What is Gear Score in The Division 1? A Comprehensive Guide
Gear Score in Tom Clancy’s The Division 1 is a numerical value that represents the overall power and quality of a player’s equipped gear. It acts as a general indicator of how well-equipped an agent is and provides a relative measure of their capability to tackle various in-game challenges, including both PvP (Player versus Player) and PvE (Player versus Environment) content. Crucially, Gear Score isn’t a direct representation of an item’s stats; instead, it’s an assessment of the item’s potential based on its rarity, stats, and modifications. Think of it as a level of quality, where a higher Gear Score generally signifies a more powerful item. All gear pieces after reaching level 30, excluding Apparel items, possess a Gear Score value. Understanding this system is vital for progressing through the game and accessing higher-level content.
How Gear Score Works
The Gear Score system essentially evaluates the combined strength of your equipment. Every piece of gear, from weapons to armor, has an associated score, and these individual scores collectively contribute to a player’s overall Gear Score. A significant point to note is that loot drops found within the game world are based on your peak available Gear Score — the highest score you’ve ever had with items in your inventory or stash — not just what you are currently wearing. This encourages players to collect and hold onto higher Gear Score items, even if they might not fit their current build.
Key Components of Gear Score
- Item Level: Each item begins with a base item level, with higher item levels naturally having a higher potential Gear Score. For example, World Tier 5 items have a higher base level than those found in lower World Tiers. Weapons have a maximum item level of 286, while other gear pieces (excluding Holsters) max out at 293 before any modifications.
- Optimization: Once you have reached the base item level, Optimization plays a large part in boosting Gear Score and making the item reach its potential. This is where Classified gear pieces become paramount. They have better base stats and have a higher Gear Score potential. The Holster can go up to 295.
- Stars: The number of stars shown alongside a piece of gear increases its Gear Score, with each star acting as a bonus or a buff to the item.
Importance of Gear Score
Gear Score is not just a number; it gates progression through the game. Several key activities require players to reach a specific Gear Score before access is granted. Stronghold Missions, for example, often demand a certain Gear Score level. This ensures that players are adequately prepared for the challenges that these missions present.
Calculating Gear Score (Simplified)
While there’s a complex formula for a deep dive, which involves percentages and flat stats, for the average player, the game itself takes care of the calculation. It’s important to understand that the game averages out your equipped gear. The more complex formula involves variables such as ATK%, HP%, DEF%, EFF%, ER%, CC% (Critical Hit Chance), CD% (Critical Hit Damage), SPD (Speed), and the flat ATK, HP, and DEF of an item. Instead of focusing on doing the math yourself, you should be aware of where you can find gear with a higher gear score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum Gear Score in The Division 1?
The theoretical maximum Gear Score for a fully optimized agent in The Division 1 is approximately 291. This requires all gear pieces to be Classified and fully optimized, and also the weapons to be at the highest base item level.
2. How do I get a higher Gear Score?
You can increase your Gear Score by acquiring and equipping better gear. The way to achieve this is by completing missions, tackling challenges, exploring the Dark Zone, and by completing weekly events. The most important aspect is optimization of high-end and classified gear.
3. Does a higher Gear Score always mean better stats?
Not necessarily. While a higher Gear Score usually signifies better stats or potential, it doesn’t always translate to better stats in each category. An item might have a higher score due to a higher defense, but a different item might have higher damage at a lower gear score. Gear score is simply an assessment of the potential of the gear, not a direct representation of individual stats.
4. What are Classified gear pieces?
Classified gear pieces are the highest rarity items in The Division 1. They provide the highest possible Gear Score (up to 293 for most items and 295 for holsters), superior base stats, and access to powerful bonuses that are very effective. Classified gear is the main reason to be able to achieve the maximum gear score.
5. What is the difference between Gear Score and World Tier?
World Tiers represent difficulty levels and the quality of loot available in the open world. World Tiers determine the base item level of the gear drops. Gear Score, as previously explained, measures the overall quality of your equipped gear. A higher World Tier will drop gear with a higher potential Gear Score.
6. How does Gear Score impact loot drops?
Loot drops are based on your peak available Gear Score. This means that even if you’re currently wearing lower-level gear, loot drops will still scale based on the highest Gear Score you’ve ever achieved with gear in your inventory or stash.
7. Can Gear Score be increased by modding items?
While modifications can impact stats, they do not directly increase Gear Score. The Gear Score of an item is primarily determined by its base item level, rarity, and optimizations.
8. Can you level up gear in The Division 1?
No, in Division 1, you cannot level up a piece of gear by leveling it like in Division 2. You level up by optimizing the gear by using resources. In Division 2, a completely different system exists.
9. What is the importance of World Tier 5?
World Tier 5 is the highest difficulty in The Division 1. In this tier, you will find the highest item level gear drops, which are needed to achieve maximum Gear Score.
10. Is Gear Score the same as Level?
No. Level (maxing at 30 in the base game) dictates access to certain content. The Gear Score system only becomes relevant after reaching Level 30 and has no effect on the Agent’s level.
11. What activities are locked behind Gear Score in The Division 1?
Certain Stronghold missions require a minimum Gear Score before you can attempt them. This is to ensure you are ready for the challenges these missions pose.
12. How do I optimize my gear for maximum Gear Score?
The most important factor is to obtain Classified gear. Once that is done, optimizing your gear involves using resources like Division Tech, and other crafting materials. This is done at the crafting table.
13. Does Gear Score affect damage output?
Gear Score does not directly affect your damage output. However, higher gear score gear will generally have better stats, which can indirectly lead to higher damage. Your builds and overall stat optimization are more important.
14. Is a 5000 Gear Score possible in The Division 1?
No. There is a misconception that Gear Score can reach 5000. This is simply not true. The maximum reachable Gear Score is around 291 in the Division 1.
15. Why is it important to understand Gear Score in The Division 1?
Understanding Gear Score helps you make informed decisions about your gear choices, allowing you to tackle higher-level content effectively. It is a key component of progression in the game and a necessary metric for any Agent to strive to improve.
Conclusion
Gear Score in The Division 1 is an essential mechanic that dictates your progression and access to higher-level challenges. By understanding how Gear Score works and how to maximize your potential, you can ensure that you are always prepared for any situation and that you are well-equipped to tackle anything that the mean streets of New York have to throw your way. Always strive to get the best Gear Score that you can.