The Tom Clancy brand has had a pretty mixed reception over the last decade or so. While the Splinter Cell series is beloved by many, Ghost Recon has strayed quite far from its original formula, and in doing so, has become just another third-person open-world Ubisoft shooter. The Division, however, has been a highlight of the Tom Clancy brand over its last two entries, offering some unique PvPvE gameplay in a market where that genre isn't too prominent yet. And with a free-to-play spin-off in the works, named The Division: Heartland, more players than ever will be able to enjoy The Division's unique gameplay.
Announced all the way back in May 2021, The Division: Heartland carries over much of the same general gameplay mechanics as its numbered predecessors but puts a few unique spins on the classic Division formula. Though only some brief teases have been shown so far, it seems as though The Division: Heartland may be able to offer long-time fans a fresh take on the series, and its more rural setting is just one example of this.
The Division: Heartland's Setting Is a Nice Change of Scenery For The Series
Though few details have been confirmed about The Division: Heartland, its setting is one of the few elements that have been. Confirmed by Ubisoft at the recent Ubisoft Forward Showcase, The Division: Heartland will be set in Silver Creek, a small, rural town in the American Midwest. Though the area used to be just the average peaceful middle-American town, the Dollar Flu has caused the town to descend into absolute chaos, with looters and criminal gangs setting up shop across Silver Creek. Players will assume the role of Division agents from across the nation, tasked with setting up a base camp in Silver Creek and pushing back the threats within.
The first two Division games are set in New York City and Washington D.C. respectively, where the outbreak and the ensuing chaos have allowed anarchists and looters to take over the city. In these games, players make their way through tower blocks, cramped city streets, and a series of underground networks. For fans of The Division 1 and 2, The Division: Heartland may provide a nice change of pace, with a more open, rustic setting.
As opposed to tall, gray skyscrapers, players will be clearing out nearby farms. Rather than pushing back enemy forces on a narrow city road, encircled by hulking buildings, players will be fighting in fields and large open areas. The Division: Heartland's Silver Creek setting should provide plenty of new gameplay opportunities for fans of the series, and the overall atmosphere of the game appears to be more brightly lit than its predecessors.
The more open areas of The Division: Heartland's Silver Creek setting would also tie in nicely with the game's rumored PvPvE main game mode. Though it hasn't been officially confirmed yet, a slew of leaks and rumors claim that The Division: Heartland's primary game mode is inspired by Escape From Tarkov, where players need to find as much loot as they can, and extract it safely, all while being hunted by both real players and AI. A more open map would suit this type of game mode much better than the often cramped setting of Washington D.C. or New York, with players much less likely to be constantly engaged by other players.
The Division: Heartland releases in 2022/2023 on PC and consoles.
