Why The Division 2 Feels More Engaging Than GTA V

Why The Division 2 Feels More Engaging Than GTA V
February 26, 2025

After spending more time with both Grand Theft Auto V and The Division 2, I’ve realized just how different these games feel—and how much more enjoyable The Division 2 is for me.

GTA V is all about thug life, gang culture, and reckless behavior, filled with swearing and crime-driven missions. The open-world nature makes it harder to follow a structured path, and while that freedom can be exciting, it also makes the game feel aimless at times. The controls aren’t exactly intuitive either—I struggle with things like crouching or shooting while driving. More than that, though, GTA V subtly influences players by immersing them in a world of crime, making it easy to see how it could impact real-life behavior. Just like how I sometimes find myself saying “Yahoo!” after playing Super Mario, GTA V’s world can draw players into mimicking reckless driving, car theft, and violence.

On the other hand, The Division 2 offers a more structured and guided experience. Missions are clear, movement and combat feel smoother, and picking up loot around Washington D.C. adds an extra layer of engagement. Unlike GTA V, where you play as a criminal, The Division 2 casts you as a hero fighting to restore order, which gives it a more positive and rewarding feel. I even find myself looking at tactical gear in real life, just in case things ever go south! The game’s design encourages strategy and teamwork, making it far more immersive and enjoyable than the chaotic world of GTA V.

After playing these two games for a few more weeks, I still think The Division 2 is more interesting to play. I enjoy how there are different areas where I can pick up ammo and new gear, and side missions are easily findable within the map. There’s always something to do on my way to another mission, and the views—though tiring after a while since D.C. looks so worn down—are still amazing. It’s a very engaging game to play.

Meanwhile, GTA V’s controls are still not as intuitive, and the gameplay often feels repetitive—just driving around, waiting for a new mission to appear, still feeling pointless to me. The foul language is another downside for someone like me; the music selection is also underwhelming. I wish there was a better variety, like East Coast hip-hop, rock bands like Linkin Park, P.O.D., and Papa Roach, or even Spanish hip-hop like Akwid, Cypress Hill, Sporty Loco, Malverde, Psycho Realm, or early Pitbull.

I also wish the maps were better. Side missions similar to The Division 2 or Assassin’s Creed Origins would be a huge improvement. Overall, GTA V lacks depth in a lot of areas, so I’m not sure why everyone is so hyped about it. It’s truly a shame to have a game like this so widely accepted in society—it really sends the wrong message to our children, teens, and young adults. The Division 2 proves that you can have an engaging, action-packed game without glorifying the worst aspects of human behavior.