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The Ultimate Guide to Auto Rifles in The Division 2: Finding the Best Weapon for Your Playstyle

The question on every Agent’s mind: What is the best auto rifle in The Division 2? While there’s no single “best” answer, the FAMAS 2010 often tops the charts due to its blistering rate of fire and high damage output. However, the “best” auto rifle is ultimately subjective and depends heavily on your build, playstyle, and the content you’re tackling. This guide dives deep into the world of ARs in The Division 2, helping you find the perfect weapon to dominate the streets of D.C. and New York City.

Understanding Auto Rifles in The Division 2

Auto rifles (ARs) are the bread and butter of most Agents’ loadouts in The Division 2. Offering a balanced blend of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire, they excel in a variety of combat scenarios, from close-quarters engagements to mid-range firefights. The key to maximizing your AR’s potential lies in understanding its stats, talents, and how it synergizes with your overall build.

Key Stats to Consider

Damage: The base damage of the weapon. Higher damage generally translates to quicker kills, but often comes at the expense of rate of fire or accuracy.
Rate of Fire: How many rounds the weapon fires per minute (RPM). A high RPM allows for sustained damage output, but can also lead to faster ammo consumption.
Accuracy: Affects the bullet spread of the weapon. Higher accuracy results in tighter groupings and more consistent headshots.
Stability: Reduces recoil, making the weapon easier to control during sustained fire.
Reload Speed: How quickly you can reload the weapon. Faster reload speeds are crucial for maintaining damage output in prolonged engagements.
Magazine Size: The number of rounds the weapon can hold per magazine. Larger magazines provide more sustained fire before needing to reload.

Important Talents for Auto Rifles

Talents are passive bonuses that provide significant advantages in combat. Some of the most popular and effective talents for auto rifles include:

Damage to Target Out of Cover: Increases damage dealt to enemies who are not behind cover. This is highly valuable in most combat scenarios.
Optimist: Weapon damage is increased by 3% for every 10% ammo missing from the magazine.
Ranger: Weapon damage is increased by 2% for every 5 meters between you and your target.
Killer: After killing a target with a headshot, critical hit chance is increased by 15% for 10 seconds.
Strained: Critical hit damage is increased by 10% for every 5% armor depleted. The bonus is reduced by 50% for 10 seconds after an armor kit is used.
Unbreakable: When your armor is depleted, repair 95% of your armor. Can occur once every 15 seconds.

Top Contenders for the Best Auto Rifle

While the FAMAS 2010 often gets top billing for its high rate of fire, several other ARs are incredibly strong and versatile, and potentially more useful depending on a player’s build:

FAMAS 2010: As previously mentioned, this AR boasts an incredibly high rate of fire, making it a DPS monster. However, its recoil can be challenging to control, requiring practice and proper modding.
CTAR-21: Another high-RPM option with slightly better accuracy than the FAMAS. It’s a good choice for players who want a fast-firing AR with manageable recoil.
Police M4: A well-rounded AR with good accuracy, stability, and damage. It’s a reliable choice for almost any situation.
Carbine 7: Known for its excellent stability and accuracy, the Carbine 7 is a fantastic choice for mid-range engagements.
MK16: Offers a good balance of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire. It’s a versatile option that can be adapted to different playstyles.
F2000: Boasts a large magazine size and decent accuracy, making it suitable for sustained fire.

Exotic Auto Rifles

The Division 2 also features several Exotic auto rifles, each with unique talents and properties that can significantly impact your gameplay:

Eagle Bearer: A raid exclusive weapon that deals excellent damage and provides team buffs. Considered by many to be the best overall AR for its raw power and utility, especially for builds focused on maximizing assault rifle DPS.
Capacitor: An exotic weapon that provides additional skill damage based on stacks gained by landing shots. This is the best assault rifle for skill builds.

Building Your Perfect AR Loadout

Choosing the right AR is just the first step. To truly maximize its potential, you need to carefully consider your build and equip the right mods.

Gear Sets and Brands

Certain gear sets and brands synergize particularly well with auto rifles:

Striker’s Battlegear: Increases weapon damage and handling based on stacks, rewarding aggressive gameplay.
Negotiator’s Dilemma: Spreads critical hits to nearby enemies, making it effective for crowd control.
Walker, Harris & Co.: Provides a general damage boost, making it a good choice for any AR build.
Providence Defense: Increases headshot damage and critical hit chance, ideal for accuracy-focused builds.

Weapon Mods

Weapon mods can significantly improve your AR’s performance:

Magazines: Increased magazine size is always beneficial for sustained fire.
Optics: Choose an optic that suits your preferred engagement range and playstyle. Red dot sights are good for close-quarters combat, while scopes are better for mid-range engagements.
Muzzles: Compensators reduce horizontal recoil, making the weapon easier to control.
Underbarrel: Vertical grips reduce vertical recoil, further improving stability.

Playstyle Considerations

Aggressive: If you prefer an aggressive playstyle, choose an AR with a high rate of fire and damage output, such as the FAMAS or CTAR-21. Focus on maximizing your damage and rushing into combat.
Tactical: For a more tactical approach, opt for an AR with good accuracy and stability, such as the Carbine 7 or Police M4. Prioritize positioning and taking controlled shots.
Support: If you’re playing a support role, consider the Capacitor exotic, which provides additional skill damage. Focus on providing support to your teammates while still dealing damage.

FAQ: Auto Rifles in The Division 2

1. What is the best AR for PvP in The Division 2?

The FAMAS 2010 is a popular choice for PvP due to its high burst damage potential. However, the Eagle Bearer and well-rolled Police M4s can also be very competitive.

2. How do I get the Eagle Bearer?

The Eagle Bearer drops from bosses and the loot chest in the Operation Dark Hours raid. It can also potentially drop in the Dark Zone, but you have to successfully extract it.

3. Which gear sets work best with auto rifles?

Striker’s Battlegear, Negotiator’s Dilemma, and Hunter’s Fury are popular choices. Specific Brand Sets also work well depending on your stats and playstyle such as: Walker, Harris & Co. and Providence Defense

4. What is the best talent for an auto rifle?

Damage to Target Out of Cover is generally considered one of the strongest talents, as it provides a consistent damage boost in most combat situations. Optimist, Ranger, and Killer are also excellent choices.

5. How do I improve my aim with auto rifles?

Practice is key. Experiment with different sensitivities and practice aiming at moving targets. Using weapons with better stability can also help.

6. What mods should I use on my auto rifle?

Prioritize mods that increase magazine size, accuracy, and stability. Experiment with different optics to find one that suits your preference.

7. Is it worth using Exotic auto rifles?

Yes! Exotics offer unique talents and properties that can significantly enhance your gameplay. The Eagle Bearer and Capacitor are both excellent choices.

8. How do I get High-End weapons in The Division 2?

High-End weapons can be obtained from mission bosses, Named Enemies, and the Dark Zone. The higher the difficulty, the better your chances of finding good gear.

9. What is the maximum Gear Score in The Division 2?

Once you reach Level 30 and advance to World Tier 1, your Item Level will be replaced by its Gear Score. Later, at Level 40, Gear Score will be replaced with SHD Levels. Gear Score shows this combination of power and quality as an objective, comparable number to a maximum of 515.

10. How do I get the Carbine 7?

The Carbine 7 is rewarded to players upon completion of Manning National Zoo on Story difficulty.

11. What does reconfiguring an Exotic weapon do?

Reconfiguring an Exotic rerolls its stats and attributes, potentially improving its overall performance. However, it can also result in a worse roll, so it’s a gamble.

12. Are Marksman Rifles good in The Division 2?

Marksman Rifles can be viable in The Division 2, but require good aim. They are accurate, but only from a stationary position. If the player moves, the reticle will bloom to almost max.

13. How do I get Specializations in The Division 2?

Specializations are available once you reach level 30 and World Tier 1, and with the Year 1 Pass. You can choose between multiple specializations, each with its own Signature Weapon and a Signature Weapon slot, added to your existing loadout.

14. How can game developers learn more about the educational potential of games?

Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to researching and promoting the use of games for learning and education. They offer valuable resources and insights for developers.

15. How do I level up Exotic Weapons in The Division 2?

The Exotic will be upgraded to the same tier as the Crafting Station – you can check its current tier by viewing any weapon blueprint in the Crafting Station menu. When you upgrade your weapon, the talents on the weapon will remain the same, but any values will be scaled according to the new Gear Score.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best auto rifle in The Division 2 is the one that best suits your playstyle and build. Experiment with different ARs, talents, and mods to find the perfect combination for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt your loadout to different situations. With the right gear and skills, you’ll be able to dominate the streets of D.C. and New York City with your trusty auto rifle.