2016’s The Division Now Runs Smoother Than Ever on PS5

Nearly a decade after its original release, Ubisoft has deployed a surprise update for Tom Clancy’s The Division, allowing the 2016 shooter to take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s hardware. The patch, which is free for all existing owners, unlocks the game’s frame rate, enabling it to run at a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS) via backward compatibility

A Long-Awaited Upgrade For years, fans of the original game—lauded for its unique, snowy New York atmosphere—have been stuck playing at 30 FPS on consoles, even as its sequel, The Division 2, received performance boosts. This update finally brings the original title up to modern standards, offering a fluid experience that significantly improves gunplay and movement.

While the update does not appear to be a native PS5 app (it runs as a PS4 title with enhanced performance), the results transform the gameplay experience. It seems to function similarly to the “FPS Boost” seen on Xbox Series X, but delivered via a specific patch for PlayStation users.

Community Reaction The update has been met with enthusiasm from the community, with many veterans eager to return to the “Dark Zone” during the holiday season. The game’s wintry setting makes it a popular revisit in December, and the removal of the 30 FPS cap removes one of the biggest barriers for players accustomed to modern performance standards.

The move also earns Ubisoft some goodwill regarding game preservation. By updating a nine-year-old live-service title, they are keeping the community active and the game playable in the best possible quality on current-gen hardware.

How to Get It Players simply need to update their copy of The Division to the latest version on their PS5. No additional purchase or “Remastered” upgrade fee is required.