

It’s not all that entertaining, but “winning” against the odds is admittedly quite fulfilling. You have to take your time from behind cover, pop up, kill or weaken enemies, and then repeat. They’re not even that fun to play, either: the cards are stacked very much against you, so it’s just a case of attrition and grinding engagements out. Clearing control points can be far too overwhelming without backup as the Hyenas tend to simply appear from behind you, and side missions aren’t really that well balanced for solo play. It must be said, however, that some of the activities are a little on the oppressive side if you’re on your lonesome. Going off on your jollies and exploring the destitute nooks and crannies of Washington is almost as fun as teaming up to kill swathes of bad guys. Exploration is a lot more rewarding here, the game offering you digestible chunks of lore beyond sitting and waiting for an echo to do its thing. There’s also the fact that the game world feels considerably more alive and fleshed out as a solo player than previously - you are actually better off rooting yourself in this world on your own than with friends. So far, The Division 2 has nailed the feeling of measured and satisfying progress, and that’s without even mentioning things like the ability to unlock the Dark Zone and Conflict PVP.

Beyond the essentials, The Division 2 allows you to restore and improve settlements by completing tasks, which will then open the game up even more. This keeps it feeling constantly fresh: I have spent fifteen hours in the game and my map still looks like an itinerary for a very dedicated tourist. Often when you clear a main mission in The Division 2, a whole new bunch of activities crop up. Whether it’s helping a hostage escape or simply eradicating all the edgy idiots who have made DC their playground, The Division 2 has no shortage of content. Washington is bustling where New York was arid you’re never more than a saunter through its stunning streets filled with dogs you can’t pet (the biggest fault the game has) away from finding something to do. The most obvious reason for this change in opinion is the sheer wealth of things to see and do. And this is coming from someone who thought playing solo in the original was about as fun as headbutting the pointy end of a pencil. The question is, though: is The Division 2 a good fit for those who primarily want a single-player experience? The answer is a resounding yes, possibly more so than for any game of its ilk in the past. These games aren’t for everyone, so you may find yourself being the only one in your group of friends playing, forcing you to go it alone. If you, like me, have an eclectic friends list consisting of people who can’t stand “looter shooters” or Fortnite kids who added you because they liked your skin, it can be a little difficult to gather a squad together for something like The Division 2.
