Endgame Guide: Build Tips, Expertise, and Gameplay Strategies
The Best Build Is the One You Enjoy Most
This is the golden rule. Build suggestions and internet guides can inspire you, but the depth of the game allows for immense variation. For example:
Some players swear the FAMAS is the best assault rifle because of its high damage and rate of fire, but if you don’t like its handling, it might ruin your experience.
The Kingbreaker AR pairs well with a Heartbreaker/Technician setup, but if it doesn’t feel right, swap it for a weapon you enjoy more.
Hunter’s Fury is a popular starter for SMG fans, but if you prefer long-range combat, it won’t suit your playstyle.
Named items like Picaro’s Holster might be “best-in-slot” for some, but they could be useless in the wrong build.
The goal isn’t just boosting numbers—it’s to have fun. If max stats make you happy, go for it. But if you’d rather rock a flashy weapon or wreak havoc with fire skills, that’s perfectly valid, too.
The Shooting Range: A Double-Edged Sword
The shooting range is incredibly helpful for testing weapons and gear combinations. However, it’s not perfect:
Strengths: It lets you experiment with damage numbers and figure out synergy between items.
Limitations: The range doesn’t fully reflect real-world gameplay, especially for support or stack-based builds.
Start at the range, then test your setup in street patrols, activities, or missions to see how it really performs.
Co-Op Is Fun, and You Don’t Have to Talk
Joining co-op can feel intimidating if you’re a solo player, but don’t worry—most players are silent. Occasionally, you might hear someone’s background noise, but you can mute them easily.
Co-op also lets you experience gameplay from a different angle. For example, watching a teammate clear a room with incendiary rounds is both impressive and inspiring.
Critical Hit Chance Caps at 60%
This is easy to miss but important to know: Critical Hit Chance maxes out at 60%. Build accordingly to avoid wasted stats.
Specializations Make a Huge Difference
Unlocking specializations can reshape your gameplay. Completing their objectives encourages you to try new playstyles, and their buffs can be game-changing.
While the signature weapons (like the grenade launcher or crossbow) are cool, it’s the skill trees that matter most. Tailor your specialization to your build for maximum effect.
YouTubers Have Max Expertise
Even if you copy a YouTuber’s build perfectly, your numbers might not match theirs. Why? Expertise.
Expertise levels grant up to 20% extra bonuses on gear and weapons.
Level up your expertise by using weapons or donating unused gear at the recalibration station. If you’re not using certain weapon types, donate them to level those up faster.
Build Your Recalibration Library
Whenever you find gear with great stats but poor synergy for your build, add its attributes to your recalibration library. This lets you transfer those stats to better-suited items later.
Loot Scales With Difficulty
The higher the difficulty, the better the loot. If Normal feels too easy, try Hard—it’s a small step up, and the rewards improve significantly. As you get stronger, you’ll find higher difficulties easier, making Heroic solo runs achievable over time.
The NinjaBike Backpack Is a Hidden Gem
While many swear by the Memento backpack, the NinjaBike is underrated but incredibly versatile.
It gives you one red, blue, and yellow core as a base.
It unlocks two additional attributes from each gear piece you’re wearing, allowing for creative and flexible builds.
It’s an excellent starting point for players who don’t have Memento or prefer to experiment.
Core Attributes Are Simple
Core attributes on gear are color-coded:
Red: Increases weapon damage.
Blue: Adds armor.
Yellow: Boosts skill tiers.
Maxing out red cores boosts damage by 90%, while each blue core adds ~180,000 armor. Match your cores to your build for optimal results.
Status Builds Require Practice but Pay Off
DPS builds like Striker are straightforward and effective, making them ideal for beginners. However, status effect builds can clear rooms faster once mastered.
They’re more complex and take time to perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first.
Keep All Exotics
Even if you unlock an exotic weapon or gear piece you don’t like, don’t dismantle it. You might discover a great build later that requires it. Always keep at least one copy of every exotic.
Farming Tips: Be Patient and Strategic
When farming for gear:
Stick to your current working build until you collect all pieces of your desired setup.
Open-world gameplay with targeted loot is often more rewarding than The Summit.
Group farming increases enemy numbers, leading to more loot drops.
Countdown Is Simpler Than It Looks
Countdown might seem intimidating at first, but it’s easy once you start:
Watch a quick guide if you’re unsure. (We Have It!)
Stick with the group, shoot enemies, stand in circles, and complete objectives.
Avoid offensive skills, as they can be hacked.
The loot is worth the effort, even for beginners.
Final Take
The Division 2’s endgame is as much about creativity and experimentation as it is about stats. Focus on what makes the game fun for you, whether that’s maximizing DPS, setting enemies ablaze, or simply enjoying the tactical combat. With time and practice, you’ll find your groove and master the endgame. Good luck, Agent!
