After the release date for Patch 1.8.1 for The Division was announced, Massive announces new encrypted Mark III containers. These are supposed to contain new cosmetic clothes and a special outfit.
The State of the Game just aired on April 5th, but Massive does not have much to announce. It is already known that Patch 1.8.1 will go live next week on April 12th.
The major update next week brings
- higher drop rates for classified gear,
- more Division Tech and
- 2 new legendary missions.
- Shortly after the patch release, the new global event Blackout will also start.
- Additionally, Xbox One X owners can look forward to 4k rendering and other improvements.
New cosmetic items are coming
Furthermore, Massive confirms: There will be new Mark III containers for cosmetic items. These will contain new clothes and a special outfit, about which there is no information. It is supposed to be a surprise, but it surely won’t be the bunny outfit.
Here are the (preliminary) patch notes for 1.8.1
So far, the final patch notes have not been announced. However, it is likely that they will be identical to the PTS version.
Revised chances for classified gear
- Open world bosses: 6% drop chance (doubled)
- Legendary missions: 20% chance upon completion
- Special classified containers during upcoming global events: Each available secret set will get a special container that guarantees a piece from this set
- Special container for classified gear: This costs 2500 Phoenix Credits and contains a secret set piece. You can buy these from the special equipment vendor.
- Supply drops for season pass owners: They now have a 10% chance for classified gear.
- Exotic weapons: The exotics sold by vendors will be removed from the normal loot pool. They will only be available from the vendors.
Further updates
- The missions “Amherst’s Apartment” and “Grand Central Station” will receive the legendary difficulty
- Supply drops for season pass owners provide 100 Div Tech
- In the future, daily tasks will drop 25 Division Tech and weekly tasks will drop 100 Division Tech.
- Open world bosses can drop all exotics
- Resistance bosses will soon grant 100 GE Credits during global events.
- Xbox One X update with 4k rendering and other improvements
- Players of the secret FireCrest set gain immunity to their own fire damage.
- More bug fixes
- New containers with cosmetic outfits
New global event: Blackout
Blackout will be the first of two new global events and is set to go live shortly after the release of Patch 1.8.1.
The modifiers for Blackout:
- Blackout (always active): Players receive shock ammo, which can stun opponents. By running or shooting, a charge gauge fills up. You deal more damage the higher the charge is.
- Extreme Blackout (in addition to Blackout): Enemies can be killed with overload in close combat. If you miss the opponent or exceed your charge of 100%, players and allies will be stunned.
- Total Blackout (in addition to Blackout and extreme Blackout): Your charge gauge empties faster when near group members.
A total of 40 new achievements will be introduced with Blackout and Onslaught.
Note: Rewards and gear sets for both events are still not known.
You can find a complete list of the patch notes with all bug fixes here
Cronus Max – a problem in The Division?
For some time now, players have been increasingly complaining about the seemingly inflationary use of the unfair Cronus Max. This is a device that gives one a range of unfair advantages.
We are aware of the problem, but it goes beyond Massive, as multiple parties are involved. Therefore, there is currently no solution. Massive asks players for patience. The developers want to emphasize that the problem is not being ignored.
Have you noticed this problem as well? How are you preparing for Patch 1.8.1? Let us know in the comments.
