Chelsea, a historic Manhattan neighborhood known for it's eclectic mix of artists, warehouses, and waterfront charm, stood as a symbol of New York’s creative spirit before the Green Poison outbreak in November 2015.
The Chelsea, as one of the first areas Division agents encounter, sets the stage for the broader struggle to reclaim New York. It's blend of urban beauty and post-apocalyptic decay, coupled with the constant threat of hostile factions, makes it a microcosm of the city’s fate. For agents, Chelsea is both a training ground and a stark reminder: to save the city, they must first survive it's streets.
The Fall of Chelsea
In the heart of Manhattan, the Chelsea neighborhood was once a vibrant tapestry of art galleries, bustling markets, and historic brownstones. However, the Green Poison swept through New York City, transforming Chelsea into a desolate battleground. The virus, unleashed during Black Friday, spread rapidly through contaminated currency, leaving Chelsea’s streets littered with abandoned belongings and the echoes of a community undone.
As the initial wave of infections overwhelmed hospitals, Chelsea’s proximity to the Hudson River made it a focal point for early containment efforts. The Joint Task Force (JTF), a coalition of police, firefighters, and National Guard, set up Camp Hudson - a makeshift base at the Chelsea Piers - to coordinate evacuations and establish quarantine zones. However, the virus’s ferocity outpaced their efforts. By early December, Chelsea’s contaminated zones, marked by biohazard warnings and sealed barriers, became no-go areas for civilians and JTF alike.
The Division’s Arrival
The activation of the Strategic Homeland Division (SHD), a covert group of sleeper agents trained for catastrophic crises, marked a turning point for Chelsea. Agents arrived to find the neighborhood fractured. The JTF, stretched thin, had abandoned several outposts, leaving behind valuable military gear in contaminated zones. Camp Hudson became a critical hub where Division agents could regroup, trade intel, and plan operations to restore order.
Chelsea’s layout, with it's mix of open avenues and narrow alleys, posed unique challenges. The contaminated zone along 8th Avenue, shrouded in toxic air, housed locked doors and abandoned JTF supplies - accessible only to agents with high-grade filters or during specific missions to unlock the 
Tech Wing. The area’s proximity to Camp Hudson made it a proving ground for new agents, tasked with missions to restore communications, secure water supplies, and investigate the virus’s origins.
Factions and Chaos
As the JTF retreated, hostile factions filled the void. The Rioters, desperate civilians turned looters, roamed Chelsea’s streets, clashing over dwindling resources. Their makeshift weapons and erratic tactics made them unpredictable, especially at night when the neighborhood’s day-night cycle emboldened their aggression. The Cleaners, fanatical sanitation workers wielding flamethrowers, emerged from Chelsea’s fringes, intent on “purifying” the infected with fire. Their presence in contaminated zones turned scavenging missions into deadly gambits.
Chelsea’s contaminated areas, like the one near W 21st Street, became hotspots for conflict. Division agents faced not only environmental hazards but also ambushes from Rikers - escaped convicts from Rikers Island - who saw Chelsea as prime territory for looting.
A Neighborhood on the Brink
Chelsea’s story is one of resilience amid collapse. Camp Hudson, served as beacons for Division agents working to rebuild the SHD Network. Side missions - such as eliminating a gang leader or securing medical supplies - offered glimpses of hope, as agents aided civilians and restored critical infrastructure. Yet, the neighborhood’s contaminated zones remained grim reminders of the virus’s toll, with ECHOs revealing tragic stories of loss, like the attack on a civilian truck near W 23rd Street.
Missions
There are at least 4 side missions and 4 encounters that are received in Camp Hudson in Chelsea which include fixing the communications, kill a female gang leader, restore water supply, and researching the virus.