In The Division, update 1.6 brings numerous changes to the Dark Zone. Here is an overview.
“Last Stand” will be a standalone PvP mode in the Dark Zone, introduced by the paid “Last Stand” DLC. If you want to play this mode, you must own the Season Pass or purchase the DLC separately.
All other changes to the Dark Zone come with the free update 1.6.
The northern border will be opened – DZ07-09
The most noticeable new feature of update 1.6 is the (almost) doubling of the Dark Zone: DZ07, DZ08, and DZ09 are coming. The PvE/PvP area will be expanded northwards to include DZ07, with DZ08 and DZ09 joining DZ07 to the northeast.
The Dark Zone has never been an inviting place, but the new Dark Zone classes are meant to convey a distinctly darker atmosphere. Bodies are piled up in the streets, some of them ablaze, and enemies lurk everywhere. Massive does not want to reveal too much so that you can explore these areas yourself, where some surprises are said to await.
The three new areas will roughly double the “playable area” of the Dark Zone: You will not only run on the streets but also on rooftops, in the underground, and in buildings.
Less PvP, more PvE
With Last Stand, a dedicated PvP mode comes where you can hunt other agents at will. The PvP aspect in the “normal” Dark Zone will be reduced. While the size of the Dark Zone is almost doubled, the player count in each DZ instance remains the same. This means that the chance of encountering other agents is significantly lower.
Instead, you can expect more PvE content. The landmarks are being revamped: Multiple waves of enemies can now spawn at these locations after you have defeated the first group. When you clear a landmark, you will receive additional loot that goes directly into your inventory and does not need to be extracted first.
The further north you advance into the DZ, the more challenging the enemies will become. With update 1.6, you can fast travel between DZ checkpoints.
These are the contamination events
Contamination events are meant to provide more variety in the Dark Zone. Elite cleaners will appear in underground areas of the DZ approximately every hour, and your job is to take them out. However, the contamination in these areas reaches deadly levels that your virus filter cannot withstand. You need to devise a tactic, act quickly, and keep an eye on your health.
How long such an event lasts and what rewards it offers are currently unknown.
Dark Zone leaderboards
A new feature that has been known for a few weeks is the Dark Zone leaderboards. These allow you to compare yourself with other agents on a weekly and monthly basis.
Many of your activities will be tracked: In PvP, for example, kills of rogue agents, attempts at manhunts, or cut ropes during pickups. In PvE, NPC kills, looted boxes, or extracted items will be counted.
All activities contribute to an overall score. This leaderboard is divided into three ranks. The higher the rank you achieve, the more rewards you will receive. The lists will be reset weekly and monthly.
You can read about the new difficulty level “Legendary” in The Division here.
