In The Division, we provide a guide to the PvP mode “Last Stand”. This is how the mechanics work.
The “Last Stand” DLC brings the namesake mode “Last Stand”. Many PC agents are currently checking out this mode on the public test servers and providing hints on how to proceed best.
“Last Stand” is not a PvP mode like you know from other shooters: You do not just shoot down opposing players, but must consider several mechanics to successfully complete a session.
This is what “Last Stand” is about
Last Stand is a conquest mode with PvE and PvP elements. It is played in 8v8, but many NPC enemies also roam the map. There are zones A, B, and C, with A and C being near the spawn points of the respective teams. You will also find two landmarks where you will encounter many NPC enemies – including named elite foes. Furthermore, there are two “Tactical Boosts” on the map.
In each zone (A, B, C) there are three objectives: Only when all three objectives have been activated do you own the zone. The more zones you control, the faster you earn points. Each zone also contains fortifications (turrets) that you activate with SHD Tech, a new currency. You earn SHD Tech by killing NPCs or opening crates.
Tip: To neutralize enemy turret fortifications, you can disable them with EMP grenades. This makes it easier to capture enemy zones.
This is how a match plays out
Your first objective should be to eliminate some NPCs at the beginning to earn SHD Tech. This allows you to claim and fortify your first zone, making it better protected against enemies. Use this zone as your base.
After that, you should head to a landmark or zone B. You must definitely collect SHD Tech. Theoretically, you can divide your group and advance to both objectives.
At the 7-minute mark, the “Tactical Boosts” go online: These give your team various bonuses, such as more points when you eliminate enemies. However, you first need to activate them with 2000 SHD Tech.
A “Tactical Boost” station can only be activated by one team. After a certain amount of time, it becomes neutral again, and the enemy can take it over. Therefore, make sure you always have enough SHD Tech to use this boost. SHD Tech is a currency that is collected across strike teams.
If you have, for example, the boost that gives you more points for kills, you should do just that: eliminate enemies as many as possible to maximize the benefits from the boost. Gain an advantage over the enemy team.
Now, the goal is to earn more points than the enemy. Hold your base zone, grab the boosts, collect SHD Tech, and fight the enemy for zone B. The first group to earn 15,000 points or have the most points when time runs out wins.
Conclusion: In this standalone PvP mode, it is much less about PvP than one might expect. You must familiarize yourself with the mechanics and objectives and, above all, collect SHD Tech to win. The opposing agents are pesky foes. “Last Stand” is tactically driven: Who collects SHD Tech, who deals with the enemy, what about zone B and the boosts? Communication is key.
The YouTuber Arekkz Gaming has checked out “Last Stand” on the PTS and considers it to be a fun mode that brings variety. He criticizes that the maps for “Last Stand” are somewhat too large – most of the time consists of running from one point to another.
Have you played the mode yet? What do you think of it?
For information on the microtransactions that update 1.6 brings, read here.
