So i was thinking about giving this game a go again,and i went on youtube checking for builds, trying to figure out what people use and 99% of the builds are shield builds?![]()
I logged in game and yeah, everyone is running around with shields *facepalm*
So i guess my question is, how did this happen, and more importantly, why hasnt anything been done about it. Is it just me or is this pretty ridiculous?
Even in PvE shields are the best simply because of the unbelievable amount of damage enemies deal.
If you're using a shield you're able to deal damage without taking it (or taking very little), if you are behind cover you cannot deal any damage without being completely exposed.
In group there might be windows of time when NPCs are shooting someone else, playing solo the heat is all on you.
And why it bothers you?Originally Posted by dapz. Go to original post
Play whatever you want.
My guess is you're trying PVP? Don't do that. Save yourself a headache and a LOT of wasted time. Go play Warzone or Overwatch or something. Division 2 PVP is a garbage fire.Originally Posted by dapz. Go to original post
But for PVE, you're probably doing yourself a disservice by using youtuber click-bait builds as a measure for the game. Shields can be good, but there are many builds that don't use them. The Turret/Drone build is capable of soloing legendary. I've seen MMR builds do it too. CC builds using Eclipse Protocol are ALWAYS welcome in groups, and they don't use a shield.
Basically you're judging a book by its cover. And it's a good thing you asked, because otherwise you'd have never known that there are MANY different viable and powerful builds right now.
I run pretty much everything on Heroic. I seldom use a shield unless it is on a tank build.
My typical skills are the pulse or striker drone. A lot of people for YouTube videos like to get close and charge in with a shield because it doesn't seem as bad as using cover. There was a thing last year when Gear 2.0 came out with a lot of people using the shields with an M1A. The meta has expanded significantly and there are lots of new gear sets and options.
My standard go-to build is often 3pc Providence, 1pc Grupo, Fox's Prayers, 1pc Fenris with an AR and Ravenous or Diamondback. Specialization being Sharpshooter for stability and headshot damage on rifle or Gunner for Stability along with Armor Repair on Kill. Talents being Obliterate and Vigilance.
My close combat choice is often 4 pc Hunters fury with 1pc Grupo and a memento backpack when solo. Weapons being a Chameleon and The Apartment. I often run this with a reviver and pulse.
Shields aren't required at this point. There are lots of options to improve survivability without them.
I was talking about both PVE and PVP. Why does it bother me? Well, wether its pve or pvp, the idea of using a build that works but its subpar to the all the shield builds kinda of annoys me, and i just dont enjoy the shield type of gameplay.
Shields may not be "required" but they sure as hell look like the best option to both PVE and PVP right?
Still doesn't mean you have to use them.Originally Posted by dapz. Go to original post
Division 2 isn't currently balanced to where only one build is viable, even if that build is the "best." Eclipse Protocol, for example, is just as good.. And I have a pretty obscure Stinger build that works in both solo and group play. I'll break it out whenever I'm in the mood.
Obviously, parameters are different once you hit Legendary, but any sort of established meta for that difficulty is for good measure imo.
Whether they are the "best option" for you is the only thing that matters. I am not good with a shield, so that is not the best option for me. My most comfortable and deadliest build is a skill build with the stinger hive as my main; it is spec'd for skill damage, not status, and does massive damage. Depending on the enemy, I use a turret or the jammer as secondary. Two clan mates were real peaved last night, after finishing Potomac Event Center, when they noticed my hive killed twice as many enemies and did twice the damage than their combined eclipse protocol builds. I have multiple DPS builds that are maxed out, and while I do OK with them, I rarely top the damage/kills numbers in an mission. My skill build is my "best option".Originally Posted by dapz. Go to original post
TLDR; use a build that you enjoy and best suits your play style.
Im competitive and i try to have the best build out there, and the impression i got is that shield builds have the edge, that was what i meant as annoying to me. Anyway, i´ll give some other builds a go and probably a shield one and see if the gameplay grows on me.
Thanks for the input, really apreciate it. Cheers guys.