The Division will receive four new exotics with update 1.8. We present these exotic weapons in summary.
Exotic weapons have been available in The Division for almost a year. They possess unique talents that occupy the third weapon talent slot, are always active, and cannot be rerolled. They make the exotics “exotic”.
However, there is a nuisance with the exotics: there is a lack of supply! Throughout year 2, no new weapons were added at all.
So far: Because update 1.8 introduces four fresh, exotic weapons. Let’s take a look at them.
The House – Exotic SMG in Update 1.8
The House is an exotic submachine gun with a fire rate of 850 and a magazine size of 30. Thus, it has a higher fire rate than, for example, an AUG or a Vector. Here are the stats:
The House has two random talents as well as the exotic talent:
- Card Counter: One half of the magazine deals 20% increased damage. The half that deals 20% more damage swaps every 15 seconds or when the magazine is empty.
In the game, this talent is always displayed to you with an icon (two cards) below the grenade indicator. So you always see which half of the magazine currently has increased damage.
Big Alejandro – Exotic LMG in Update 1.8
A new exotic LMG is called Big Alejandro. It has an enormous fire rate of 1000 and a magazine size of 55. The fire rate is extreme – for comparison: The strong Pakhan has 650 RPM. Here are the stats:
The weapon has two random talents as well as the exotic talent:
- Cover Shooter: Every bullet fired from cover increases weapon damage by 0.5% up to a maximum of 50%. The bonus lasts for 10 seconds. A kill with this weapon from cover resets the duration of the effect. The bonus damage is lost once you reload, switch weapons, or leave combat.
On the PTS, Big Alejandro caused a stir as the LMG mowed down enemies. Therefore, the damage was slightly decreased.
To benefit from the talent, you need cover where you can stay longer. Big Alejandro is thus more recommended in PvE than in PvP.
Devil and Heel – Exotic Weapon Set in Update 1.8
The two other new exotic weapons are sniper rifles and form a weapon set. They are called Devil and Heel.
This is Devil:
The fire rate is 275, the magazine is 20. Here are the stats:
Along with two random talents, Devil has this exotic talent:
- Fire: A headshot increases stability by 30% for 15 seconds. A body hit increases headshot damage by 30% for 15 seconds.
It makes sense to first score a body hit against tough opponents and then shoot at the head.
This is Heel:
Heel also has a fire rate of 275 and a magazine of 20. Here are the stats:
Heel has two random talents and the exotic talent:
- Fury: If you hit enemy weak points, weapon damage is increased by 15% for 15 seconds. If you hit enemy skills, critical hit damage is increased by 30% for 15 seconds.
If you equip both sniper rifles, the set bonus applies (Devil and Heel form a weapon set):
- The Devil’s Heel: Both weapons receive the Fire and Fury talents and the buff duration is increased by 15 seconds. If you switch between the weapons, the bonus remains. You can switch the weapons 50% faster.
The idea behind it is: If you equip both weapons, both can gain all four buffs for 30 seconds. These buffs remain when switching weapons. This means, first empty the magazine of one weapon, switch the weapon, and then empty the magazine of the other weapon. This way, you can deal a lot of damage before you need to reload.
However, a disadvantage is that both weapons consume the same ammunition supplies.
How the four new exotics will perform in live play will be shown in the coming days.
More info on the exotics – locations, stat changes
If you have already collected exotic containers before update 1.8, you can open them after 1.8 – they have a chance to contain the new exotics.
Exotics can also drop from other crates, such as performance containers or survival containers. Also as loot from enemies, like the Hunters in the Underground.
Update 1.8 introduces more ways to obtain exotic weapons. The new modes Resistance and Clash, as well as the new Dark Zone, can reward you with exotics.
Changes to exotics with 1.8:
- The exotics Warlord, Caduceus, Historian, Tenebrae, Damascus, Golden Rhino, Midas, Hungry Hog, Showstopper, Thompson M1928, and Tommy Gun will receive a higher damage output.
- The Pakhan will see a slight reduction in damage, but the spread will be reduced.
- Medved will receive a higher range and a lower spread.
- In general, the damage of high-fire-rate weapons will be reduced.
What do you think of the new exotics?
