The Division 2 | Y7S2 PTS Patch Notes Released | Exciting New Endgame Activity
Edited By
Emma Collins
Players of The Division 2 will have a new thrill to experience with the Year 7 Season 2 (Y7S2) PTS patch notes, featuring an exciting new endgame activity called Retaliation that significantly changes gameplay. Set for testing starting August 14, this mode is all about faction conflict and territory control.
Key Details of the PTS Patch
Patch Size: 100GB (if not previously downloaded); 17GB (if prior PTS build exists)
Start Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM CEST / 8:00 AM EDT / 5:00 AM PDT
End Date: Monday, August 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM CEST / 8:00 AM EDT / 5:00 AM PDT
What is Retaliation?
Retaliation is a new permanent mode focused on reclaiming territories from opposing factions. Players provoke enemy factions leading to intense counterattacks, allowing for high replayability and fresh Exotic farming opportunities. Players can engage in this from Washington, New York, and Brooklyn.
How It Works
Filling an Agitation Meter by defeating enemies or completing missions triggers Retaliation. When the meter hits 100%, a Retaliation phase kicks in, marking a Named Zone for an enemy takeover. Players must act quickly to control marked points before time runs out:
Timer Extension: Capturing Control Points extends the timer.
Kill Squads: Defeating these units during Retaliation increases your time and enables the chance to earn special Exotic blueprints.
"The new permanent mode and targeted exotic sounds fun," said one player.
Changes to Control Points
Control Points in Retaliation feature altered mechanics:
Three waves of enemies with difficulty based on the Global Alert Level (from Normal to Heroic).
Higher difficulty yields better loot.
Targeted Exotic Farming
Retaliation introduces focused Farming for Exotics.
Each faction has unique blueprints.
Completing a Retaliation can yield bonuses from separate blueprint pools for select factions.
Some players expressed excitement, saying, "WTF this looks amazing! I would love if these specific season modifiers stay forever in the game." Others noted, however, their disappointment that only one gear set will be available.
Modifiers and New Gear
Global Modifiers
The Global Modifier offers rate of fire advantages based on territory control, providing bonuses up to 30% depending on the number of contested zones.
New Exotic Weapons and Gear
Shroud – Exotic M700 with the talent "High Priority Target."
Overdogs – Exotic Gloves boosting damage to the lowest-tier enemies.
Player Sentiment
While many are eager for the Retaliation mode, some remain critical about the limited gear options. "Still waiting on that pistol gear set, guys," lamented one player.
Key Takeaways
🟢 New endgame mode Retaliation focuses on territory control and faction conflict.
🚀 Exciting Exotic farming methods tied to specific factions.
🤖 Players feel mixed about gear options with only one new gear set confirmed.
As players gear up for the PTS testing, the community eagerly anticipates the implications these changes will have on gameplay and strategy.
Predictions on the Horizon
With the launch of the Retaliation mode, there’s a strong chance that players will embrace its territorial warfare dynamics, leading to a surge in community engagement. Experts estimate around 70% of the player base could dive into this new mode, driven by the appeal of exclusive loot and high-stakes competition. If initial feedback is positive, developers may expedite the rollout of additional gear sets and modifiers ahead of the official launch. Furthermore, the ongoing rivalry between factions could prompt game balancing updates, enhancing overall gameplay and encouraging more players to experiment with different strategies.
A Unique Echo from History
Looking back at the late ’70s with the introduction of Dungeons & Dragons, we see an unexpected parallel. Just as tabletop gamers faced new challenges and opportunities for creativity through evolving rule sets, The Division 2 players are entering a new era of gameplay through Retaliation mode. The dramatic shifts in player interactions and community styles at that time mirrored the current push for faction-driven competition. As players adapt to these new mechanics, the game could become a dynamic social platform, just as role-playing games sparked communities to spin stories, share adventures, and create unforgettable legacies.