Level 40 in The Division 2: Unlocking the Endgame and Beyond
Level 40 in The Division 2 is the maximum level attainable through standard experience point progression, but it’s far from the end of your journey. Reaching level 40 signifies the completion of the Warlords of New York expansion campaign and unlocks a new phase of the game, transitioning you into a robust endgame experience. Instead of simply representing a peak, level 40 is the gateway to the SHD Level system and a wealth of new opportunities for character advancement. You can think of it as reaching the “real” start of the game where gear score is replaced by the SHD levels and your character’s true potential starts to be unleashed. Gear Score is no longer the primary measure of your agent’s power.
The Transition to SHD Levels
Reaching level 40 triggers a significant shift in how your agent progresses. Gear Score, which was the primary metric for character power between level 30 and 40, is replaced by SHD Levels. These are infinite levels tied to your account, not your individual character. This means that any character you make on your account after completing the Warlords of New York campaign will benefit from your accumulated SHD level progress, as soon as you activate Keener’s Watch on that new agent.
What are SHD Levels?
SHD Levels allow you to continually improve your agent’s core attributes and resource rewards. Every SHD level earned grants you a point you can allocate to:
- Core Attributes: Increasing your offensive, defensive, and utility stats.
- Resource Rewards: Improving your chances of obtaining crafting materials and other essential resources.
These small, incremental improvements can significantly impact your agent’s effectiveness over time. Furthermore, SHD levels also unlock cosmetic rewards, offering additional customization options to personalize your agent’s look.
The Importance of Level 40
Level 40 is not just a number; it represents a fundamental shift in The Division 2’s gameplay:
- Access to Endgame Content: Completing the Warlords of New York campaign at level 40 unlocks the true endgame. This includes higher-difficulty missions, new game modes, and advanced challenges.
- Optimizing Your Build: Level 40 is where you start to refine your character build and maximize your gear to take on the hardest content.
- Continuous Progression: The SHD Level system means you never stop improving your character, providing a sense of constant advancement.
In summary, reaching level 40 is not just the conclusion of the story – it’s the beginning of your agent’s journey to become a powerful force in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens after I reach level 40 in Division 2?
Once you hit level 40 and complete the Warlords of New York campaign, you’ll unlock the SHD Level progression system, replacing Gear Score. You’ll also gain access to the endgame content, including higher difficulty levels, missions, and new game modes.
2. Is level 40 the max level in Division 2?
Yes, level 40 is the maximum level you can achieve through traditional leveling by earning experience points. Beyond that, character progression is managed through the infinite SHD Level system.
3. How do I access the Warlords of New York campaign?
You’ll need to purchase and install the Warlords of New York expansion for The Division 2. After that, you’ll be prompted to begin the campaign, which takes you to New York City.
4. What is Keener’s Watch?
Keener’s Watch is an item you obtain after completing the Warlords of New York campaign. It allows you to access the SHD Level system, which is key to your post-level 40 character progression.
5. Does my character’s level reset after level 40?
No, your character’s level does not reset. Level 40 remains your highest level for direct leveling. However, the focus shifts to SHD Levels, which are a different system and begin at zero after you reach level 40.
6. Can I get gear score 500 after level 40?
No, Gear Score is replaced by SHD Levels once you reach level 40. Gear Score caps at 515, achievable before the transition to the endgame. Your Gear is then further refined with the Expertise system, by enhancing the base attributes of your gear.
7. What is the best gear to get after reaching level 40?
After level 40, focus on finding gear with good attribute rolls and talents that complement your build. You should start focusing on brands and gear sets that suit your preferred playstyle. The Expertise system should also be focused upon to enhance the gear you wish to use.
8. What are the best activities to do after level 40?
Engage in activities like Summit, Countdown, missions, control points, and the Dark Zone to find high-quality gear and gather resources. Playing on higher difficulty levels will increase your loot quality. Completing activities daily and weekly will also grant you better gear and exotic materials.
9. Can I play with my friends who are still at level 30 after reaching level 40?
Yes, you can still play with your friends at lower levels. The game will scale the enemy levels to accommodate players of different levels, but you should consider creating a new level 30 character to play with them so not to make the experience too easy for your friends.
10. What is the significance of the Proficiency Rank 10?
When you reach Proficiency Rank 10 with a specific item, you are considered “proficient” with that item. You gain one level of Gear Expertise in a gear type for every item of the same type that you become proficient in. The higher your Gear Expertise, the more you can upgrade the items you are proficient in. This will increase your base damage, health, or skill damage, based on the weapon, armor, or skill type.
11. Can I unlock every skill in Division 2 after level 40?
Yes, you can eventually unlock all the skills in The Division 2, not only after level 40, but during the campaign, by earning sufficient skill points. There is no way to speed up the process, you must progress through the story.
12. Is it better to start a new character at level 40, or continue with the existing one?
This depends on your preference. Starting a new character means replaying the campaign, but can give you a fresh start with the SHD levels. Continuing with your existing character allows you to instantly jump into the endgame content, and also enjoy the benefit of your account-wide SHD level progress.
13. Do enemies scale to level 40?
Yes, after completing the Warlords of New York campaign and reaching level 40, enemies scale to match your level. This ensures all content remains challenging and rewards high-level gameplay.
14. How does the optimization system work after level 40?
The optimization system will allow you to maximize the stats of your gear. By gathering optimization materials through gameplay, you can improve the individual attributes of the gear you are proficient with. This will help you reach the maximum potential of your gear and its intended build.
15. Is there an end to SHD level progression in Division 2?
No, there is no limit to SHD Level progression, making it an endless way to continuously improve your agent. However, the reward progression ends at level 1000, as the developers have stated that all stats become maxed, and only minor reward points are given after that.