Table of Contents

Are SMGs Good in The Division 2? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, SMGs are absolutely good in The Division 2, but their effectiveness is nuanced and highly dependent on player preference, build, and playstyle. They are not a universally superior choice, and they excel in specific combat scenarios. While some might argue that assault rifles (ARs) are more versatile, SMGs offer unique advantages that make them a compelling option for many agents. Let’s delve into why SMGs are viable and when they truly shine in the streets of Washington D.C.

The Allure of the SMG: Strengths and Weaknesses

SMGs in The Division 2 are characterized by their high rate of fire, manageable recoil, and excellent handling. This combination allows for aggressive, close-quarters engagements where agents can deliver a flurry of bullets, often overwhelming enemies with sheer volume. Here’s a breakdown of their key strengths:

High Rate of Fire: This is perhaps the SMG’s biggest selling point. A rapid fire rate allows agents to quickly shred through enemy armor and health, especially at close range.
Low Recoil: Compared to rifles, SMGs generally have less recoil, making it easier to maintain accuracy while firing full-auto. This control is critical during intense firefights.
Fast Handling: SMGs offer faster aim-down-sight (ADS) times and quicker movement while aiming. This agility gives players an edge in close-quarters combat, allowing them to quickly react to enemy movements.
Mobility: The light nature of SMGs makes them ideal for mobile and aggressive playstyles. Agents can easily maneuver through cover and flank enemies.
Synergy with Gear Sets: Certain gear sets, like the Hunter’s Fury Set, are designed to maximize the potential of SMGs. These sets often provide bonuses to damage, armor, and movement speed when using SMGs, making them a potent choice for close-range DPS builds.

However, SMGs also come with their own set of limitations:

Lower Damage Per Bullet: Compared to rifles, SMGs generally have lower damage per bullet. This means that more shots are required to take down enemies.
Limited Range: SMGs are most effective at close to medium ranges. Their damage and accuracy diminish significantly at longer distances, making them less viable in open areas or against snipers.
Dependence on Critical Hits: Many successful SMG builds rely heavily on critical hit chance and damage to compensate for their lower per-bullet damage. This requires specific gear and talent combinations.

Top SMGs in Division 2

Not all SMGs are created equal. Some stand out for their inherent strengths and unique attributes:

The Chatterbox: This exotic SMG boasts increased critical damage, high fire rate, and the ability to increase fire rate and reload when scoring kills. This makes it a relentless damage machine in the right hands.
The Vector: A popular choice due to its incredibly high rate of fire. The Vector can melt enemies at close range, making it perfect for aggressive play.
The AUG A3: Well-rounded and reliable, the AUG A3 offers a good balance of damage, fire rate, and control, making it a solid choice for a variety of builds.
Lady Death: An exotic SMG that has a unique talent where after killing an enemy while sprinting, the agent is buffed and a shockwave is triggered when they sprint again.

When to Choose an SMG

SMGs are most effective when used within their intended niche. Consider these scenarios:

Close-Quarters Combat: In confined spaces, such as indoor areas and tight corridors, SMGs excel. Their high fire rate and maneuverability allow them to dominate in these environments.
Mobile Playstyles: If you prefer a fast-paced, aggressive style, an SMG is a perfect choice. You can quickly move between cover, flank enemies, and engage in close-quarters firefights.
Specific Gear Builds: If you are using gear sets that synergize with SMGs, such as Hunter’s Fury, they become even more effective. These sets enhance the strengths of SMGs and mitigate their weaknesses.
Hybrid Builds: Many players create hybrid builds where they pair an SMG with another weapon, such as a marksman rifle or a shotgun, to address different combat ranges.

The Verdict: SMGs are a Powerful Choice

In conclusion, SMGs are a fantastic weapon class in The Division 2. They might not be as versatile as rifles in all situations, but they excel in close-quarters combat and offer unique playstyle opportunities. With the right gear, talents, and gameplay approach, SMGs can be a very formidable tool in the hands of a skilled agent. They are not simply a “worse” version of assault rifles, but a distinct weapon type with its own niche and strengths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are SMGs better than assault rifles in The Division 2?

No, not universally. Assault rifles are more versatile and effective at medium-to-long ranges, while SMGs excel at close-range combat. The best choice depends on your playstyle and the specific combat situation.

2. Which SMG has the highest DPS in Division 2?

The Chatterbox is often cited as one of the highest DPS SMGs due to its high fire rate and critical hit damage combined with the ability to boost fire rate and refill ammo when scoring kills.

3. What is the best SMG build in The Division 2?

A common and effective SMG build revolves around the Hunter’s Fury gear set, paired with critical hit chance and damage attributes. The Lady Death exotic SMG can also be a centerpiece for a highly mobile and aggressive DPS build.

4. Why would you use an SMG over an assault rifle?

You’d choose an SMG over an assault rifle for its higher rate of fire, lower recoil, faster handling, and close-range dominance. They also synergize better with specific gear sets geared toward close quarter combat.

5. Do SMGs have better accuracy than assault rifles?

Generally, no. While SMGs have lower recoil, their accuracy at long ranges is significantly less compared to assault rifles, which are better suited for medium and long range engagements.

6. Are SMGs good for solo play in Division 2?

Yes, SMGs can be excellent for solo play, especially if you prefer an aggressive, close-range style. When used with sets like Hunter’s Fury, SMGs can effectively clear groups of enemies by running and gunning.

7. What are the best talents for SMGs in Division 2?

Some of the most effective talents for SMGs include Killer, Optimist, Strained, and Reformation. These talents boost damage output, critical hits, and other stats essential for SMG builds.

8. How does the rate of fire of SMGs compare to other weapons in Division 2?

SMGs have the highest rate of fire compared to other automatic weapons in the game, meaning they are unmatched for close-range damage bursts.

9. What’s the best range for using SMGs in Division 2?

SMGs are most effective at close to medium ranges. Their damage and accuracy drop off significantly at longer ranges.

10. Do SMGs have a higher critical hit chance in The Division 2?

SMGs don’t inherently have a higher base critical hit chance, but some, like the Chatterbox, offer increased crit damage or other bonuses that complement a critical hit focused build. They are often the choice of builds focusing on crit damage.

11. What is the best exotic SMG in The Division 2?

The Chatterbox and Lady Death are generally considered the top-tier exotic SMGs, offering powerful unique talents.

12. Can an SMG be used effectively in heroic difficulty in The Division 2?

Yes, SMGs can be very effective on Heroic difficulty, especially when paired with a synergistic build that enhances their damage, handling, and survivability.

13. How do SMGs compare to shotguns in Division 2?

Both are designed for close-quarters combat, but shotguns deliver massive damage in single bursts, while SMGs provide consistent damage over time with a high rate of fire. The choice depends on personal preference.

14. Do SMGs use the same ammo as pistols in Division 2?

Yes, SMGs use the same ammunition as pistols and other secondary weapons. This is an important consideration in resource management during long engagements.

15. Are there any downsides to using an SMG over an AR?

The main downsides are reduced range, lower per bullet damage, and a greater dependence on critical hit damage to maximize its potential. They also require a more aggressive and mobile play style, while assault rifles are more forgiving.

Are SMGs good in Division 2?