5 things you need to know about The Division 2: Warlords of New York (video)

5 Things Division 2 Expansion
5 Things Division 2 Expansion

The Division 2: Warlords of New York brings a whole host of changes, improvements, and more to the game. Aaron Keener has returned with hardcore backup, and this is likely to be a player's toughest challenge yet.

Freelance writer Samuel Tolbert got to attend a preview event for this expansion, asking questions and playing a chunk of the new story missions. In the video above, Samuel goes over the five big things that players need to know about The Division 2: Warlords of New York.

If you'd like to learn more about The Division 2: Warlords of New York, you can check out Samuel's in-depth preview right here. In it, he goes into further detail on what players can expect from the gameplay improvements and story focus.

The Division 2: Warlords of New York is scheduled to release on March 3 for Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4, with a release coming on Stadia sometime later in March.

1. Four rogue agents, four special abilities, four sectors

Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment (Image credit: Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

Aaron Keener isn't alone. He's recruited four special operatives to his side, fellow rogue agents who no longer believe in the cause of the Division. Each of these agents is located in a different section of New York. There are four different large sections to explore: Two Bridges, Civic Center, Battery Park, and Financial District.

Don't expect them to look the same as they did in the first game, however – it's no longer winter, and a hurricane has caused significant damage. Each area is home to a rogue agent, who you'll need to take down in your hunt for Keener. There's just one problem – each agent has a particular skill that you don't have. If you want that skill, you'll need to take them down to get it.

As an example, Theo Parnell, who I was after in the gameplay preview I played, can create holographic decoys of himself. He's a master of deception, and fighting him isn't an easy challenge. This gives each section of New York a distinct feel, as you'll need to adapt to each new challenge the rogue agents throw your way.

2. Old factions return

Division 2 Cleaners (Image credit: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

Division 2 Rikers (Image credit: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment

If you played the first Division, you'll remember some of the different factions that were at large in New York. Well, guess what? They're back! The Cleaners and the Rikers are both roaming the streets, and they've got some AI upgrades that make them even more of a threat than they were the first time around.

3. The endgame is being overhauled

Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment (Image credit: Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

Warlords of New York brings a complete overhaul of the endgame in The Division 2. Gear has been streamlined, removing some of the complexity in managing your stats while still making multiple different builds viable for combat. The level cap has been raised from 30 to 40, and once you max that out, there's a new form of infinite progression that'll allow you to keep on progressing your character.

The Dark Zones are being "revitalized," while Seasons are being introduced into The Division 2, providing plentiful new activities and Global Events for months after the expansion is out. You can even earn Seasonal Ranks as each Season goes on.

4. The new Raid is on the way

Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment (Image credit: Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

There's a new raid coming! While we don't have many details at this time, Raid #2 is going to launch sometime later in Spring and is designed to provide a worthy challenge for veteran players. It's called The Foundry.

5. You can jump right in at Level 30

Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment (Image credit: Source: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment)

If all of this sounds interesting to you, but you're worried about the time commitment it'll take to get up to speed, don't worry! While you need to own the base game to play this expansion, Warlords of New York includes the option of creating a new level 30 character straight away, so your first experience with The Division 2 can be jumping in, returning to New York and beginning the search for the former Agent Keener.

There's a lot to look forward to whether you're a returning Division 2 player, or someone jumping on for the first time. The Division 2: Episode 3 releases tomorrow for early access Year 1 pass holders, while it releases on February 19 for everyone else. The Division 2: Warlords of New York is set to be available on Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4 on March 3, with a release on Stadia coming sometime later in March.

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Miles Dompier

Miles Dompier is a Freelance Video Producer for Windows Central, focusing on video content for Windows Central Gaming. In addition to writing or producing news, reviews, and gaming guides, Miles delivers fun, community-focused videos for the Windows Central Gaming YouTube channel. Miles also hosts Xbox Chaturdays every Saturday, which serves as the Windows Central Gaming weekly podcast.