 (= you will get 3 specializations to try in battle; in general, the maximum level in open beta is 8th);
• post-story content also includes a walk through the Eastern Dark Zone and the Skirmish mode.
Interestingly, The Division 2 ignored Steam and will be available on PC only in the Epic Games Store and UPlay. Despite this, the game got twice more preorders than its prequel.
Even though The Division 2 looks like the original game, it doesn’t make it much worse. Ubisoft worked hard to improve graphics, gameplay and provide more content and seems that it has succeeded to do it.
