The Division Survival DLC. Is it Worth Playing?

Ubisoft and Massive have released the next batch of DLC for The Division on Xbox One and PC (PS4 release coming December 20). The latest DLC is known as Survival. Just as the name states, it is a true survival game mode. I've spent a little bit of time with the Survival DLC and here are my first impressions of it. 

First off, to get to the Survival mode you'll find it in the first area you enter going down into the "Underground" area from the main base of operations (BOO). There's an entry area where you set up the session you want to play and then you're greeted with a cool new cutscene. It's worth noting that you do not have to own the Underground DLC in order to get to the Survival mode area.

The game is literally survival mode as you are dropped into the world with only a pistol and limited gear. Because the world is set in blizzard conditions, your body temperature drops while outside. You have to either get into safe houses, sheltered areas, or start fires at certain spots like burning barrels in order to keep from freezing to death. Once you either find or craft better clothing items and gear you don't have to worry about your temperature dropping.

Your agent is infected with the virus and you'll have to scavenge to find pain killers, food, and drink to help you survive. The painkillers help suppress the virus from ravaging your body, as dehydration sets in your vision starts to get blurry, and hunger will cause your health to regenerate more slowly. A cool element and attention to detail is that due to the blizzard conditions the cars, streets, and environment is covered in thick snow and visibility can be hard at times.

You can choose to play in the world either through PvE or PvP with a total of 24 other agents or players. PvP will make it similar to the Dark Zone. I much rather prefer the PvE side so that's what I've been playing. The first time playing I ran across another player pretty quickly who immediately wanted to group up. I did and we both set out taking down NPC enemies, gathering supplies, and I was able to find a couple new weapons, and craft some better clothing items which really helped my body temperature from dropping so fast.

(Gamers On a Rant First Impression Video)

The objective of Survival is to make your way to the center of the map into the Dark Zone and call an extraction helicopter to safely escape with a vaccine for the virus. However, in order to even get into the Dark Zone you will have to craft a flare gun to call in the helicopter, and a safety mask to be able to enter the contaminated zone. Also, the closer you get to the Dark Zone, the tougher the enemies will become. If you die in Survival and have nobody to revive you or a med kit to revive yourself, you die and the round is over. Even if you don't successfully call in an extraction helicopter you still get to earn loot and the end of a round. Any loot you earn can be used within the main game.

Grouping up with other players is definitely a must if you want a better chance at surviving. So far the little bit I played was fun and definitely puts a new spin on the game and adds a whole other layer of intensity because you literally are having to survive and not just by not getting killed from enemies. I loved seeing the number of agents remaining within the zone flash up on screen as it gave me a Hunger Games vibe and upped the intensity even more knowing that less and less people were surviving. I think it's a great addition to the game and adds some freshness that was much needed. I'm looking forward to diving into it some more.

So is the Survival DLC is worth getting or playing The Division for? Well, that's kind of hard to say and depends on a few factors. If you're someone who hasn't played the game at all and have been interested in it, I think it's a great addition to the game, something survival fans will enjoy, and a good time to try the game out. If you've played The Division, got tired of it and sold your copy, or just have no interest in the game at all, then I'm not sure if the Survival DLC would be reason enough to play the game. That's ultimately up to you. If you're someone like me who played the game, took a break, but still enjoyed it, then I think you should give it a try. Especially if you already own the game's season pass. Then there's absolutely no reason not to try it.

Ultimately from my first impressions with the Survival DLC I have to say I've enjoyed it. It brings a new level of intensity and danger element to the world of The Division. It's a great addition to the game and has certainly added a breath of fresh air and a much newness to the game that was sorely needed and I think it will bring both new players and old players back to the game.  

Written by: Alter Ego 83