How to Achieve Gear Score 291 in The Division: A Comprehensive Guide
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Achieving a Gear Score of 291 in Tom Clancy’s The Division requires focused effort and an understanding of the game’s loot system and optimization mechanics. At this stage of the game, you’re aiming for top-tier equipment before the introduction of later expansions. Essentially, you need to gather Classified gear pieces (with a potential max of 293, except the Holster, which can go to 295) and World Tier 5 (WT5) base item level weapons (286 max), and then optimize them. This means grinding for specific loot, understanding how to improve your gear, and making the most out of your resources. This guide will break down the process, providing a clear path to gear score 291 and a selection of frequently asked questions.
The Path to 291 Gear Score
To reach a 291 gear score, you need to understand the core elements involved:
1. Obtaining Classified Gear
Classified Gear is the highest tier of gear available in the base version of The Division. These pieces are distinct from standard High-End gear and boast superior stats and potential. To acquire Classified gear, you’ll need to focus on the following activities:
- Incursion Missions: Incursions on harder difficulties (Hard, Challenging, Heroic) have higher chances to drop Classified Gear.
- Underground DLC: Completing Underground operations, especially at higher difficulties and phases, increases the likelihood of Classified Gear drops.
- Survival DLC: Participating in Survival mode, either PvP or PvE, provides opportunities to acquire Classified Gear, especially as a reward for surviving longer.
- Legendary Missions: While challenging, legendary missions have the highest chance to drop Classified Gear among the base game’s activities.
- Weekly Assignments and Missions: Completing weekly tasks and missions frequently rewards Classified Gear caches.
- Global Events: These limited-time events often feature increased Classified Gear drop rates, making them valuable periods for farming.
2. Achieving World Tier 5
To ensure your gear drops with the necessary base item level to reach 291, you MUST be in World Tier 5 (WT5). This is the highest world tier before the Warlords of New York expansion, and it dictates the maximum base item level of the gear you find. To get to WT5 you must achieve a gear score of 425 in Division 2, then you need to complete Capitol Building, District Union Arena and Roosevelt Island invaded Strongholds. After these are done you must finish the Tidal Basin invaded Stronghold to unlock WT5.
3. Weapon Acquisition
Your weapons, though capped at a base item level of 286, play a key role in overall gear score. You’ll want weapons that are at this maximum value to contribute the most toward your desired 291. You should farm the same activities as stated above for classified gear, for these highest tier weapons. Even your Pistol needs to be of this quality.
4. Optimization is Key
Once you’ve obtained a full set of Classified gear and maximum level WT5 weapons, the real work begins: optimization. Optimization is achieved through:
- Optimization Station: Use your resources and the optimization station to improve the base stats of each gear piece. This process can bring them very close to their maximum potential values.
- Grinding for Specific Attributes: Look for gear with ideal core attributes and additional stats that work well with your build and playstyle.
- Recalibration: If an item has a high overall potential but one undesirable attribute, you can recalibrate that attribute at the recalibration station. This allows you to swap an undesirable attribute with a better one, from gear you have in your inventory.
5. Persistent Farming
Reaching 291 gear score is not a one-time effort. You will have to continuously farm for gear, optimize it, and recalibrate it. Persistence is key when attempting to achieve the highest gear score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Gear Score cap in The Division?
Prior to the Warlords of New York expansion, the maximum Gear Score in The Division was 291, when all the classified gear and weapons are fully optimized. After Warlords of New York, the gear score system was replaced with the SHD level, and the cap is 515.
What gear score is Tier 5 in Division 2?
To access World Tier 5 in The Division 2, you need to have a Gear Score of at least 425 and complete the appropriate Strongholds.
What is the highest level in Division 1?
The highest player level for PVE in Division 1 is Level 30. For Dark Zone it is rank 50.
What is gear rank 10 in Division 2?
In Division 2, reaching Proficiency Rank 10 with a specific item means you are considered “proficient” with it. Each item of the same type leveled to 10 increases your Gear Expertise level by 1. Gear Expertise allows you to upgrade gear you are proficient in.
Does gear score matter in Division?
Yes, gear score matters, as it determines access to activities and the quality of loot that drops. It is vital for accessing Stronghold missions, which are critical to further progression. Loot drop quality is based on your peak available gear score (including stash and inventory), and not just your active loadout.
What is the max level in Division 2?
The max level in The Division 2 is 40 if you own the Warlords of New York expansion. If you do not own the expansion the max level is 30.
How do you level up fast in Division?
To level up quickly in The Division 2:
- Focus on Headshot kills.
- Achieve multi-kills.
- Target enemy weak points.
- Complete side missions and main missions.
- Participate in activities that award high XP.
What do you do after level 40 in Division 2?
After reaching level 40 in Division 2 and completing the Warlords of New York expansion, you unlock access to Keener’s Watch and SHD Levels. SHD Levels replace Gear Score, providing continuous improvements to your agent’s attributes and resource rewards.
How do you mod gear in Division 2?
To mod gear:
- Open your Inventory.
- Select the item you want to mod.
- Select the Mod button.
- Select the mod slot you want to change. If faded, no mods are available for that slot.
What is blue gear in Division 2?
Blue gear in Division 2 is classified as being a low level tier, and decreases the enemy’s damage dealt by 8%.
What is the best gear to have in Division 2?
The best gear sets depend on your build:
- Heartbreaker: Best for Assault Rifle/LMG DPS.
- Hunter’s Fury: Best for SMG builds.
- Foundry Bulwark: Best for tank builds.
- Future Initiative: Best for healers.
- Eclipse Protocol: Best for status effect builds.
- Rigger: Best for skill builds.
Will there be a Division 3?
There is no official release date for a Division 3, but it is being developed by Massive Entertainment.
Why is Division 1 better than Division 2?
Whether The Division 1 is “better” than The Division 2 is subjective. Division 1 has a darker, more serious atmosphere, and some prefer its more streamlined approach, though Division 2 offers many improvements and a more complex gameplay loop. The athletic comparison is not in any way related to the game.
How old is The Division 1 game?
The Division 1 was released on March 8, 2016.
Can you get past level 30 in Division 2?
Yes, if you own the Warlords of New York expansion, you can get past level 30 in Division 2. It increases the cap to 40.
Can you lose gear in Division 2?
You do not lose non-contaminated gear in The Division 2. However, you may lose Dark Zone keys, Dark Zone currency, Dark Zone XP, and contaminated items upon death in the Dark Zone.
Can you get a flamethrower in The Division?
You can unlock the Firewall Specialization, which adds the K8-Jetstream Flamethrower as a Signature Weapon upon completion of the Firewall Specialization Field Research. Year 1 pass holders instantly unlock the specialization.
Reaching Gear Score 291 in The Division is a challenging but achievable goal with the right knowledge and consistent effort. By focusing on obtaining classified gear, grinding in World Tier 5, optimizing your gear through recalibration and the optimization station, you will reach the goal. This guide and the FAQs should equip you with the necessary information to maximize your experience in The Division.