Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 gets a permadeath mode next week and ... snowballs?

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is getting a permadeath hardcore mode with its next update on Dec. 10. It’s also getting a holiday-themed weapon and apparel items, so players can run around in Santa hats and lob snow projectiles at one another.

“Situation: Snowball” is the name for the in-game event, beginning Dec. 10. “Some of Washington D.C.’s most elusive enemies are taking a special pride in celebrating, wearing a bright red Santa Hat and taunting you about it,” says a promotional email from Ubi. “Taking these enemies down will drop a new, exclusive weapon that shoots … snowballs.” Well alrighty then!

More importantly, The Division 2’s next title update, 6.1, will offer a new Hardcore Mode of play where death is permanent. “Since there is no chance to respawn, Division Agents must be tactical and careful to see how far they can get,” Ubi said in a news release. “Play in co-op for a better chance to reach endgame and overcome Washington D.C. threats and enemies,”

The title update will deliver a “Silent Night” cache of 35 unlockable cosmetics. Players who log in between now and Jan. 7 will get a free key to open the goodies; players who bought into The Division 2’s season pass of DLC will get three free keys.

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