Mastering Expertise: A Comprehensive Guide to Leveling Up in The Division 2

Upgrading your Expertise Level in The Division 2 is a crucial step for any agent looking to maximize their effectiveness in the field. This system allows you to not only enhance your gear but also gain significant advantages in combat. Simply put, you increase your Expertise Level by increasing your Proficiency Rank with individual gear items and then donating them. This process unlocks the ability to upgrade the grade of your gear, providing valuable buffs. Let’s delve into the details of how this works.

Understanding the Expertise System

The Expertise System is a progression mechanic that encourages players to engage with a wide variety of gear and weapons. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Proficiency Rank: You gain Proficiency Rank by using specific items of the same gear type. For instance, using an AR will level up the Proficiency Rank of your AR. When you reach Proficiency Rank 10 with a particular item, you are considered “proficient” with that item.
• Donating Items: Once an item is proficient (Rank 10), you can donate it at the Recalibration Station. Donating that item will contribute to your overall Expertise Level.
• Expertise Level: This is an overall indicator of your experience with gear. It determines how many times you can upgrade the grade of your items.
• Upgrading Gear Grade: Each upgrade to the grade of an item provides a specific buff, improving its performance and utility.

Essentially, the Expertise System works in a loop. You use gear to increase Proficiency, donate proficient items to increase your Expertise Level, and then upgrade your gear using your increased Expertise Level. This loop fuels your continuous improvement within the game.

How to Effectively Increase Your Expertise Level

The fastest way to level up your Expertise Level in The Division 2 involves a combination of gameplay and efficient resource management. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Gear Up: Equip your desired gear, including weapons and armor, that you want to improve the Expertise Level.
2. Engage in Combat: Participate in various activities throughout the game, such as missions, open-world encounters, and control points, defeating enemies while using your chosen equipment. This process will level up the Proficiency Rank of these items.
3. Reach Proficiency Rank 10: Once you have reached Proficiency Rank 10 with an item, you can proceed with the next step.
4. Recalibration Station: Head to the Recalibration Station and find the Expertise tab.
5. Donate Gear: Donate your proficient item. This action will increase your overall Expertise Level. Be aware that donated items will be consumed.
6. Repeat: Continue using different gear, leveling it up to proficiency, and then donating it at the Recalibration Station. By continuously going through this process, your Expertise Level will increase over time.
7. Upgrade Gear Grade: Once you have increased your Expertise Level, you can upgrade the grade of your gear. This requires resources and is unlocked based on your Expertise Level.

This is the core loop of the Expertise system, and understanding it is critical for efficiently leveling up and mastering your agent.

Tips and Strategies for Faster Leveling

Here are some additional tips to accelerate your Expertise progression:

• Focus on Specific Gear Types: Initially, concentrate on leveling up specific gear types that you frequently use. This will provide immediate benefits and boost your overall effectiveness.
• Utilize Targeted Loot: Activities such as control points and named areas have target loot. Utilize these activities to earn more of the specific gear items you are focusing on.
• Deconstruct Strategically: When you have max-stat items or items you do not wish to donate, deconstruct them at the Recalibration Library to add those specific attributes and talents to your library. This also will help with efficiency and resource management.
• Clear Out Your Inventory: Regularly clear out your inventory. Donate and/or deconstruct any gear you are not actively using to gain either Proficiency or recalibration materials.
• Join a Group: Teaming up with other players will significantly increase your efficiency as you can complete activities faster and more reliably.
• Stay Consistent: Leveling up Expertise is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent gameplay and strategic donations will yield the best results over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further assist you in understanding the Expertise System in The Division 2:

What is Proficiency in The Division 2?

Proficiency is the measure of your experience with a specific item type. You increase it by using the corresponding items in combat until you hit Rank 10, at which point you’re considered proficient and ready to donate it.

How do I know what my Proficiency Rank is?

Your Proficiency Rank is displayed on each item when viewing your inventory. You will see a progression bar that fills up from 0 to 10.

What happens when I donate an item?

When you donate an item, it increases your overall Expertise Level, contributing towards the ability to upgrade your gear’s grade. The item itself will be consumed in this process.

How many Expertise Levels are there?

There is not an upper cap on Expertise levels, but the number of grades you can add to any item is limited. You can continue to raise Expertise, but this will ultimately be for other gear.

What benefits do I gain from increasing my Expertise Level?

Increased Expertise Level allows you to upgrade the grade of your gear. Each upgrade adds specific buffs, improving attributes such as damage, armor, and skill performance.

Can I reset my Expertise Level?

No, your Expertise Level cannot be reset. Once you have progressed, that progression is permanent.

Does my Expertise Level affect all my characters?

Yes, Expertise Level is account-wide. Once you increase your Expertise, all your agents will benefit.

What are the different types of resources needed to upgrade gear?

Upgrading your gear requires materials like steel, ceramics, and other crafting components specific to the item you are upgrading. These components are earned by dismantling gear, completing missions and activities, and opening crates.

Are there any specific gear types that are easier to level?

No specific gear type is easier to level than another. The speed is largely influenced by how much you use that gear. Focusing on preferred gear is the best way to effectively increase your Expertise Level.

How does the game track which items are proficient?

The game tracks your Proficiency Rank for each item type automatically. You can view these on their respective pages.

Do I need to reach Proficiency Rank 10 on every item to level up?

No, you do not need to reach Rank 10 on every item. You can level up your Expertise by reaching proficiency with and donating items you wish to.

Can I donate exotics to raise my Expertise Level?

You can donate exotics. However, consider carefully if you are willing to sacrifice an exotic item or if you should deconstruct it for crafting materials.

Can I boost my Expertise Level with microtransactions?

No, there are no microtransactions that directly affect your Expertise Level. This mechanic must be earned through gameplay.

Does group play speed up the process of increasing Expertise?

Yes, group play can speed up the process as it allows you to complete activities more efficiently.

How do I get started with the Expertise system?

To begin the Expertise system, you simply need to equip gear, complete activities, and begin the process of earning proficiency. Once an item is proficient, visit the Recalibration station and donate.