With update 1.7 in The Division, the Classified Gear will take precedence.
The major innovations of update 1.7 include the classified armor pieces. These are enhanced versions of the existing gear set pieces, granting 5-piece bonuses and 6-piece bonuses, and featuring guaranteed better primary attributes (Firearms, Stamina, Electronics).
Classified Gear is (over)powered
Currently, some classified armor pieces are being tested on the PTS for update 1.7. Many agents concluded: “Whoa, the Classified Striker Set with the 6-piece bonus is extremely strong – maybe even too strong?”
Yesterday, Massive responded to this feedback with the PTS phase 2 by nerfing the healing effect of the 6-piece bonus of the Striker Set. Community Developer Yannick Banchereau assured that they would only make minor adjustments to this Classified Gear. Because the Classified Gear should be strong. It should be something special.
It is important to note: While players can immediately access a complete Classified Gear set on the PTS, in the live game when update 1.7 is released, players will have to play for a long time to collect all items. It should be rewarding again to hunt for something. And when that goal is achieved, the reward should feel good.
What happens to the existing armor pieces?
One thing is certain: The Classified Gear will gradually replace the “normal” gear sets in your character builds. This is because the classified items have guaranteed better stats, hence you can replace the corresponding gear piece immediately when you obtain a classified version of it.
But what about the exotics and the high-end armor pieces?
Banchereau admits that these will lose value and importance with update 1.7. There will be no changes to these items with 1.7. In other words, if you want to achieve the highest stats, you need to switch to the Classified Gear.
While the high-ends and exotics still provide unique bonuses, the primary attributes on the armor pieces cannot reach the new maximum.
In this regard, Banchereau made vague statements: Perhaps there will be changes to these items, maybe not.
With the introduction of the Classified Gear, the high-ends will likely fall out of the meta. Because currently, many agents are fond of a high-end build.
It’s not a bad thing if players then focus on the new items.
However, it’s not excluded that the high-ends and exotics will be upgraded with a future update and create a new meta.
But: With update 1.7, the Classified Gear will be the new benchmark.
Interesting: The Division PTS 1.7: First global event is live – later on PS4, Xbox One
