Highlights

  • Get gear with same names for optimal benefits. Ensure correct gear for faster progression.
  • Secure Accolades for XP bonuses and faster leveling up to 30. Try different gameplay strategies.
  • Stay wary of enemy flanking tactics. Use movement and cover strategically to outsmart opponents.

Players of The Division 2 find themselves facing the aftermath of a smallpox pandemic. Their characters work as agents working under the Strategic Homeland Division, with missions designed to rebuild Washington D.C. against all the odds. Unfortunately, these agents have to face threats in the form of mercenaries, other armed groups, and even traitors.

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As with other Tom Clancy titles, The Division 2 contains quite an intriguing story. And true to Ubisoft fashion, the game offers an action-packed third-person shooter. So, for newbies out there, just how exactly should they play the game?

Updated on March 14, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With The Division 2 kicking off February of its Year 5 with Season 3: Vanguard, fans of the Tom Clancy franchise can expect more secrets unveiled as Agent Kelso goes missing while ensuring the safety of the Haven settlement. This comes with the unveiling of balancing changes and the arrival of new weapons such as the Mosquito (Exotic Pistol) and the Vindicator (Exotic Rifle), and gear such as Rugged Gauntlets (Exotic Gloves), Aegis (Gear Set), and Palisade Steelworks (Brand Set). With these new gear and locations in mind, newcomers to The Division 2 might feel overwhelmed with the kind of progress they should make as soon as they create characters. Thankfully, the game can be quite a straightforward experience with the right approach, especially when players stay clear of flanks, secure Accolades for more EXP, and getting same-named Gear as often as possible.

23 Try To Get Gear Of The Same Set

Gear Of The Same Name Get Better Bonuses

Try To Get Gear Of The Same Set

Being a tactical looter-shooter, Gear Score can dictate a player's overall progression in the endgame of The Division 2. In fact, the right gear can spell the difference between life or death in difficult encounters, with the game's rarity-based equipment positioning high-rarity Purple, Yellow, Orange, or Exotic pieces are more valuable compared to Green (Standard) or Blue (Specialized) gear. However, for newcomers, the priority isn't to mix and match various equipment but instead optimize gear for faster progression.

Newcomers should consider trying to find gear with similar names in order to obtain specific benefits. Ideal starting named gear to gun for throughout progression include:

  • Hunter's Fury: The Apex Predator bonus debuffs enemies within 15 meters with damage taken increase, on top of damage boosts at short range as well as innate lifesteal.
  • Umbra Initiative: Boosts critical chance and reload speed on top of crit damage increase during cover while getting more Armor when in direct combat.

22 Secure Accolades For More EXP

Unlock Experience Accolades For Faster Leveling To 30

An agent in Division 2

Before new players take on the Hyenas in The Division 2, they may first want to secure their new character's level in order to safely approach the shooter's endgame portion. Considering how progression in the title still relies heavily on Experience, newcomers may think just killing enemies on sight should power-level them to high-enough challenge tiers in a few days' worth of sessions. However, there are ways of further increasing a character's opportunity to level up faster, courtesy of Accolades.

When players begin to take Perks from the Quartermaster, it helps to secure Accolades I to V as soon as possible. These Perks reward XP Bonuses depending on certain actions, which serve as ways to encourage players to try different gameplay strategies. These Accolades include securing kills with headshots (Headshot Accolade), crowd-based kills (Multi-Kill Accolade), hitting weak points for a harsh finish (Weakpoints Accolade), using the environment (Tactical Kill Accolade), and not dying in an extended encounter (Survivor).

21 Stay Wary Of Flanking Enemies

Enemies React More Carefully To Players

A Sniper taking aim-2

While The Division 2 has its own fair share of difficult enemies, newcomers to the game may already notice the sequel's increased challenge with the title's improved AI. Unlike the first game where players can go for traditional stealth gameplay or even guns-out strategies, the more reactive AI of enemies in the game can make for some intelligent gunplay on parts of the opponents.

For instance, players firing from a certain position shouldn't stay in one place for too long as enemy reinforcements will try to flank them. This mechanic encourages more fluid movement on the part of players and making proper use of the game's cover system, especially now that enemies will also actively try to get the upper hand.

20 Practice Teaming Up

Teaming Up Lets Players Get More Strategic In Missions

A Team in Division 2

Despite Drones, Mines, and Turrets practically allowing players of The Division 2 to traverse most levels alone, a lot of the fun and tactical prowess in the game is shown in its multiplayer components. And while the Dark Zone is still a hazardous area to enter for newcomers to the game, there’s still value in The Division 2 players practicing their co-op strategies, especially as they progress through their Specializations.

A key component in this multiplayer practice is to either find a collaborative group to play with, use the Matchmaking Station to get paired with other open players, or even look for Agents “Requesting Backup” from ISAC. These options likely pair players with Agents of similar skill levels and gear levels,

19 Go Back To The Base After Every Level

Get Rewards At The Base For The First Few Levels

The White House is the DC Base of Operations

As with other RPGs, leveling up in Division 2 gameplay gives them various methods to improve their stats further. In the case of the game, Agents who level up receive Skill Points and SHD Tech they could use to unlock new abilities and obtain new Perks to personalize their Agents further. Players can only spend these points during their visits to the Quartermaster.

In turn, players may want to consider going back to the White House whenever they level up to immediately spend their points and become as optimally built as possible. While players can do the usual MMO strategy of delaying their upgrades after various levels, enemies may become a tad bit difficult to deal with once players skip enough skill-ups, making encounters unnecessarily more difficult for them.

18 Get Headshot Perk To Train

Better Accuracy Means Less Time To Kill

Aiming in The Division 2

Unlike other shooters, gameplay in Division 2 allows players access to unique buffs that vastly improve their tactical prowess through Perks. It’s Perks that give players a lot of customization options for their Agent, giving them a means of leaning towards specialties and playstyles that make them apart from other Agents who generally have access to the same tools.

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For beginners, ideal Perks to pick are those that give players a lot of room for practice. A priority here would be the Headshot Accolade Perk, which provides extra XP whenever Agents pull off headshot kills. Considering how headshots can make encounters with multiple enemies much more accessible, practicing these early on can become something players can thank themselves for once they reach the game’s stricter endgame levels.

17 Secure Followers To Get Projects Faster

Speed Up Progression With The Follower-Project Loop

Projects in The Division 2

With one of the main goals of Division 2 being the restoration of order in Washington D.C., players are also tasked with establishing key points of “civilization” to pave the way for safe civilian settlements slowly and away from evil entities such as the Hyenas. The gameplay describes these locations as Projects, which will not only give players extra rewards and boost XP gain but also provide new locations to Settlements.

Obtaining Projects can be tricky, however, as they’re generally tied to Followers players acquire in the game. Throughout the game’s main mission, The Division 2 eventually tasks players to get Followers to access Projects. And before players get more Followers, they need to upgrade Projects where they come from. This “loop” of players constantly developing areas they slowly access can give them a steady stream of both Projects and Followers, and the management of the collection of these gameplay elements early on can make an Agent’s growth much easier.

16 Skip Crafting Weapons For Now

Get Weapons From Missions First

A weapon in The Division 2

One of the most exciting components of The Division 2 gameplay is its tactical premise in a post-apocalyptic setting. This means while players do get access to various real-life guns, they also have the option of customizing them to meet precisely the functions they need to survive in a chaotic Washington D.C. It’s exactly this crafting option that makes Division 2 all the more personalized for players, especially when they can craft a ton of weapons.

However, newcomers may want to skip out on crafting for now. Eliminating various opponents and clearing multiple objectives early on will give players a wide variety of weapons to use anyway, allowing them to get a grand tour of trying multiple gun types at a time. As players get further into the game’s story, they’ll eventually have a better understanding of which weapons to donate and sell, and which ones they should keep as part of their rotations.

15 Avoid Stressing Over Early Builds

Get A Playstyle Before Focusing On A Build

division-2-screenshot

As with any spec-ops team, Division Agents all have Specializations in the field. For players, these served as equivalents of classes that enabled their characters to fulfill special battlefield roles. These include explosive Demolitionists, supportive Survivalists, and deadly Sharpshooters. Naturally, players who want to get a headstart in crafting effective builds would want to stick to a Specialization on the get-go.

Thankfully, this isn't necessarily the case. In the game, players can freely switch between Specializations provided they've unlocked them. That way, they can prepare ideal builds based on their preferred combat roles. This also helps players avoid having to build another character.

14 Cling To Old Gear For Projects

Projects in The Division 2

Players progressing through the game will likely gather a ton of loot - particularly gear that can improve their character's base stats. As with any MMO, loot lovers might find it difficult to separate with even the earliest of loot they uncover. Thankfully, the game does incentive players who periodically let go of unnecessary items.

In the player's mission to rebuild order in Washington DC, they will be tasked to help the Division recreate critical infrastructure around the region. The game refers to these establishments as Projects, and they need players to trade in their old gear to generate new supplies. Players who complete Projects not only get rewards but also access to safe zones and unique gameplay elements.

13 Upgrade With Weapon Mods

Mods Can Improve Weapon Performance Significantly

Upgrading Weapons in The Division 2

Being specialists in their own right, Division Agents also have the opportunity to customize their gear to fit their combat preferences. In the game, players can customize their weapons with any number of Mods to enhance their performance. Players can slot in mods in the form of Magazines, Muzzles, Optics, and Underbarrels.

Ideal Mods for beginners would help with weapon handling and firing rate. These include the Nimble Link Belt (Magazine, 5-percent Fire rate buff) or even the Omega 5.56 Rifle Suppressor (Muzzle, 20-percent Stability buff). Overall, players should try and find Mods that could help them perform in their ideal playstyle. That way, they can slowly experiment with the kind of builds they may want for their character as they level up.

12 Recalibration Has Its Perks

Consider Recalibration For Specific Builds

Recalibration in The Division 2

Given how weapons form a core aspect of the gameplay in The Division 2, they also have extra customization features aside from Mods. By the time players unlock the Recalibration Station in the White House, they can perform Recalibration as well. At its core, Recalibration allows players to transfer one stat or Talent from one weapon to a weapon of the same type. This process can only happen once and destroy the stat or Talent source.

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With this in mind, players don’t necessarily have to throw away weapons they started loving particularly because of a particular stat. Moreover, this can allow players to customize their weapons even further and carry their favorite stat or Talent onto newer weapons.

11 Sound Matters In Combat

Take Note Of Where Footsteps, Shots Are Coming From

Cover in the Division 2

Being a modern Tom Clancy game, players can expect The Division 2 to play similar to their other military fiction titles, such as Rainbow Six: Siege. More notably, Siege’s remarkable usage of sound technology also carries over to The Division 2. In turn, combat relies not only on how players shoot opponents but on how they position themselves and utilize sound.

Enemies have some degree of acoustic recognition, meaning they can focus fire and try to position where they think the player is located. In turn, players need to make use of their environment to lure enemies to unexpected positions using sound cues. Likewise, they should note how they can sneak into enemy lines undetected and how best they can stealthily eliminate foes when outnumbered.

10 Take Advantage Of Skills

Use Skills To Personalize Gameplay Strategies

Players in The Division 2 have access to various skills that can aid them and their allies in the game. There are eight skills present in The Division 2, each with its subcategories, advantages, and disadvantages. Players should choose skills appropriate for their role so that they can maximize their contribution to their squad.

For instance, solo players can use the Drone (Striker) or Turret (Assault) to get an extra squad member in their missions. Turrets can be placed on top of covers, giving players additional protection while reloading or fixing their loadout. Meanwhile, a Striker Drone can fly around the battlefield and shoot at mobs while you focus on your objective.

9 Get Your Shots Right

Aim At Weak Points To Avoid Wasting Ammo

Ubisoft implemented Armor Plates for both enemies and players in The Division 2, meaning mobs and bosses can get much harder to hit, regardless of whether they're in New York or Washington D.C. However, this caveat doesn't make them impossible to kill. Players have to look for possible weaknesses in enemy armor and shoot those spots first to break them. These weak spots usually come in red color, so keep an eye out for these discrepancies.

When players break enemy Armor, they become much more vulnerable and easier to kill. If players and their squad find a mob hard to eliminate, they're probably wearing Armor.

8 Use Covers Often And Carefully

Make Strategic Use Of The Map Through Covers

Aside from armor plating, Ubisoft implemented a cover system in the game. This element makes shootouts more often and more engaging. Likewise, this feature means staying out in the open will likely kill players immediately. Thankfully, there's plenty of cover around the city, so players can easily defend themselves from mobs.

However, players should be careful about using the cover mechanic. While covers allow them to plan shots and repair equipment, enemies may be encouraged to flank players or even pin them down. Enemies also use cover, so players should be extra cautious whenever they approach tight spots or use objects as cover.

7 Fix Armor Except Before Completing The Mission

Save Armor Plates By Delaying Repairs Until The End Of The Mission

Both players and enemies possess armor, which adds another level of difficulty in combat. When players get hit, their Armor also suffers damage and risks getting destroyed. Thankfully, players can repair their armor with armor plates during firefights, especially when they take cover. However, players shouldn't repair their armor in battle all the time.

This advice might seem counterintuitive, but it makes sense given the rarity of Armor Plates. In lengthy story battles, players should repair their Armor as soon as possible, especially if there are a lot of enemies left. However, in the endgame, they can simply make do with broken Armor and finish the mission without wasting Armor Plates. Players should do this often, as the game refills Armor and Health after the task anyway.

6 Punch When They Get Too Close

Go For Melee To Avoid Wasting Ammo, Secure Escape Routes

Just because The Division 2 has guns doesn't mean there's no opportunity to go melee. Players can press Tab (or the right stick) to punch enemies when they get too close. This move can be helpful when there's a ton of mobs to deal with, or if you need a quick exit.

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Moreover, gamers can practice their melee skills thanks to some challenges that encourage using melee against enemies. Players who know when to use melee combat in the game can help squads decide when to approach enemies and what tactics to use to distract opponents when they're up close.

5 Consider Getting The Detection Perk

Detection Can Make Gathering Loot More Efficient

Players who want to get better loot in The Division 2 should consider getting the Detection perk. Unlike other perks that give more armor plates and space for supplies, Detection might seem useless. After all, this perk simply lets players see loot containers around the world after giving supplies to friendly control points.

However, players who want to craft their weapons should get this perk to make the search for crafting materials easier. Moreover, this perk maximizes the player's chances of finding all the food and water at a supply node.

4 Activate Safehouses, Secure Control Points

Get More Secure During Travels Through Safehouses

Players can explore a huge overworld in The Division 2, filled with different locations and missions. However, gamers who want to take full advantage of this open world should consider focusing on safehouse and control points. New areas contain safehouses that serve as matchmaking and spawn points. Moreover, these safe houses offer quests that lead to boss fights with great EXP rewards.

Meanwhile, control points serve as contested areas in new regions with enemy mobs. Players that clear these areas not only make the control point a safe zone for fast travel and spawning. Instead, these reclaimed control points will now spawn friendly NPCs that patrol the area for added security.