In The Division, normalization occurs in the “Last Stand” mode. This is how it works on the PTS.
Update: We present the final normalization as it occurs in 1.6 here.
Since 27.1, the “Last Stand” mode has been active on the PTS. This is the first standalone PvP mode, where you compete against each other in 8v8 battles.
The Division 1.6 – What’s behind “Normalization”?
According to Massive, normalization occurs in this mode – and only in this mode. The “normal” Dark Zone is not affected. The idea behind normalization is to reduce the importance of character builds in PvP and to highlight the players’ skills. It should not be the best builds, but the best players who win in “Last Stand.”
Massive is trying to find a balance so that agents with optimized gear still have slight advantages, but agents with average gear also have a chance for victory. How is this supposed to work?
This is how normalization works on the PTS – Phase 2
Currently, the first version of normalization can be tested on the PTS. The developers expect that there will be several changes before the optimal solution for the live game is found. It works like this:
When you enter a “Last Stand” session, your characters will be modified and adjusted to each other.
Armor pieces:
- All armor pieces will have a gear score of 256.
- The main attributes (firearms, stamina, and electronics) of all your armor pieces will receive the maximum possible roll.
- These bonuses will be uniformly scaled: weapon type damage, skill power, and health (hit points).
- All other bonuses will remain unaffected by normalization.
Weapons:
- All weapons will have a gear score of 256.
- The base damage of each weapon will be at the possible maximum.
- The unlocked talents depend on the normalized main attributes.
- The weapon mods will behave as before. These will not be normalized.
- All other values such as fire rate or reload speed will also remain unaffected.
The armor reduction for all players is identical. In addition, the character talents, gear set bonuses, and weapon set bonuses will work as usual.
Have you already tested “Last Stand” on the PTS? What are your experiences?
All information about “Last Stand” can be found here.
