The Division 2 update to revamp skill mod requirements, weapon mods

The Division 2's big upcoming patch will add more than World Tier 5 and Tidal Basin to the game.

In the latest episode of The Division 2 State of the Game stream, Ubisoft revealed a host of welcome changes, and additions coming to the game tomorrow. First, the update will be available following three hours of maintenance that kick off at 1:30am PT, 4:30am ET, 9:30am UK.

The update is called Invasion: Battle for D.C., and its biggest feature is a complete re-balance of skill mods. Those who have been playing since launch should be familiar with the ridiculous requirements for most mods, which make it impossible to have a functional skill build.

These requirements are being brought in line, and the bonuses will increase the higher the requirements become. Another controversial change The Division 2 had at launch was how weapon mods always came with positive, and negative effects. The idea was to make attachments interesting by having players weigh their pros and cons.

This apparently wasn't very fun, so the developer is taking away all drawbacks. Following the update's release, all mods will have varying boosts depending on the slot, but you should expect these bonuses to be smaller compared to what's currently in the game, to offset the removal of negative effects.

Some mods, like weapon magazines, will continue to have drawbacks. According to the developer, the goal is to have at least one mod for every slot that does not have any drawbacks.

A few skills are also getting updated to improve usability. The Sniper Turret now offers much better control, and better enemy tracking. Aiming the Firefly should now also be less clunky, and the same goes for the Chem Launcher, which can now be used as a weapon when activated.

More broadly, the update will buff the Sharpshooter Signature Weapon, as well as a few other weapons like the LVOA-C, the Lightweight M4, and AA12 shotgun. Outside of these balance changes, you can also look forward to an FOV slider, and separate sensitivity options for zoomed in fire.

Finally, The Division 2's first Apparel Event will kick off with the patch's release. From April 5 to May 2, players will be able to participate in challenges, and Projects to earn exclusive new cosmetics, including masks.

Watch the stream archive above for everything discussed.