In The Division, we provide a detailed overview of the new PvP mode Last Stand.
Recently, it became official: The Division is getting a standalone PvP mode. This mode is called “Last Stand” and will appear with the DLC “Last Stand” in Spring 2017.
Until now, those wanting to face other agents could only do so in the Dark Zone – where PvP is optional. With “Last Stand”, the developers aim to revive PvP and introduce a standalone mode designed for “Player versus Player” battles.
What is “Last Stand” about?
As events in the Dark Zone escalated, the Joint Task Force was forced to retreat. They had to leave crucial terminals behind, where data relays containing significant information are located.
Now, rogue agents want to seize these relays – which would be catastrophic. Therefore, it is now your job to go into the Dark Zone and prevent this.
When you play Last Stand, you will always be displayed as “Division Agents” and your enemies as “the Rogues”. In other words: You are always the good guys.
This is what the new PvP mode is all about
Last Stand is a PvP mode for 8v8 battles, taking place in the Dark Zone. However, you do not fight in the “normal” Dark Zone, but in standalone sessions. Each session lasts a maximum of 20 minutes.
Two teams compete against each other in a kind of conquest mode. Your goal is to transfer enough information from the DZ to win the match.
This is achieved by taking control of three zones (A, B, and C). Each zone has three objectives. Only when the three objectives of a zone are under your control does the data transfer begin. You want to control as many zones as possible and take zones from the enemy.
Important: If you capture a zone, you receive a new spawn point. This allows you to quickly return to the action if you die. You choose your spawn point via the megamap. The respawn should be as quick as the game’s loading times allow.
During the match, the rules change and you can spawn directly at team members – toward the end of the session, the combat should be able to proceed more aggressively and quickly.
You cannot become rogue in “Last Stand”. If you die, you do not lose experience points, currencies, or rewards. So you don’t have to worry about that.
During a session, you do not play in the entire Dark Zone: it is divided into four different maps (in DZ1-3, DZ4-6, DZ7-8, and DZ8-9). Each map has three zones with three objectives each.
PvE and tactics play an important role
In “Last Stand”, you will encounter not only other agents but also PvE enemies. These foes roam the streets and occupy landmarks. They also guard the control zones.
By killing NPCs, you will earn SHD Tech. This is a team resource that allows you to unlock tactical boosts and build fortifications. In your “Home Base” – that is, the zone where you spawn at the beginning – you can, for example, activate automated turrets that assist you in defense. There are also large pulse generators that warn you when enemies come too close.
You can only activate “Tactical Boost” stations with SHD Tech after you have reached certain milestones. Then they provide your team with various bonuses, such as faster data transfer or more points when you eliminate enemies. Such a station can only be activated by one team.
However, it is not permanently active. After a certain time, it becomes neutral again, and the enemy has the chance to take it over. Therefore, always ensure that you have enough SHD Tech to keep this boost station running for you.
This means: You can master “Last Stand” with various tactics. For example, split the team: Four agents could actively search for PvP fights to stop the enemies, while the other four agents gather SHD Tech from PvE enemies.
The NPCs respawn continuously during the session – and more frequently than in the “real” Dark Zone. Exceptions are the NPCs guarding the control zones. There is only one of them per session.
How to start Last Stand
To start a “Last Stand” session, you need to go to the terminal. The access point is located near the upgrade station – similar to Survival.
When you start the player search, you enter a queue. Seven other agents will now be searched for you. If you start solo, you will only be matched with other solo players. However, you can also start the player search in a squad with four people. Each team consists of 8 players divided into two 4-player teams.
During the player search, the gear score, rank, and performances in previous games are taken into account. Additionally, your equipment is “normalized”. Not your armor, but the skill should determine victory or defeat. What this will look like will be tested in advance on the PTS.
You must be level 30 to start Last Stand.
Rewards and ranking of “Last Stand”
Last Stand will feature a similar progression structure as the Underground. You collect experience points during matches and level up in “Last Stand” ranks. The maximum is rank 40. For each rank up, you receive a sealed container. Even beyond rank 40, you can earn containers with XP. “Last Stand” ranks do not function like “Dark Zone” ranks. Therefore, you cannot fall in rank.
This way, you can also earn unique cosmetic items. Only through this PvP mode can you obtain two complete sets of cosmetic items and two weapon skins.
If you win a session, there are extra rewards. Otherwise, many data will be tracked about your performance in over 30 categories during the match. Similar to Survival, you will then be rewarded based on your performance after matches.
Update: The key innovations of Update 1.6 are now known.
In this article, you will find information on 1.6 and Last Stand. The Dark Zone will be doubled!
