Why You Shouldn’t Pre-order The Division’s PC Version

In the past we've expressed how it's illogical to pre-order video games in this current generation, given that many launch with bugs and other assorted problems that are often fixed in patches, yet sometimes plague a game long after it's been released. This issue is less prevalent now than it was shortly following the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One, but some games continue to suffer from teething issues, with pre-ordering remaining a risky proposition.

This is especially the case when it comes to pre-ordering PC versions of console games, with there having been multiple examples of PC ports of games failing to measure up to their console counterparts. Now PC owners are hoping that this fate won't befall The Division, with the game's closed beta on the platform being overrun by cheaters giving themselves super speed and unlimited ammo.

The game's PvP Dark Zone is currently overrun by players abusing these cheats, though a Ubisoft spokesperson stated on the publisher's official forum that players aren't hacking the game, but abusing glitches instead. The Ubisoft employee wrote: "Guys, so you're aware the things discussed here are not in fact hacks or cheats, but merely abuse of glitches that exist in the game currently. These glitches are currently being worked on by the team."

Also See: Essential Tips For Success in The Division’s PvP Dark Zone

However, players have claimed that this cannot be the case, suggesting that they are a result of users' statistics being stored on the client side, meaning that hackers can change them and they push them online. This has led to players being able to pretty much become invincible, taking to the Dark Zone and giving everyone else a major headache, as you can see in the video below:

What with this being a beta, it is hoped that Ubisoft can rectify this issue before the game receives its full release in March. However, I'd strongly suggest that if you had pre-ordered the game on PC, you reconsider doing so and instead wait it out until the game is released and it is safely determined whether or not these crippling issues still plague it.

Aside from the mostly frivolous pre-order bonuses attached to games these days, there really is no benefit to laying your money on the line before a game has been launched. This is especially the case when it comes to games reliant upon their online component in order to succeed, and with so many developers failing to rectify the problems that are faced by their PC ports (Batman: Arkham Knight and Mortal Kombat X are two particularly egregious examples of this), PC gamers should naturally be wary of console ports released on the platform.

Ubisoft previously made a commitment to improving the quality of their PC ports, though stumbled with the shoddy PC version of 2014's Assassin's Creed: Unity. They did manage to pull out a successful port of its sequel Assassin's Creed: Syndicate, but players being able to completely ruin The Division's PvP experience should set alarm bells ringing, even if the game is in its beta stages.

Considering that Rainbow Six: Siege, Ubisoft's latest online-focused shooter, suffered from a poor netcode that punished players when going toe-to-toe with online rivals with high ping, those who were looking to purchase The Division on day one should also take this into consideration when trusting Ubisoft with handling a project as focused upon multiplayer as The Division.

Hopefully Ubisoft will have ironed out the issues plaguing The Division PC before the game launches on March 8th, but until then it's a good idea for PC owners to hold onto their money.