In what’s been a pretty slow start in terms of game releases for 2016, many eyes are aimed at the Division which launches in a few short weeks on March 8^th. Not only does the game have little to no competition releasing around the same time, the game’s biggest competitor (as named by the majority of the gaming press) Destiny, is currently suffering from a lack of content and with nothing new on the horizon the timing of the Division’s release couldn’t be better.

The Division has a lot to get excited about, particularly if you’re a fan of the loot based shooter. Here are the aspects of the Division we are most looking forward to.

The Loot

In this materialistic society we live in there’s no bigger draw than a good piece of loot and the Division has it in spades. Guns, armor, backpacks and cosmetic items all come in a variety of shapes sizes, and of course rarities.

The top end loot can be acquired in the Dark Zone which takes a whole new approach to collecting loot. Players not only have farm hard to kill NPCs for the top tier loot, they have to get it by other players who could turn on them at a moment’s notice to take it for themselves. Successfully loading up an extraction chopper with a good loot haul is a very satisfying moment in the Division.

The Customization

While we didn’t get to see a lot of character customization in the Division betas, we did get a look at the weapon and skills that will be available. Players will have a wide array of options when it comes to customization their characters weapons.

Each weapon can be equipped with several different attachments that alter things like precision, ammo, and reload time as well as critical chance and damage. Weapon attachments also come in a variety of different rarities, meaning even higher end loot for you to search for during the end game.

When it comes to customizing your character to quit your play style, there are three options via perks, skills and talents. All three have a whack of different items to choose from, which can be mixed and matched to create the agent of your dreams. If you get tired of playing one role in your squad, those same skills and talents can be swapped for something else whenever you want.

The Story and the Setting

We only had a short time in the beta to explore the run down city, but in that limited span we got to see what awaits us. Scattered survivors, feral dogs and rampaging bandits are lurking around each alley, especially in the Dark Zone.

Located throughout the city you’ll also run across remnants and recordings of the events that happened during the chaos of the initial outbreak. Some you’ll even get to relive through holographic reconstruction and audio recordings.

It’s also a world you’re invested in right from the start. In order to gain a foothold in the city and eventually take it back, you’ve got to get your home base up and running with the different services and facilities required. The more you invest into upgrading your base and improving the strength of the Division, the more skills and abilities your character unlocks.

The Squad

The Division is a game built around team play in every way. Story missions, end game content, and of course the Dark Zone, can all be completed in a squad of up to 4 people. Each of the game’s three skill trees are built to reflect the importance of grouping up to maximize your effectiveness.

Specializing in the security tree will improve your survival and stamina traits, the tech wing ups your damage output, and the medical tree gives you the power to heal and resurrect your allies.

While the trinity may be an old formula, it’s a proven one, and in the division it looks to be less of a requirement and more of a bonus to have a group consist of all three.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the Division, especially during this somewhat dry period for game releases. The beta gave most fans who pre-ordered a boost of confidence that their money was well placed. Here’s hoping that the full game blows us away.