So, you're on the hunt for the Pestilence in The Division 2? Awesome! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to snag this powerful Light Machine Gun (LMG). We'll cover where to find it, what to expect, and some tips to make your farming a bit smoother. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Pestilence LMG

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of acquiring the Pestilence, let's talk about what makes it so desirable. This exotic LMG isn't just another weapon; it's a game-changer, especially if you love laying down sustained fire and watching your enemies melt away. The Pestilence comes with a unique talent called "Plague of the Outcasts". When you hit an enemy, they receive a stacking debuff. Once the enemy dies, a toxic cloud is released at their corpse, damaging anyone who dares to walk through it.

The beauty of this weapon lies in its ability to control the battlefield. Imagine clearing out a room just by mowing down a few enemies and letting the toxic clouds do the rest. That's the power of the Pestilence. The weapon's damage output is also nothing to scoff at, making it a formidable choice for both solo players and those in a group. Pestilence's high rate of fire and large magazine size allow you to keep the pressure on your opponents, making them think twice before peeking out from cover. Moreover, the weapon's exotic attributes often include bonuses to weapon handling and stability, which further enhance its usability in the heat of battle. Agents who wield Pestilence often find themselves becoming crowd control experts, capable of turning the tide of engagements by strategically eliminating key targets and creating hazardous zones that deter enemy advances.

The tactical implications of wielding the Pestilence are vast. It's not just about dealing damage; it's about area denial and controlling enemy movement. Agents can use the toxic clouds to force enemies out of cover, creating opportunities for teammates to flank and eliminate them. In challenging missions and raids, this level of control can be the difference between success and failure. Additionally, the Pestilence synergizes well with certain gear sets and skills, allowing players to create specialized builds that maximize its effectiveness. For example, combining the Pestilence with gear that boosts status effects or skill damage can amplify the potency of the toxic clouds, turning them into truly devastating weapons. Furthermore, understanding the weapon's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for mastering its use. While the Pestilence excels at area denial and sustained damage, it may struggle against heavily armored enemies or those with immunity to status effects. Therefore, agents should always be prepared to adapt their tactics and switch to alternative weapons or strategies when necessary.

Where to Farm for Pestilence

Alright, now for the good stuff: where do you actually find this beast? The Pestilence drops in the Dark Zones. Yes, both occupied and normalized Dark Zones can reward you with this exotic LMG. However, keep in mind that the drop rates are RNG-based, meaning it's all down to luck. So, get ready to put in some hours.

Dark Zone Landmarks

Your best bet is to farm Landmarks within the Dark Zones. These areas are filled with challenging enemies and bosses, and they offer a higher chance of dropping better loot. When a Landmark is cleared, a chest usually spawns, which can contain anything from gear to weapons, and, hopefully, the Pestilence. Team up with friends or other agents to clear these Landmarks quickly and efficiently. More players mean more firepower, and the faster you clear Landmarks, the more chances you have to get that sweet, sweet Pestilence. Coordination is key when farming Landmarks in the Dark Zone. Designate roles within your team, such as crowd control, damage dealers, and healers, to maximize your effectiveness. Communicate enemy positions and call out priority targets to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other players who may be looking to steal your loot or disrupt your farming efforts. The Dark Zone is a dangerous place, and vigilance is essential for survival.

Dark Zone Named Bosses

Another great way to farm for the Pestilence is by taking down Named Bosses in the Dark Zone. These bosses are tougher than your average enemy, but they also have a higher chance of dropping exotic items. Keep an eye out for events that spawn these bosses more frequently, as this will significantly increase your chances of getting the Pestilence. When engaging Named Bosses, be prepared for a challenging fight. These enemies often have unique abilities and attack patterns that can catch you off guard if you're not careful. Study their behavior and learn how to counter their attacks to minimize your risk of being defeated. Additionally, consider using specialized builds or skills that are effective against bosses, such as those that provide armor penetration or increased damage to elites. With the right strategy and gear, you can take down Named Bosses with relative ease and increase your chances of obtaining the Pestilence.

Tips for Efficient Farming

Farming in The Division 2 can be a grind, but here are some tips to make the process a little less painful and a lot more efficient:

• Increase Your Luck: Gear up with items that boost your Loot Find or Luck stats. While the impact might not be massive, every little bit helps.
• Team Up: As mentioned earlier, farming with a group is much more efficient. You can cover more ground and clear Landmarks faster.
• Optimize Your Build: Make sure your build is optimized for PvE combat. Focus on damage output and survivability.
• Be Patient: The Pestilence is a rare drop, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep grinding, and eventually, you'll get lucky.

Dark Zone Etiquette

While the Dark Zone is a PvPvE environment, there's a certain etiquette that many players follow:

• Respect Extractions: Don't steal extractions unless you're looking for a fight. It's generally considered bad form.
• Help Others: If you see someone struggling, offer assistance. A little kindness can go a long way.
• Communicate: Use voice chat to communicate with other players. This can help you coordinate attacks or avoid conflicts.

Staying Safe in the Dark Zone

The Dark Zone is a dangerous place, so here are some tips to stay safe:

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always keep an eye on your radar and watch out for other players.
• Travel in Groups: There's safety in numbers, so stick with your team.
• Use Cover: Don't run out in the open. Use cover to protect yourself from enemy fire.
• Be Prepared for PvP: Always be ready to defend yourself against other players.

Alternative Methods (Targeted Loot)

Sometimes, The Division 2 features Targeted Loot areas. These are specific zones on the map that have an increased chance of dropping certain types of gear. Keep an eye on the daily briefings and check the map to see if LMGs are the targeted loot in any of the Dark Zones. If they are, that's your golden opportunity to farm for the Pestilence.

How Targeted Loot Works

Targeted Loot areas rotate regularly, so it's essential to stay informed. When an LMG is the targeted loot in a Dark Zone, the drop rate for LMGs in that area is significantly increased. This means you'll have a much higher chance of finding the Pestilence while farming Landmarks and Named Bosses in that zone. To maximize your chances, focus your efforts on the targeted loot area and clear as many activities as possible. Coordinate with your team to efficiently clear Landmarks and take down Named Bosses, and be prepared to extract your loot quickly and safely.

Benefits of Farming Targeted Loot

Farming Targeted Loot offers several advantages over traditional farming methods. First, it significantly increases your chances of finding the specific gear you're looking for. This can save you a lot of time and effort, as you won't have to rely solely on random drops. Second, Targeted Loot areas often attract more players, which can make farming more enjoyable and engaging. Teaming up with other agents to clear activities can be a great way to socialize and make new friends. However, be aware that Targeted Loot areas can also be more dangerous, as they may attract rogue agents looking to steal your loot. Therefore, it's essential to stay vigilant and be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.

Pestilence and Your Build

Once you finally get your hands on the Pestilence, the next step is to integrate it into your build. The Pestilence shines best in builds that focus on sustained damage and status effects. Gear sets like Ongoing Directive can synergize well with its Plague of the Outcasts talent, spreading even more status effects to your enemies. Experiment with different gear combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Consider using gear mods that boost weapon handling, reload speed, or magazine size to further enhance the Pestilence's performance. Additionally, think about pairing the Pestilence with skills that complement its strengths, such as the Firestarter Chem Launcher or the Stinger Hive. These skills can help you control the battlefield and maximize the effectiveness of the Pestilence's toxic clouds.

Optimizing Your Stats

When building around the Pestilence, it's essential to optimize your stats to maximize its damage output and survivability. Focus on attributes such as weapon damage, critical hit chance, and critical hit damage to increase the Pestilence's raw damage potential. Additionally, consider investing in stats that boost your armor and health to improve your survivability in combat. Gear mods and skill variants can also play a significant role in optimizing your stats. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance between damage output and survivability for your playstyle. Remember that the Pestilence is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to a variety of builds, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

Playstyles with Pestilence

The Pestilence can be incorporated into various playstyles, depending on your preferences and the needs of your team. Some players prefer to use it as a primary weapon, focusing on sustained damage and area denial. Others may use it as a secondary weapon, switching to it when facing groups of enemies or when they need to control the battlefield. Regardless of your playstyle, it's essential to understand the Pestilence's strengths and weaknesses and adapt your tactics accordingly. In group play, communication and coordination are key to maximizing the Pestilence's effectiveness. Work with your teammates to identify priority targets and create opportunities for the Pestilence's toxic clouds to spread and deal damage. With the right strategy and teamwork, the Pestilence can be a devastating weapon in any situation.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, agents! Getting the Pestilence in The Division 2 requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck. Farm those Dark Zone Landmarks, take down those Named Bosses, and keep an eye out for Targeted Loot areas. With enough effort, you'll be laying down toxic clouds and melting enemies in no time. Good luck, and happy hunting!