How to Unlock and Master Specializations in The Division 2
Accessing Specializations in The Division 2 is a crucial step towards mastering the endgame content and customizing your Agent to fit your preferred playstyle. Essentially, you unlock Specializations by fulfilling two primary requirements: reaching level 30 and completing the main story, which involves finishing all of the Strongholds and triggering the Black Tusk invasion. Once these criteria are met, a new progression path opens up, offering unique Signature Weapons, exclusive Skill variants, and a diverse range of talents tailored to each Specialization.
What are Specializations in The Division 2?
Specializations are designed as The Division 2’s solution for enhancing the endgame experience. They introduce a new layer of progression that allows players to refine their character customization. Each Specialization offers a distinct playstyle, characterized by a unique Signature Weapon, a specialized Skill version, a new type of grenade, and a diverse selection of passive talents. This system allows for strategic customization, enabling players to tailor their Agents to specific roles and combat scenarios. For example, one Specialization might focus on long-range engagements with powerful sniper rifles, while another emphasizes close-quarters combat with shotguns and crowd control abilities.
The Unlock Process
Reaching Level 30 and Completing the Main Story
The initial step to accessing Specializations involves reaching the level cap of 30. This is achieved through completing missions, side quests, and exploring the game world. Alongside leveling, you must also progress through the main story, which culminates in completing all Strongholds and witnessing the Black Tusk invasion. This marks your transition into the endgame and unlocks the Specializations.
Accessing Specializations in the Base of Operations
Once both prerequisites are met, Specializations become available. You can access them at the stand next to the Quartermaster in the Base of Operations (White House). Here you can explore the different Specializations and select the one you wish to activate.
Special Field Research
Some specializations require the completion of a Special Field Research, a series of challenging tasks, to unlock them. These challenges are typically broken into multiple stages and can be time-consuming. However, they often come with additional rewards like cosmetic items or blueprints, in addition to granting access to the Specialization.
Year 1 Pass Instant Unlock
Players who purchased the Year 1 Pass will have instant access to certain Specializations, like the Gunner, Technician, and Firewall, without the need to go through Special Field Research. However, they can still undertake the research to earn the additional cosmetic rewards associated with each Specialization.
Choosing Your Specialization
Once unlocked, you can choose from several Specializations, each with its own unique attributes and strengths. Your choice significantly influences your character’s combat capabilities and playstyle. Below are the original Specializations at launch:
Sharpshooter
Focused on precision and long-range engagements, the Sharpshooter wields a powerful .50 caliber sniper rifle. They excel at taking down targets from afar and providing overwatch support for their team.
Survivalist
The Survivalist specializes in crowd control and debuffs, using a crossbow equipped with explosive bolts and status-inflicting grenades. They thrive in chaotic situations, applying pressure to multiple enemies at once.
Demolitionist
Equipped with a grenade launcher, the Demolitionist specializes in area-of-effect damage. Their playstyle revolves around clearing out groups of enemies, taking down heavily armored targets, and creating cover-destroying explosions.
Additional Specializations added later include:
Gunner
The Gunner wields a powerful minigun and uses Riot Foam Grenades for crowd control. This Specialization is often focused on aggressive tactics and sustained firepower.
Technician
The Technician uses a multi-missile launcher and focuses on utilizing skills effectively. The Technician Specialization excels in technological manipulation and support roles.
Firewall
The Firewall utilizes a flamethrower and riot shield for aggressive engagements. They focus on creating areas of denial and controlling the battlefield.
How Specializations Impact Gameplay
Each Specialization comes with its own ability tree, containing new skill variants, grenade types, and talents that complement its theme. When you activate a Specialization, you gain access to its Signature Weapon, which is deployed in a new slot. This Signature Weapon can be used via holding the dedicated button (Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox). The talents within the ability tree are designed to enhance your skills and synergize with your weapon choice.
Mastering Specializations
Experiment with different Specializations to find the one that suits your preferred playstyle. Each can be adapted to various combat scenarios. Spend time understanding the intricacies of your chosen Specialization’s ability tree to maximize its effectiveness. Also, consider how your Specialization complements your team’s composition. Team cohesion can be significantly enhanced by the strategic deployment of different Specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the requirements to unlock Specializations?
You must reach level 30 and complete the main story (all Strongholds, culminating in the Black Tusk invasion).
2. How do I access Specializations once unlocked?
Go to the stand next to the Quartermaster in the Base of Operations.
3. Do all Specializations require a Field Research to unlock?
No. Certain Specializations are instantly unlocked via the Year 1 Pass, although you can still do the research for cosmetics.
4. Can I change my Specialization once chosen?
Yes, you can change your Specialization at the stand in the Base of Operations without any penalty.
5. What are the initial Specializations available at launch?
The initial Specializations are Sharpshooter, Survivalist, and Demolitionist.
6. What are the Signature Weapons associated with each Specialization?
Each Specialization has a unique Signature Weapon: .50 caliber sniper rifle for Sharpshooter, crossbow with explosive bolts for Survivalist, grenade launcher for Demolitionist, minigun for Gunner, multi-missile launcher for Technician, and flamethrower for Firewall.
7. What is the purpose of the Specialization ability tree?
The ability tree contains unique skills variants, grenade types, and talents that are unique to each Specialization, enhancing its effectiveness.
8. Does the Year 1 Pass unlock all specializations?
The Year 1 Pass instantly unlocks Gunner, Technician, and Firewall Specializations.
9. How do I equip the Signature Weapon of my chosen Specialization?
Once a Specialization is activated, the Signature Weapon is automatically equipped and can be accessed by holding the dedicated button.
10. What is the benefit of completing Special Field Research even if I have instant unlock?
Completing the Special Field Research will unlock additional cosmetic rewards, such as themed outfits or weapon skins.
11. Are Specializations available at the beginning of the game?
No, you have to progress through the game to reach max level and complete the main story before Specializations become available.
12. How do Specializations impact my combat effectiveness?
Each Specialization provides different tools, skills, and playstyles, allowing for tailored combat engagement.
13. Do Specializations have an impact on my team’s gameplay?
Yes, the variety of playstyles, utilities, and combat approaches of the different Specializations can enhance a team’s effectiveness.
14. Which Specialization is best?
The “best” Specialization depends on individual playstyle. Experiment to find the one that best suits your needs.
15. Can I unlock every skill point in the game?
Yes, players will eventually earn enough skill points to unlock every skill in the game through natural gameplay progression.