The Division 3 is in production — Massive calls it a “monster.” Here’s why that matters

Why Julian Gerighty’s “monster” line actually matters for players

This caught my attention because Massive didn’t use a throwaway adjective – calling The Division 3 a “monster” signals ambition, not just another seasonal live‑service follow‑up. Julian Gerighty confirmed at the New Game+ Showcase that the project is in production and that the team wants “as big an impact as Division 1.” That’s both exciting and a red flag: bigger scope usually means longer development, heavier expectations, and a push toward multi‑year live service.

Key takeaways – what to watch and what to do right now

• Massive is building The Division 3 in earnest, but no platforms or release window are announced.
• Expect a large, multi‑year live‑service plan – think Division 1 scale, not a one‑year spin.
• Tie‑in content from Division 2 (Survivors, 2026) and mobile Resurgence means cross‑promotion is likely.
• If you plan to be Day‑One ready: prep gear, three solid loadouts, and consider a current‑gen upgrade.

Breaking down the reality behind “monster”

Calling a new entry a “monster” is marketing‑heavy, but Massive’s actions back it up. Ubisoft kept The Division 2 alive with years of updates and is explicitly producing a big Survivors update in 2026. Meanwhile, Massive has the team capacity to staff a true sequel alongside ongoing live support and a mobile spin‑off, The Division: Resurgence. That combination suggests Ubisoft expects The Division 3 to be a tentpole live service with a 3-5+ year lifecycle.

Why now — and what that means for your playtime

If Massive wants Division 3 to hit like Division 1 did, they’ll want a strong returning player base and continuity. Practically, that means Division 2’s next year is the best time to position yourself for carryover rewards, veteran recognition, and mechanical familiarity. The 2026 Survivors update looks like the narrative and mechanical bridge — it adds extraction gameplay and a snowy transformation of D.C., which signals the team is re‑testing high‑tension loops before launching a new world.

What to prep in Division 2 (concrete checklist)

• Hit World Tier 5 and SHD 100+: unlock the true endgame and ease future progression.
• Build three meta‑ready loadouts: a red‑DPS crit rifle/SMG, a skill‑hybrid (turret/drone/seeker), and a tank/support kit for group play.
• Collect seasonal cosmetics and limited vanity items — Ubisoft loves rewarding legacy players with cross‑title swag.
• Practice extraction etiquette and rotations in the Dark Zone and Survival‑style modes; extraction will likely be central in Division 3.

Hardware and platform expectations

No platforms are confirmed, but Ubisoft’s recent AAA pushes have been current‑gen focused. Plan for PS5/Xbox Series X|S and PC as the highest probability targets. If you’re on PS4/Xbox One and expect day‑one access, factor an upgrade into your 2026 budget. For PC, target a modern 6-8 core CPU, an RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT class GPU or better for 1440p, and an SSD — Massive’s recent projects have leaned into fast streaming and dense city environments.

Resurgence and franchise synergy — play or skip?

Gerighty used a Resurgence appearance to re‑announce Division 3’s status. That’s telling: Ubisoft is building a multi‑surface ecosystem. Mobile Resurgence probably won’t replace the mainline experience, but it may carry cross‑promotions. My practical advice: try Resurgence at launch, claim any cross‑game rewards, and don’t sweat grinding it if the monetization or controls don’t fit you.

How “monster” might translate in gameplay

Expect extraction‑oriented endgames, denser vertical maps, and deeper buildcraft. Massive has shown a preference for hybrid gun/skill identities and systemic world events — so Division 3 will likely push clearer role fantasies (sniper, engineer, medic) and more meaningful talent synergies. Practice reading talent text, stacking multiplicative bonuses, and playing different roles now to get an early edge.

TL;DR

Yes, The Division 3 is in production and Massive wants it to be big. Don’t overreact — development takes time — but treat the next 18 months as a prep window: optimize your Division 2 progression, secure legacy cosmetics, hone extraction skills, and plan for current‑gen hardware. If Massive pulls off a true “monster,” being ready will be the difference between being carried and leading the charge.