Info flood about The Division: Update 1.8 brings an increase in Gear Score, hidden caches, and gear optimization!
The State of the Game aired on September 7th, and it had a lot to offer: The developers discussed some of the new features of Update 1.8 that had not been revealed yet. We summarize the most important information here.
Skirmish – finally PvP without PvE
Initially, the developers showed footage of the Skirmish mode, which is introduced with 1.8. Skirmish is a standalone PvP mode where 4v4 battles take place. It is a pure team deathmatch: For each kill, there is one point, and whoever gets to 20 points first or has the most kills within 10 minutes wins. These victory conditions can still be adjusted.
To score a point, you must completely eliminate an opponent – it is not enough if they go down on their knees.
More information about Skirmish:
- In Skirmish, you only fight against other players; it is a pure PvP mode. There are no NPCs.
- The maps have been designed according to the developers for 4v4 battles. They are significantly smaller than the maps in “Last Stand”. You should run less and shoot more. Skirmish is supposed to offer an intense PvP experience.
- After dying, you respawn about 10 seconds later. If a teammate has also died, you will spawn at the same location simultaneously.
- There is a ranking system that is provisionally called “PvP Rank”. This rank shows your performance in Last Stand and in Skirmish, with a maximum of 99. After rank 40, there are better rewards.
- As a reward, Classified Caches were mentioned – chests for the secret gear sets. In other words, in The Division 1.8, there will be more ways to acquire the secret sets.
- The matchmaking in Skirmish takes into account the skills of the players. There are processes working in the background that track performance.
Gear Score increase and gear optimization
Update 1.8 allows for a higher Gear Score! However, there is no new world rank.
In the future, you can receive items with a Gear Score between 256 and 286 at “World Rank 5”. 286 will therefore be the new maximum.
According to the developers, the Gear Score will be calculated differently with 1.8. The key factor is gear optimization.
There will be an optimization station where you can optimize your weapons and armor pieces. This means you can push their stats and attributes to the maximum afterward. The further you optimize your items, the higher your Gear Score rises. Only with fully optimized gear can you achieve a Gear Score of 286.
To optimize your gear, you need Division Tech. You can already start collecting this now. The Division Tech will finally have a purpose again.
An example: You can use Division Tech on a ballistic vest to maximize its armor value. You can do this with all stats.
When asked whether this gear optimization would destroy balance, a developer replied: Tests have shown that balance is wonderful. Players will feel stronger and more powerful. This feels good in PvE.
More information from the State of the Game:
- The new rogue system will be introduced next week. It was teased today that there will be no more friendly fire. Therefore, you cannot accidentally become rogue.
- Stamina will be revised.
- Recently, a lot of bans have been issued. Those who used the RPM glitch were banned. This glitch will be fixed with an upcoming client patch.
Interesting: The Division: Update 1.8 brings innovative PvE area – and more weapons!
