The Dark Zone and character progression | Forums

[Whitebleidd]

I’ll start by saying I enjoyed my time with the game over the free weekend, but the main reason I skipped the 1st game was the dark zone, more specifically how it was said to be required after a certain point to progress your character.

So my question, is this the case for the Division 2? Is the dark zone necessary at any point for gear and/or quest progression? Searches on the subject have brought conflicting responses, I read on some threads that it’s not necessary anymore, that I would be free to ignore it completely, and on the other hand I’ve also read it’s not only necessary for gear progression but also for end game projects and such.

[Its_Lexxus]

To answer shortly and as simple as possible. You don't need to enter the DZ either for character progression or better loot.

The open world with its million of replayable and repetitve mission and the control points are just enough.

[ABrokenGamer]

You can freely ignore it if you wish. You won't miss much by doing so. However, the DZ missions are side ones - if you want the whole line of side missions done, then you'll want to do them.
One of the exotic weapons drop there, although Pestilence is held to be generally underwhelming.

[Whitebleidd]

That’s good to hear, if its only 1 weapon, although regrettable I can ignore obtaining it, that there are side quests locked to the zone is a shame, thanks for the head up.

[Medicles]

The DZ doesnt offer anything exclusive. Before the raid, Pestilence and i believe Yaal gear was only dropped in the DZ, but now those things can drop in the raid aswell. If you are not a fan of the raid, but still want the Pestilence or Yaal gear, you have to go into DZ, but frankly, both can be safely ignored. Yaal gear is not worth for the bonus and Pestilence is a bad primary and bad secondary weapon. The other positive thing about the DZ, is the fact that you get loot faster than anywhere else in the game, except the raid. But again, that doesnt really matter.

You dont need to go to DZ for gear progression and the only end game projects regarding the DZ are only based on DZ, means you get rewarded with maybe 1-2 items and DZ exp. Can be ignored aswell.

The side quest to unlock the zones are pure pve, you wont get attacked by any player during that sidequest. If you are a perfectionist though, you have to go into DZ to get some collectibles, but again, its not needed. If you still want them, they are quite easy to obtain anyway.