In the world of Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, where survival, tactics, and strategy are key to overcoming enemy factions, certain weapons stand out not only for their firepower but also for the unique effects they bring into battle. Among these, the Pestilence exotic LMG has earned a notorious reputation. More than just a gun, Pestilence is a tool of chaos inflicting slow, spreading damage that turns the tide of prolonged combat. Its thematic focus on disease and decay fits perfectly with the post-pandemic setting of the game, creating a sense of danger that lingers long after the trigger is pulled.
Overview of Pestilence
The Division 2 Pestilence is an exotic light machine gun (LMG) with unique talents that set it apart from any other weapon in the game. It’s not designed to kill with one clean burst but rather to weaken enemies over time. It delivers damage through a specialized debuff that spreads like a plague hence its name. This mechanic makes Pestilence particularly effective in group encounters, where close proximity between enemies allows the weapon’s full power to shine.
Weapon Stats and Basic Attributes
Before delving into the deeper mechanics, here are some of the base characteristics of Pestilence:
- Weapon Type: Exotic LMG (based on the M249)
- Magazine Size: 100 rounds
- Rate of Fire: 550 RPM
- Base Damage: Moderate, with high damage over time (DoT) potential
- Accuracy & Stability: Lower than most LMGs, requiring controlled fire
While its raw stats may seem average at first glance, its exotic talents completely transform its utility in battle.
The Unique Talent: Plague of the Outcasts
The heart of Pestilence’s power lies in its exclusive talentPlague of the Outcasts. This talent activates whenever you hit an enemy. After landing enough bullets, you apply a debuff called a Plague that continues to damage the enemy over time, even if you stop firing. If the enemy dies while infected, the debuff spreads to other enemies nearby. This mechanic is what gives Pestilence its identity as a contagion-based weapon.
How the Plague Mechanic Works
- After 20 hits, the enemy receives a DoT effect dealing damage over 10 seconds.
- If the infected enemy dies, the Plague debuff transfers to another enemy within 25 meters.
- The debuff can jump from enemy to enemy, enabling widespread softening of enemy waves.
This makes Pestilence not just a DPS tool but a method of battlefield control, allowing the player to weaken multiple foes without switching targets constantly.
Ideal Use Cases for Pestilence
The Division 2 Pestilence is not a universal weapon for every situation, but it excels in certain environments and build configurations. Knowing when and how to use it is crucial for maximizing its impact.
Best Scenarios
- Open-field engagements: Ideal for missions with large groups of enemies.
- Control Point fights: Enemy reinforcements spawn closely, allowing the disease to spread.
- Legendary missions: Where enemy health pools are large, the DoT effect becomes essential.
Pestilence shines in long battles, where sustained pressure and crowd weakening matter more than quick kills. Its damage-over-time ensures that even tanky enemies can’t hold ground for long.
Best Builds and Gear Synergy
To get the most out of Pestilence, pairing it with the right build is essential. While it works decently with general LMG builds, there are ways to amplify its Plague effect and turn it into a true powerhouse.
Recommended Builds
- Status Effect Build: Boost the Plague damage by using gear that increases status effect damage.
- LMG DPS Build: Combine with True Patriot gear set to weaken enemies and apply debuffs synergistically.
- Tank Build: As Pestilence requires prolonged exposure, tank builds allow you to absorb hits while applying disease.
The True Patriot gear set is especially effective with Pestilence. Its red, white, and blue debuffs (damage amplification, healing denial, and repair to allies) stack beautifully with Pestilence’s spread mechanic. Enemies weakened by the Plague are easier to take down when layered with True Patriot effects.
How to Obtain Pestilence
Getting Pestilence requires effort, luck, and sometimes farming in the right places. It does not drop from basic loot pools and must be hunted in specific locations.
Farming Tips
- Targeted Loot: Play missions or control points when LMGs are in the targeted loot rotation.
- Dark Zone: Historically, Pestilence was found in DZ South from named bosses. It can still occasionally be extracted from Dark Zone chests.
- Exotic Caches: As a last resort, exotic caches offer a chance, though not guaranteed.
Patience is key. The Division 2’s loot system is RNG-based, so obtaining Pestilence might take time. However, its unique utility makes it worth the grind for players who want to diversify their loadout.
PvP and PvE Performance
While Pestilence is mostly considered a PvE-focused exotic, it can still have a niche in PvP environments. The spreading effect may not be as pronounced in PvP due to spacing between players, but its psychological effect and chip damage shouldn’t be overlooked.
In PvE
In PvE, Pestilence is a monster. It performs exceptionally well against mobs, elites, and even bosses when used with proper gear. It doesn’t require constant aiming, which is helpful in chaotic battles. You simply need to land hits and move on, letting the disease do the work.
In PvP
Its effectiveness in PvP is more situational. While the damage over time can interrupt healing and punish groups that cluster too close, players who move quickly or cleanse status effects can reduce its impact. It’s more of a harassment tool than a finisher in competitive modes.
The Division 2 Pestilence is a standout exotic weapon not for its brute power but for its strategic depth. Its ability to apply damage over time, spread debuffs, and soften groups of enemies makes it an invaluable tool for players who enjoy tactical, drawn-out encounters. With the right build and mindset, Pestilence transforms the battlefield into a war of attrition one where the infection always wins. For players who value area denial, status effects, and thematic weaponry, Pestilence remains one of the most unique and rewarding guns in The Division 2 arsenal.