The Division 2 offers a vast arsenal of weapons, but assault rifles (ARs) remain a popular choice for their versatility. They balance damage, range, and rate of fire, making them effective in various situations. This guide explores the best assault rifles in The Division 2, considering different playstyles and build preferences. Finding the best AR is subjective, depending on your build and preferred engagement style, but this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Top Tier Assault Rifles: Dominating the Battlefield
Several assault rifles consistently stand out as top performers in The Division 2. These weapons boast exceptional damage, handling, and stats that make them highly competitive in both PvE and PvP.
The M4: A Classic for a Reason
The M4 platform, available early in the game and throughout, remains a strong contender. Its balanced stats make it adaptable to various builds. You can find excellent versions with high damage and accuracy, or prioritize rate of fire for close-quarters combat. The M4's availability and consistent performance make it a reliable choice for new and veteran players.
- Strengths: Balanced stats, easy to acquire, adaptable to different builds.
- Weaknesses: Can feel less powerful compared to some high-end ARs, especially in challenging content.
- Build Recommendations: Versatile, works well with both skill and damage builds.
The LVOA-C: Precise and Powerful
The LVOA-C stands out for its accuracy and damage output. This makes it ideal for players who prefer a more deliberate, precise shooting style. While its rate of fire might not be the highest, each shot packs a significant punch, making it effective at longer ranges. Its recoil is also relatively manageable, allowing for easier sustained fire.
- Strengths: High damage, accurate, manageable recoil.
- Weaknesses: Lower rate of fire compared to some alternatives.
- Build Recommendations: Excellent for critical hit builds focusing on sustained accuracy.
The AKM: Brute Force and High Damage
If you prefer raw power, the AKM is a compelling option. While the recoil can be a bit more challenging to manage than other ARs on this list, its high damage per bullet makes it a devastating weapon, particularly against tougher enemies. It's a weapon that rewards precise aiming and controlled bursts.
- Strengths: Extremely high damage output per bullet.
- Weaknesses: High recoil, lower rate of fire.
- Build Recommendations: Works best with builds that emphasize damage output over rate of fire; use it for controlled bursts to maximize accuracy and minimize recoil issues.
Finding Your Perfect Assault Rifle: Consider These Factors
Choosing the "best" assault rifle is highly personalized. Consider these factors when making your selection:
- Playstyle: Do you prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat or a more tactical, long-range approach? The best AR will align with your playstyle preferences.
- Build: Your character's build, including talents and skills, significantly impacts weapon effectiveness. Consider which weapon stats synergize best with your build.
- Enemy Type: Certain weapons excel against specific enemy types. The damage type and talents of your weapon are key considerations here.
- Available Mods: The available weapon mods can dramatically change an AR's performance. Experiment with different combinations to find the optimal setup for your playstyle.
Beyond the Top Tier: Other Notable Assault Rifles
While the previously mentioned ARs frequently top the lists, several other weapons deserve recognition:
- AUG A3: Another highly accurate option with a good rate of fire.
- Honey Badger: A compact and versatile AR ideal for close-quarters combat.
- FAMAS: High rate of fire but lower damage makes this good for crowd control.
Remember to experiment! The best assault rifle is the one you find most effective. Trying out different weapons and builds is crucial to discovering your ideal setup in The Division 2.
Conclusion: Mastering the Arsenal
The Division 2’s vast weapon pool offers choices for every playstyle. While certain ARs consistently outperform others, the ultimate "best" AR is subjective. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons and carefully tailoring them to your build and playstyle, you can significantly enhance your performance in The Division 2. Keep experimenting and refining your loadout, and you’ll find the perfect assault rifle to dominate the streets of Washington D.C.