So, you're on the hunt for the Pestilence in The Division 2, huh? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will break down everything you need to know to get your hands on this sought-after exotic LMG. Forget grinding aimlessly; we're going to lay out the most efficient methods, so you can add this beast to your arsenal and start melting those enemies. Let's dive in!

What is Pestilence?

Before we get into how to get it, let's quickly cover what the Pestilence actually is. The Pestilence is an exotic light machine gun (LMG) in The Division 2. It's known for its unique talent, Plague of the Outcasts, which applies a debuff to enemies that damages them over time and spreads to other enemies upon their death. This makes it incredibly effective for clearing groups of enemies and controlling the battlefield. It's a must-have for players who love LMGs and want to add a powerful tool to their collection. This weapon stands out because of its unique damage-over-time mechanic. When you hit an enemy, it applies a debuff that not only damages them but also spreads to nearby enemies when the initial target dies. This is particularly useful in missions and activities where you're facing waves of enemies. The Pestilence can quickly turn the tide of battle, making it easier to manage large groups of foes. Beyond its crowd control capabilities, the Pestilence is also a solid damage dealer. The weapon has decent base damage and a large magazine, allowing you to sustain fire for extended periods. When combined with the right gear and build, the Pestilence can become a formidable weapon in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether you're clearing out control points, tackling challenging missions, or engaging in PvP combat, the Pestilence is a versatile and effective choice. Its unique talent, ease of use, and overall performance make it a popular choice among The Division 2 players. If you're looking to add a powerful and unique weapon to your arsenal, the Pestilence is definitely worth pursuing. So now that we know why you should want one, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to acquire it.

Target Loot and Dark Zone Farming

The primary method for acquiring the Pestilence is through Targeted Loot areas and the Dark Zone. Essentially, you need to find areas where LMGs are the targeted loot. Here’s a breakdown:

Targeted Loot Areas

• What it is: In The Division 2, certain zones on the map, including missions and open-world areas, will have specific types of gear as their “targeted loot” for a set period.
• How to find it: Check your map! Look for the LMG icon on the map. This indicates that LMGs have an increased drop rate in that area.
• How to farm it: Once you find a zone with LMG targeted loot, start grinding! Complete missions, control points, and any other activities in that area. The more enemies you defeat, the higher your chances of getting the Pestilence. Targeted loot areas rotate regularly, so keep an eye on the map to find the best opportunities. This method is great because it allows you to focus your efforts in areas where LMGs are more likely to drop. You can also team up with friends or other players to increase your efficiency and chances of finding the Pestilence. Remember to check the map frequently for updated targeted loot locations, as they change regularly.

Dark Zone

• What it is: The Dark Zone is a PvPvE area where you can find high-end loot, but be warned, other players can and will try to take it from you.
• How to farm it: Enter the Dark Zone and start clearing landmarks (named enemy locations). These have a higher chance of dropping better loot. Also, look for crates and supply drops, as they can contain valuable gear. Remember, anything you find in the Dark Zone needs to be extracted, which means you’ll have to survive potential ambushes from other players.
• Extraction: This is the riskiest part. Call in an extraction and defend it until the helicopter arrives. Other players will be alerted to your extraction and may try to steal your loot. If you successfully extract, the loot is yours! The Dark Zone can be a challenging but rewarding way to farm for the Pestilence. The risk of encountering other players adds an element of excitement and danger, but the potential rewards are well worth it. Just be prepared to fight for your loot and always watch your back.

Tips for Farming

• Increase Difficulty: Playing on higher difficulties increases the drop rate of better loot. If you can handle it, try farming on Heroic or Legendary difficulty.
• Group Up: Teaming up with other players makes farming faster and easier. Plus, you can share loot that you don’t need.
• Optimize Your Build: Use a build that maximizes your damage output and survivability. This will allow you to clear content faster and more efficiently.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on The Division 2 community and forums. Players often share tips and strategies for farming specific items. Following these tips can significantly improve your chances of getting the Pestilence. Remember, persistence is key. Keep grinding, and eventually, you'll get your hands on this powerful exotic LMG.

Optimize Your Gameplay for Pestilence

Once you get Pestilence, it's important to optimize your gameplay to take full advantage of its unique talent, Plague of the Outcasts. The Pestilence shines when used in builds that focus on maximizing damage over time and spreading debuffs. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Gear Sets

Consider using gear sets that complement the Pestilence's strengths. Gear sets like Negotiator's Dilemma can help spread the damage even further by distributing critical hits to multiple enemies. This set synergizes well with the Pestilence's ability to spread damage over time, making it an excellent choice for crowd control. The Eclipse Protocol is also great which amplifies status effects.

Attributes and Mods

Focus on attributes and mods that enhance weapon damage, critical hit chance, and status effect duration. Prioritize weapon damage to increase the initial impact of your shots, and boost critical hit chance to maximize the spread of Negotiator's Dilemma's effect. Status effect duration will extend the duration of the Plague of the Outcasts debuff, allowing it to deal more damage over time.

Skills

Select skills that complement the Pestilence's playstyle. Skills like the Firefly can help spread status effects to multiple enemies, while the Chem Launcher can provide additional crowd control. The Pulse skill can also be useful for identifying and targeting high-value enemies.

Playstyle

Adapt your playstyle to maximize the Pestilence's effectiveness. Position yourself strategically to take advantage of the weapon's range and accuracy. Use cover to protect yourself while firing, and focus on targeting groups of enemies to maximize the spread of the Plague of the Outcasts debuff.

Experimentation

Don't be afraid to experiment with different gear combinations, attributes, mods, and skills. The key to optimizing your gameplay for the Pestilence is to find a setup that suits your playstyle and maximizes the weapon's strengths. Try different builds and strategies until you find one that works best for you.

Teamwork

When playing in a group, communicate with your teammates to coordinate your attacks and maximize the effectiveness of the Pestilence. Coordinate your skills and abilities to control the battlefield and take down enemies quickly. Effective teamwork can greatly enhance your overall performance.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips and tricks to help you on your quest for the Pestilence:

• Check the Vendor: Occasionally, the vendor in the game might sell exotic caches or items that increase your chances of finding exotics. It’s worth checking regularly.
• Global Events: Participate in global events, as they often have increased drop rates for exotic items. These events provide a great opportunity to farm for the Pestilence and other valuable gear.
• Countdown Mode: Consider playing Countdown mode. This mode is known for dropping a good amount of loot at the end of each run, and exotics have a chance to drop. Countdown mode is a fast-paced and efficient way to farm for gear and exotics.

Conclusion

Getting the Pestilence in The Division 2 requires patience and a bit of luck, but with the right strategies, you'll be melting enemies in no time. Focus on targeted loot areas, brave the Dark Zone, optimize your build, and stay persistent. Good luck, agents, and happy hunting! Now get out there and start spreading that Plague of the Outcasts! Remember, the key to success is to stay focused, stay persistent, and never give up. With the right strategies and a bit of luck, you'll eventually get your hands on the Pestilence and add it to your arsenal. Happy hunting, agents!