Hey guys! Getting your hands on the Pestilence LMG in The Division 2 can seriously amp up your game. This weapon is a beast, known for its unique talent that spreads damage over time to enemies, making it super effective in crowd control and dealing consistent damage. If you're wondering how to snag this awesome piece of gear, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of acquiring the Pestilence in The Division 2.

Understanding the Pestilence LMG

Before we jump into how to get it, let's talk about why you'd want the Pestilence in the first place. This LMG isn't just another weapon; it's got a special ability called Plague of the Outcasts. When you hit an enemy, it applies a debuff that ticks damage over time. What's really cool is that when that enemy dies, the debuff spreads to other nearby enemies. This makes it incredibly useful for clearing out groups of baddies, especially in tight spaces or during intense firefights. The Pestilence excels in scenarios where enemies are clustered together, allowing you to maximize the spread of its damage-over-time effect. Think about missions where you're constantly facing waves of enemies or control points where you need to suppress multiple targets simultaneously. The Pestilence shines in these situations, offering both high damage output and excellent crowd control capabilities. Moreover, the weapon's synergy with certain builds can further amplify its effectiveness. For example, builds that focus on status effects or damage-over-time can greatly benefit from the Pestilence, turning you into a walking plague spreader. In summary, the Pestilence is not just a weapon; it's a strategic tool that can significantly enhance your combat prowess in The Division 2, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal for both solo and team play.

Where to Find the Pestilence

The Pestilence LMG drops in the Dark Zones, specifically from named enemies and loot caches. This means you'll be heading into PvP territory, so gear up and be ready for anything.

Dark Zone Basics

First off, let's cover some Dark Zone basics for those who might be new or need a refresher. The Dark Zones are PvPvE areas in The Division 2, meaning you'll be fighting both AI enemies and other players. There are three Dark Zones in the game: Dark Zone East, Dark Zone South, and Dark Zone West. Each zone has its own layout, landmarks, and challenges, but the core gameplay loop remains the same: enter the zone, clear landmarks, defeat enemies, collect loot, and extract it without getting killed by other players or rogue agents. Understanding the mechanics of the Dark Zone is crucial for successfully farming for the Pestilence. Knowing the locations of key landmarks, the spawn patterns of named enemies, and the best extraction points can significantly increase your chances of obtaining the LMG and getting out alive. Additionally, be aware of the different types of players you might encounter in the Dark Zone, from solo players trying to avoid conflict to organized groups looking to dominate the area. Adapt your playstyle accordingly, and always be prepared for a potential firefight. Mastering the Dark Zone is not just about getting the Pestilence; it's about surviving and thriving in a hostile environment where danger lurks around every corner.

Farming Named Enemies

Named enemies are your primary target. These tougher enemies have a higher chance of dropping exotic items, including the Pestilence. They usually hang out at landmarks, which are marked on your map. Clear these landmarks to spawn the named enemies and take them down. Remember, the Dark Zone is a risky place. Other players might be after the same loot, so be prepared for a fight. Team up with friends or other players to increase your chances of survival. Coordinate your attacks, watch each other's backs, and communicate effectively to overcome both AI enemies and rival players. The more players you have in your group, the faster you can clear landmarks and defeat named enemies, increasing your overall loot acquisition rate. However, be mindful of the potential for betrayal. Not everyone in the Dark Zone can be trusted, and some players might turn rogue and attempt to steal your loot. Stay vigilant, and don't let your guard down, even when working with temporary allies. The Dark Zone is a dynamic and unpredictable environment, so adaptability and situational awareness are key to success. By mastering the art of farming named enemies, you'll not only increase your chances of obtaining the Pestilence but also hone your combat skills and tactical decision-making abilities, making you a formidable force in the Dark Zone.

Loot Caches

Keep an eye out for loot caches scattered around the Dark Zones. These caches can contain valuable gear, including exotic items. They require a key to open, which you can find by defeating enemies or completing activities in the Dark Zone. Loot caches offer an alternative way to acquire the Pestilence, especially if you're having trouble finding named enemies or surviving encounters with other players. These caches are often hidden in out-of-the-way locations, requiring you to explore the Dark Zone thoroughly to find them. Some caches may also be guarded by AI enemies or even rogue agents, so be prepared for a challenge when attempting to open them. Collecting keys to open loot caches can become a mini-game in itself, as you compete with other players to secure these valuable resources. Consider teaming up with friends or other players to increase your chances of finding keys and opening caches safely. Remember that the contents of loot caches are randomized, so there's no guarantee that you'll find the Pestilence in every cache you open. However, the more caches you open, the higher your chances of eventually obtaining the LMG. Loot caches provide a consistent and reliable source of loot in the Dark Zone, making them an essential part of any Pestilence farming strategy.

Tips for Farming the Pestilence

Okay, here are some killer tips to boost your chances of getting the Pestilence:

• Increase Your Luck: Gear with the Luck attribute can increase your chances of finding better loot. Stack as much Luck as you can. The Luck attribute, which is often found on gear mods or certain gear sets, directly increases your chances of finding higher-quality loot, including exotic items like the Pestilence. While the exact percentage increase provided by the Luck attribute is not explicitly stated in the game, many players believe that stacking as much Luck as possible significantly improves their chances of obtaining rare items. Experiment with different gear combinations and mod setups to maximize your Luck stat. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of Luck can vary depending on the activity you're undertaking. For example, Luck might be more effective when opening loot caches or defeating named enemies in the Dark Zone compared to completing regular missions in the open world. By optimizing your Luck stat, you'll be increasing your overall loot acquisition rate, making your Pestilence farming efforts more efficient and rewarding.
• Team Up: Going solo is tough. Team up with other players to cover more ground and increase your firepower. Teamwork makes the dream work, especially in the treacherous environment of the Dark Zone. By coordinating your movements, sharing information about enemy locations, and providing backup during firefights, you'll significantly increase your chances of survival and success. A well-coordinated team can clear landmarks faster, defeat named enemies more efficiently, and protect each other from rogue agents. Use voice communication to stay in constant contact with your teammates, and develop strategies for dealing with different types of threats. Assign roles to each team member, such as medic, DPS, and tank, to maximize your team's effectiveness. Remember that teamwork is not just about firepower; it's about communication, cooperation, and trust. By building strong relationships with your teammates, you'll not only improve your chances of obtaining the Pestilence but also create lasting memories and forge bonds that extend beyond the game.
• Stay Alert: The Dark Zone is full of surprises. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other players. Awareness is key to survival in the Dark Zone, where danger lurks around every corner. Pay attention to your radar, which indicates the presence of nearby players and AI enemies. Use cover effectively to avoid being caught in the open, and always have an escape route planned in case you encounter hostile players. Be wary of choke points and ambushes, and avoid traveling alone whenever possible. Listen for audio cues, such as footsteps or gunfire, that might indicate the presence of nearby threats. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to retreat or call for backup if you feel uncomfortable or outnumbered. Remember that the Dark Zone is a dynamic and unpredictable environment, so staying alert and adaptable is crucial for surviving and thriving. By honing your situational awareness, you'll be able to anticipate threats, react quickly to changing circumstances, and make informed decisions that will keep you alive and increase your chances of obtaining the Pestilence.
• Extraction is Key: Once you've got the Pestilence, extract it ASAP. Head to an extraction point and call in the helicopter. Be ready for a fight, as other players will likely try to steal your loot. Extraction is the final and most crucial step in the Pestilence farming process. Once you've obtained the LMG, your primary goal is to get it out of the Dark Zone safely. Head to one of the designated extraction points, which are marked on your map, and call in the extraction helicopter. Be prepared for a potential firefight, as other players will be alerted to your presence and may attempt to steal your loot. Coordinate with your teammates to defend the extraction point, and use cover effectively to avoid being shot. Consider using decoy tactics to distract or mislead enemy players. Stay vigilant, and don't let your guard down until the helicopter arrives and you've successfully secured your loot. Remember that extraction is not always guaranteed, and you may lose your loot if you're killed before the helicopter arrives. However, with careful planning, teamwork, and a bit of luck, you can successfully extract the Pestilence and add it to your collection. Mastering the art of extraction is essential for maximizing your gains in the Dark Zone and ensuring that your hard-earned loot doesn't end up in the hands of your rivals.

Alternative Methods

While the Dark Zone is the primary source for the Pestilence, there are a couple of other ways you might get lucky:

• Exotic Caches: Keep an eye out for exotic caches, which can drop from various activities in the game. These caches have a chance to contain any exotic item, including the Pestilence. Exotic caches are a valuable source of exotic items in The Division 2, offering players a chance to obtain rare and powerful gear without having to venture into the Dark Zone. These caches can be obtained from various activities throughout the game, such as completing weekly projects, reaching certain milestones in seasonal events, or purchasing them from the in-game store. While the drop rates for specific exotic items from these caches are not explicitly stated, many players believe that they offer a decent chance of obtaining the Pestilence. Consider prioritizing activities that reward exotic caches to increase your chances of adding the LMG to your collection. Remember that the contents of exotic caches are randomized, so there's no guarantee that you'll find the Pestilence in every cache you open. However, by consistently acquiring and opening these caches, you'll be increasing your overall chances of obtaining the exotic weapon. Exotic caches provide a convenient and accessible way for players to farm for the Pestilence and other valuable exotic items, making them an essential part of any gear acquisition strategy.
• Season Rewards: Sometimes, the Pestilence is offered as a reward in seasonal events. Keep an eye on the season track and complete challenges to unlock it. Seasonal rewards offer a structured and progressive way for players to earn exclusive items and gear in The Division 2. These rewards are typically tied to completing specific challenges or reaching certain milestones within a given season. The Pestilence has occasionally been featured as a seasonal reward, providing players with a guaranteed way to obtain the LMG without having to rely on random drops or venturing into the Dark Zone. Keep an eye on the season track and complete the necessary challenges to unlock the Pestilence. Seasonal rewards often require a significant time investment, but the guaranteed acquisition of a powerful exotic weapon like the Pestilence makes it well worth the effort. Take advantage of double XP events and other boosts to accelerate your progress through the season track. Remember that seasonal rewards are time-limited, so make sure to complete the challenges before the season ends to avoid missing out on the opportunity to obtain the Pestilence. Seasonal rewards provide a consistent and rewarding way for players to enhance their gear collection and experience the latest content in The Division 2.

Final Thoughts

Getting the Pestilence in The Division 2 requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck. Head into the Dark Zones, farm those named enemies, and keep an eye out for loot caches and exotic caches. Good luck, agents, and happy hunting!