What is the Max Gear Level in The Division 2?
The maximum gear level in The Division 2 is a nuanced topic, as it has evolved since the game’s initial release. To be clear, the highest attainable gear score is 515. However, it’s crucial to understand that gear progression in The Division 2 involves different metrics, including Gear Score, SHD Levels, and Expertise, depending on your level and progression through the game. This article will break down these different stages and provide answers to frequently asked questions to give you a comprehensive understanding of gear level in The Division 2.
Understanding Gear Progression in The Division 2
Gear progression in The Division 2 is not a straightforward climb to a single number. Instead, it transitions through different phases, each with its own system:
Early Game (Levels 1-30)
During the early game, from levels 1 to 30, your gear is primarily measured by Item Level. This system directly correlates with your character’s level. The higher your level, the higher the Item Level of the gear you’ll find. Focus on replacing gear regularly as you level up to stay competitive and effective in combat.
World Tiers (Post Level 30)
Once you reach level 30, the game transitions into World Tiers. Your Item Level is replaced with Gear Score. The maximum Gear Score achievable in the base game was 500. Each World Tier presents increasingly difficult enemies and better gear drops, culminating in World Tier 5. To reach World Tier 5 and the maximum Gear Score of 515 you must:
- Reach a Gear Score of 425
- Complete the Capitol Building, District Union Arena, and Roosevelt Island invaded Strongholds.
- Finish the Tidal Basin invaded Stronghold.
Warlords of New York Expansion (Level 40)
With the introduction of the Warlords of New York expansion, the level cap increased to Level 40. At this point, Gear Score is replaced by SHD Levels. This progression is not tied to a numerical cap; instead, you continuously gain SHD levels, which allow you to further increase your character’s attributes and resource rewards, providing endless character growth. SHD levels provide a constant sense of progression after the level cap has been reached.
Expertise System
The Expertise System adds another layer of complexity to gear progression. You gain Expertise in different gear types by becoming proficient with individual items within that type. You become proficient with an item after reaching Proficiency Rank 10 with it. The higher your Gear Expertise, the more you can upgrade the items you are proficient with, further enhancing their stats and effectiveness.
Achieving Maximum Gear Potential
While the highest numerical Gear Score is 515, achieving your agent’s maximum potential is a multi-faceted process, involving:
- Reaching level 40 and unlocking SHD Levels.
- Continuously increasing your SHD Level to enhance character attributes.
- Utilizing the Expertise System to upgrade your preferred gear.
- Finding high-quality items with the best stats.
- Optimizing your builds through strategic gear selection, and choosing the most impactful gear set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the highest Gear Score possible in The Division 2?
The highest Gear Score achievable in The Division 2 is 515. This is only achievable after reaching World Tier 5 in the base game. After you have completed the Warlords of New York Expansion and hit level 40 you progress through SHD Levels.
2. How do I reach World Tier 5 and Gear Score 515?
To reach World Tier 5 and achieve a Gear Score of 515:
* You must get a Gear Score of 425.
* Complete the Capitol Building, District Union Arena, and Roosevelt Island invaded Strongholds.
* Finish the Tidal Basin invaded Stronghold.
3. What happens after reaching Level 30 in The Division 2?
After hitting Level 30, you enter the World Tier system. Your Item Level is replaced by Gear Score, and the game’s difficulty scales up. You unlock more challenging content, and loot becomes more powerful.
4. What are SHD Levels and how do they work?
After reaching Level 40, your Gear Score is replaced with SHD Levels. SHD Levels are an infinite progression system that allows you to continuously improve your Agent’s attributes and resource rewards. This is done by progressing in game and unlocking more SHD points which can then be used to improve your agent.
5. How does the Expertise System affect my gear?
The Expertise System allows you to improve specific gear types by increasing your Proficiency Rank with individual items of the same type. Reaching Proficiency Rank 10 with an item grants you Gear Expertise in that gear type, allowing you to upgrade its stats.
6. Does gear score matter in Division 2?
Yes, Gear Score is important as it determines the base power of your gear. Certain activities like Stronghold missions require a specific Gear Score to participate. Gear drops are also determined by your highest attainable gear score.
7. How do I get better gear in The Division 2?
Better gear drops from completing harder content. This includes:
* Invaded Missions & Strongholds
* The Dark Zone
* Daily Missions & Strongholds
* Level 3 Control Points
Additionally, loot is based on the highest available gear score, so holding onto high tier gear even if you’re not using it is advantageous.
8. What is the max level in The Division 2 without the expansion?
The maximum level without the Warlords of New York expansion is 30. After that you progress through world tiers as well as trying to reach max gear score of 500 before moving to world tier 5 and 515 gear score.
9. What is the best gear in The Division 2?
The best gear is subjective to playstyle, but the top gear sets include:
* Heartbreaker Set: Best for assault rifle and LMG DPS builds.
* Hunter’s Fury Set: Best for SMG builds.
* Foundry Bulwark Set: Best for tank builds.
* Future Initiative Set: Exclusively for healer builds.
* Eclipse Protocol Set: Best for status effect builds.
* Rigger Set: Perfect for skill builds.
10. Can I lose my gear in The Division 2?
You only lose contaminated gear in the Dark Zone if you die after going rogue. Normal, non-contaminated gear is safe and cannot be lost under any circumstances.
11. What happens at SHD Level 1000?
Reaching SHD Level 1000 indicates a high level of progression. SHD Level is account wide, so if you reach 1000 on one character and create another, the new character will have those SHD level points as soon as you unlock the watch at level 40.
12. Do enemies scale in The Division 2?
Yes, enemy NPCs scale to match your level. If you over level a zone, the enemies scale to be a few levels below you, providing a consistent challenge.
13. How do I unlock Legendary missions in The Division 2?
You unlock Legendary Difficulty after completing the Warlords of New York expansion and reaching Level 40. You can also unlock Global Difficulty and Directives at this point.
14. What does the endgame look like in The Division 2?
The Division 2’s endgame provides added challenges, game modes, and high-end rewards, offering new ways to play and further upgrade your Agent. This includes SHD Levels, Legendary Difficulty, Global Difficulty as well as the continued optimization of your build.
15. How do I unlock Cassie Mendoza?
Locate the bounty on your map, travel there and kill the enemies. You may have to clear multiple waves of enemies. Once you kill the named boss, Cassie Mendoza will appear on the map. She sells unique items and rotates her inventory regularly.