Dominate Division 2 Early: The Best Perks to Unlock First
So, you’re fresh out of training and ready to hit the streets of Washington D.C. in The Division 2? Smart choice, Agent. But before you go running headfirst into a firefight, let’s talk about perks. Those little upgrades can make a HUGE difference in your early game survival and progression. The truth is that there’s no single “best” build for every player, but some perks provide a more significant impact early on.
For neophyte Agents who just entered Division 2, some of these perks are must-haves to dominate the game early on:
- Muzzle (I to II): These weapon attachments reduce recoil and increase stability, making your guns more manageable, especially in longer engagements. Accuracy is key.
- Magazine (I to II): More bullets in your magazine mean less reloading and more sustained damage output. Essential for downing enemies quickly.
- Optics (I): Improved sights and scopes offer better target acquisition and accuracy, particularly at medium to longer ranges.
- Grip (I): Enhances weapon handling, stability, and accuracy, allowing for smoother aiming and recoil control.
- Loadouts (I and II): This allows you to quickly switch between different gear sets, skills, and weapons. Experiment with different builds and adapt to various combat scenarios.
- Signature Weapon Ammo (I): Signature weapons are powerful, but their ammo is limited. Unlock this perk to increase your carry capacity, ensuring you can unleash their devastating firepower more often.
- Bounties (I and II): Accessing more bounties gives you additional opportunities for experience and rewards, helping you level up faster and acquire better gear.
- Restock (I and II): Faster restocking of armor kits and grenades. Surviving is the name of the game, especially in the beginning.
Now, let’s delve into why these perks are so vital and how they’ll shape your early game experience.
Why These Perks Matter in the Early Game
The Division 2, especially in the initial levels, is about establishing a solid foundation. These perks allow you to do just that.
- Improved Weapon Handling: Muzzle, Magazine, Optics and Grip perks, directly improve your lethality. These are a must when starting out.
- Resource Management: Signature Weapon Ammo and Restock perks, ensure you’re ready for any encounter. Running out of ammo or armor mid-fight can be deadly.
- Strategic Flexibility: Loadouts perk gives you the ability to switch between gear sets, weapons and skill builds.
- Faster Progression: Bounties perk will grant more opportunity for experience and loot.
SHD Tech: Your Key to Unlocking Perks
To unlock these fantastic perks, you’ll need SHD Tech. You get this primarily from finding SHD Tech Caches scattered throughout the open world. These caches are usually marked on your map after you liberate Settlements, so prioritize those early on. Don’t neglect side missions and Control Points either, as they often offer SHD Tech as rewards.
Beyond the Basics: Specializations and Skills
While these perks are vital for early game, don’t forget about Specializations and Skills. Once you unlock these (usually around level 30 and after completing Strongholds), they open up a whole new level of customization and power. Explore different Specializations to find one that suits your playstyle. Experiment with various Skills, like the Turret, Drone, or Seeker Mine, to complement your weapon choices and perk selections. Remember that GamesLearningSociety.org offers fantastic insights into the science behind game design and player engagement, and how these elements can be strategically used in learning environments.
Planning for the Long Haul
It’s also important to look to the future and plan for the mid- and end-game. As you progress and unlock more SHD Tech, you’ll eventually want to explore other perk options to optimize your build for specific roles or content. Some perks will be much more valuable later than they are early on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide further guidance:
1. At what level do you unlock perks in Division 2?
You can start unlocking perks as soon as you reach the Base of Operations (White House) and speak with the Quartermaster. You earn SHD Tech throughout the game that you use to unlock these perks.
2. Can I start with The Division 2 without playing the first game?
Yes, you can. While there are story connections, The Division 2 is designed to be accessible to new players. The game provides enough context to understand the narrative without needing prior knowledge of the first game.
3. Is The Division 2 hard solo?
The difficulty depends on your build, gear, and the world tier you’re playing in. Up to Heroic level, its pretty much a cakewalk solo for the majority of content. Many players find it manageable solo, especially with the right build and strategies, but Legendary difficulty and Raids are generally designed for coordinated teams.
4. Can you finish The Division 2 solo?
Yes, you can complete the main campaign and most endgame content solo. Raids are the only exception, but Countdown has matchmaking if you want to attempt them.
5. Can you unlock all skills in Division 2?
Yes, you can unlock all eight skills by playing through the game. Experiment with different skills to find the ones that suit your playstyle.
6. What does 1 skill tier do in Division 2?
Each Skill Tier increases the effectiveness of your skills. The maximum Skill Tier you can reach through equipment is +6.
7. How do I get to Tier 2 in Division 2?
To reach World Tier 2: Get a Gear Score of 275. Complete the Grand Washington Hotel and Jefferson Trade Center invaded missions. Finish the District Union Arena invaded Stronghold.
8. What is the best gun in The Division 2?
There’s no single “best” gun, as it depends on your playstyle and build. However, popular choices include the ACR Rifle, M1A (CQB) Rifle, AUG A3 SMG, and AKM Assault Rifle. Experiment with different weapons to find your favorites.
9. Should I boost to level 30 in The Division 2?
If you are a new player or enjoy experiencing the story, it is recommended to play through the campaign naturally. Boosting to level 30 skips the entire initial experience and story elements of the game.
10. What is the max squad size in The Division 2?
The Division 2 supports squads of up to four players.
11. How do you unlock World Tier 1 in Division 2?
Reach level 30 and complete all three base strongholds: District Union Arena, Roosevelt Island, and the Capital Building. Choose a specialization at the Quartermaster in the White House.
12. Is level 30 the max level in Division 2?
Without the Warlords of New York expansion, level 30 is the max. With the expansion, the max level is 40.
13. What is a good skill build in Division 2?
Good skill builds include 3x Empress, Waveform, Contractor’s (skill tier+skill damage), Fox’s (skill tier+skill damage), armor talent Kinetic Momentum, backpack Tech Support. 4 pieces Heartbreaker (skill tier + skill damage), Memento and Closer (armor, skill damage, armor regen).
14. What does proficient mean in Division 2?
When you reach Proficiency Rank 10 with a specific item, you are considered “proficient” with that item.
15. What is the max gear score in The Division 2?
Gear Score can reach a maximum of 515. Once you hit level 40 the Gear Score turns into SHD Levels which allow you to continuously improve.
By focusing on these essential perks early on, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of The Division 2 and establish yourself as a formidable Agent. Remember to adapt your build to your playstyle, experiment with different weapons and skills, and always be on the lookout for better gear. Good luck out there, Agent!