In mid-2021, Ubisoft announced the development ofThe Division Heartland. At the time, little information on the game was shared, with fans only learning that it would be free-to-play, standalone from the otherThe Divisiontitles, and would provide a “new perspective” inThe Divisionuniverse.The Division Heartlandis tentatively planned to launch prior to early 2023, but some information may have leaked early. A new report claims to have information aboutThe Division Heartland’s game modes, Excursion and Storm.
The report, which comes from frequent leaker Tom Henderson via Xfire, asserts thatThe Division Heartlandwill be afree-to-play online multiplayer gamewith clear inspiration fromEscape From Tarkov. Henderson explains thatThe Division Heartlandwill feature two modes, Excursion and Storm. Excursion is described as the introductory or beginner mode leading into Storm. It’s a PvE option, allowing players to explore, loot, and play their hearts out. Storm, on the other hand, offers the full PvPvE experience thatThe Division Heartlandwill be based around.
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In both Excursion and Storm, players' goal will be to enter a map, scavenge, loot, explore, and fight any (or at least survive) against enemies that they encounter. The map’s name is said to be Silver Creek and is described as “massive.” Players will take on these challenges, and if they survive, they can extract with the loot that they received during the match.
An added gameplay element involves gas that can spread from random locations, rather than from outward in. This ties intoThe Divisionfranchise, as the gas is related to the virus that’s led to the series' apocalypse. Players will have to craft gas mask filters in order to survive gas-ridden areas, or to escape certain enemies. Players can also use Strategic Homeland Beacons to help detect and clear the virus, or to purchase other useful mid-match power-ups.
Like inEscape From Tarkov, the goal ofThe Division Heartlandwill be to earn increasingly powerful gear to take on greater challenges within the large Silver Creek play space. Of course, it’s also a PvP experience, so taking on other strong opponents will also be core to the experience.
Other gameplay aspects of Storm and Excursion include a Base of Operations with crafting upgrades to help prepare for the next round, six characters to play as alongside three different classes, and the return ofThe Division’s enemy forcesas AI enemies. Fans can expect to hear official details regardingThe Division Heartlandin the months to come.
