This is the first story DLC for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, requiring the base game to play. Released in 2016, System Rift reunites you with Frank Pritchard to infiltrate the secure Palisade Blade data bank, seeking intel on the Santeau Group and potentially the Illuminati. As an RPG expansion, it utilizes the established stealth, combat, and augmentation mechanics, offering a focused narrative mission that deepens the main game's lore without introducing new core systems.
This content serves as the first story-focused downloadable content (DLC) for the core title, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Released in September 2016, this addition is designed to be played by those who already own and are familiar with the base game, as it directly continues narrative threads and utilizes the established mechanics and setting. It is not a standalone experience; ownership of the main game is required.
What is the focus of this story expansion?
This DLC centers on a specific mission that reunites the protagonist, Adam Jensen, with his former colleague and friend from Sarif Industries, Frank Pritchard. The central objective involves assisting Pritchard in tracking down critical intelligence concerning the enigmatic Santeau Group. This pursuit leads the investigation toward one of the most heavily fortified data repositories ever constructed: the
Palisade Blade.
By agreeing to aid Pritchard in this high-stakes data retrieval, Jensen also gains the potential opportunity to uncover further clues regarding the shadowy organization known as the Illuminati, deepening the overarching conspiracy narrative of the main game.
How does this DLC integrate with the main game?
As a story DLC,
System Rift slots into the existing narrative structure, offering a focused, self-contained mission arc rather than a sprawling new campaign. While it does not introduce entirely new gameplay systems, it provides new environments to explore and new narrative pathways to follow within the established augmented reality and Role-playing (RPG) framework of the parent title.
The scope of this content is generally considered to be a substantial side-story, offering several hours of gameplay focused heavily on narrative progression, exploration, and the signature blend of stealth, combat, and social interaction that defines the series.
What new narrative elements does this content provide?
The primary appeal of this DLC lies in its narrative focus. It allows players to delve deeper into the immediate aftermath and ongoing mysteries of the main game by focusing on specific characters and organizations central to the lore. The atmosphere remains consistent with the parent game—a near-future world grappling with the social and political fallout of human augmentation. Players engage with the established core gameplay loop, utilizing Jensen's augmentations to navigate complex security measures within the highly secured Palisade Blade facility.
This content is designed for players who wish to extend their experience within the established world and continue following specific character arcs introduced in the base game.
What platforms is this content available on?
This expansion is available across the platforms that supported the original title: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, and Mac.