The Division 3: What We Know About Ubisoft’s Next Chapter

Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s The Division 3 has fans of the post-apocalyptic looter-shooter series buzzing with anticipation. Announced in September 2023, the third installment is in development at Massive Entertainment, but details remain scarce. With The Division 2 still thriving thanks to recent expansions like Battle for Brooklyn, players are eager to learn what’s next for the franchise. Here’s everything we know so far about The Division 3, from its leadership to potential features and release timeline.

Development Underway at Massive Entertainment

Massive Entertainment, the Swedish studio behind The Division and The Division 2, is leading development on The Division 3. The project is helmed by Julian Gerighty, executive producer for the franchise, who previously directed The Division 2 and Star Wars Outlaws. Gerighty’s involvement has sparked excitement, with the developer expressing his honor in building “unforgettable experiences” in the series’ post-pandemic world. However, Massive’s plate is full, as the studio is also supporting The Division 2 and other projects like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which may slow progress on the sequel.

A Long Road to Release

Fans hoping for a near-term launch may be disappointed. Reports indicate that The Division 3 won’t release before the end of 2026, with some insiders suggesting 2027 as the earliest possible window. The game was in pre-production during Star Wars Outlaws’ development, but Massive is now shifting more resources to the project. The cancellation of the free-to-play spin-off The Division Heartland in 2023 has allowed Ubisoft to focus on the mainline series, though a mobile title, The Division Resurgence, is still in the works for a potential 2025 release.

What to Expect from Gameplay and Setting

While Ubisoft has shared no concrete details about The Division 3’s story or setting, the series’ formula suggests a continuation of its cooperative and competitive gameplay. Expect a mix of solo and multiplayer missions, raids, and the iconic Dark Zone, where players face off in high-stakes PvPvE combat. The first game’s snowy New York City and The Division 2’s Washington, D.C., set the stage for a new urban environment, with fans speculating about a return to New York or a fresh city like Chicago or Los Angeles. Posts on social media highlight a desire for the original’s winter aesthetic and faster-paced combat, with some calling for a seasonal system similar to Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Community Hopes and Speculation

The The Division community is vocal about its wishlist for the third game. Fans have praised the series for its immersive open-world, detailed gear systems, and iconic elements like Hunters and the Dark Zone. Recent posts on X reflect excitement for a potential reveal at events like Summer Game Fest, with some hoping for a February 2026 release, though this seems optimistic given the reported timeline. Others have urged Ubisoft to refine gameplay, reducing “bullet sponge” enemies and enhancing endgame loops, building on The Division 2’s Year 7 Crossroads season and Battle for Brooklyn DLC, which introduced nostalgic callbacks to the original game.

Some fans dream of innovative features, like a zombie-themed mode or dynamic seasonal content, but Ubisoft’s focus on The Division 3 as a mainline title suggests a commitment to the series’ core identity: tactical squad-based shooting in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Challenges and Ubisoft’s Commitment

Ubisoft’s recent challenges, including office closures and delays for projects like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, have raised concerns about The Division 3’s development. The studio’s dedication to The Division 2, with updates like the April 2025 patch and Battle for Brooklyn, shows continued support for the franchise, but juggling multiple projects could stretch resources thin. Despite this, Ubisoft’s confirmation of The Division 3 and Gerighty’s leadership signal confidence in delivering a polished sequel.

Looking Ahead

With no official trailer or gameplay details yet, The Division 3 remains a distant but tantalizing prospect. Massive Entertainment is actively recruiting for the project, hinting at a growing team and long-term commitment. As The Division 2 keeps players engaged with new content, fans are hopeful for a reveal at upcoming events like Ubisoft Forward or The Game Awards later in 2025. What do you want to see in The Division 3? A new city, refined mechanics, or a bold new mode? Stay tuned for more updates as Ubisoft gears up for the next chapter in this beloved series.