When it was first shown, The Division didn't look like much more than a standard open-world shooter - but, as Ubisoft detailed more and more of the game, it became clear that players wouldn't be limited solely to firearms and chest-high cover. A number of different abilities, including everything from turrets to homing bombs to portable shields, would all be available to players when the game finally launched. It wasn't necessarily class-based, but players knew that The Division would let them shape their Agents as they saw fit.
Now that the game has finally hit consoles, the only question that remains is: which Skills are actually worth using?
The answer really depends on how you're playing. If you're playing alone, some Skills are almost mandatory - but they might not mean much if you're playing with a group of friends. After spending a few dozen hours with all of the different Skills and their respective mods, we've narrowed it down to a few distinct choices based on both single- and multiplayer modes: if you've been wondering what to unlock and upgrade first, look no further.
For Single-Player
First Aid
Mod: Overdose
Again, the Turret is going to be your best bet when it comes to Tech Skills. The addition of a fifth gun in a firefight is always nice, and extra firepower can help take down some of the high-level enemies you'll come up against in later missions and Hard Mode. Plus, if you're coordinating with your team, why not set up shop with four turrets at once?
Since its advanced targeting carries over to teammates as well, we'd recommend sticking with the Active Pulse mod. That being said, if one of your teammates is already using Active Pulse, it might be a better idea to choose Dragonbreath instead - just remember to deploy your turret closer to enemies than you normally would.
Alternate Pick:
Smart Cover w/Recharger
Smart Cover may seem like a strange choice at first, but much like the Support Station, the second Security Skill is all about working together as a team. As long as your buddies are relatively close by, activating Smart Cover will boost both their damage output and resistance for the next several seconds - add the 'Recharger' mod and its healing abilities on top of that, and you'll never want to leave cover again.
While these recommendations should serve you well, it's important to remember that The Division is all about experimenting with different combinations. Skills, mods and talents can all be switched out freely, so make sure to take the time and figure out what works best for you and your team. Remember, a successful team is one that uses its different abilities in sync, not when it's most convenient for a single member.
If you need a bit more help with The Division's early hours, check out our first Beginner's Guide - otherwise, keep an eye on our ever-growing coverage hub!
Photos: Ubisoft
