The Division 2: Survivors brings back former lead Magnus Jansen as Ubisoft publishes detailed roadmap

Ubisoft revealed The Division 2: Survivors at Gamescom 2025, promising a new “survival extraction experience.” The game is rumored to launch in 2026 and brings forth an “updated” take on the third-person shooter, which debuted back in 2019.

The Division 2: Survivors is being led by creative director Magnus Jansen, who previously spearheaded the first installment. During the Gamescom Panel and in a separate blog post, Jansen said, “As some of you had already figured out, the wintery, survival extraction experience is coming to The Division 2.” Jansen further iterated that the project is more than a remake, further stating that “We are doing cool, new things.”

Though he remained tight-lipped on offering further details about the game, due to the project’s early development stage.

Executive Producer Julian Gerighty mentioned that Ubisoft is determined to maintain transparency, further adding, “The Division 2: Survivors is as much your baby as it is ours, and we strive for transparency during its development. Clear communication and community involvement are a focus as we build the new experience, and we will closely involve you as we move forward on the development journey.” 

This announcement is followed by Ubisoft’s cancellation of The Division Heartland earlier in 2024, which was poised to be a free-to-play survival shooter set in the fictional town of Silver Creek. Mentioning the cancellation, Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duget called it “a difficult but necessary and important decision.”

Contrary to Heartland, Survivors is essentially a part of The Division 2, which has seen numerous updates and content add-ons since its release. So far, concept art shows a snowy Washington, D.C. with numerous landmarks.

Ubisoft’s roadmap for Survivors currently lists the game’s release as TBA. For playtesting and community input, Ubisoft is promoting an “Elite Task Force” program, describing it as “an opportunity for our most committed players to engage directly with our development team and assist in guiding the future of The Division.”

Fan sentiments online have been enthusiastic, while some have expressed disinterest in the game’s survival mode. Still, Ubisoft is aiming to overhaul The Division 2’s seventh year, while also listening to community feedback, and meet the game’s high expectations until it officially releases.