In this The Division 2 Dark Zones Guide, we will show you everything that is related to Dark Zones, how you can unlock them, where all the zones are located, tips on how to take on the challenges related to the Dark Zones, and what the new Rogue system is.

So what are Dark Zones? These are found in the three corners of the map. the east, north and south side. Dark Zones are high risk high reward areas where the combat is PVP or PVE. Player can even loot other players if they decide to go rogue. Items and rewards found here can be equipped immediately, however the most rewarding awards come contaminated and can only be obtained by an extraction.

The Division 2 Dark Zones Guide

Below we have detailed everything about Dark Zones, how you can unlock and a few tips that can help you when playing in Dark Zones.

How to Unlock Dark Zones

Dark Zones are only accessible after you have finished the main story and the side missions of The Division 2. Another thing you have to make sure is to have the the Theater settlement upgraded to level 3.

It is only then that you will be able to meet a new staff member called Senait Ezera, who can be found in the Theater settlement. Talk to Senait at the Base of Operations and she will give you the missions to complete each Dark Zone in sequence.

Dark Zone missions will be a small tutorial type mission that familiarize players with what to expect in Dark Zones. The three Dark Zones are:

1. Dark Zone East: This is the largest zone out of the Dark Zones, and combat here focuses on long range combat over government parks, giving you lots of area but to combat distant targets.
2. Dark Zone West: This Zone is all about medium range combat and is divided into two parts by a large canal.
3. Dark Zone South: This zone is all about close range combat and is the smallest Dark Zone out of all.

How Dark Zones Work

Just like the previous Division game, the primary goal of every player is to fight enemies in the Dark Zones. You have to roam around the area, spot enemy groups, take them down and loot them.

While some drops are standard, just like the main areas of the game, the best loot comes from loot that is contaminated. This means that you have toe extract it from the Dark Zone before you can equip the items.

Extraction process requires you to carry it to a designated location. The player who is carrying the contaminated loot, will be marked with a yellow pouch that other players can clearly see. The contaminated loot needs to be taken to the extraction area, where you need to call for a helicopter to extract it. While you wait for the helicopter to arrive, multiple waves of enemies will be attacking you.

This is where things can get very messy, as other players can decide to go Rogue in order to take the contaminated loot for themselves. If you are successful in warding off enemies, and when the helicopter arrives, you can attach the contaminated pack to the rope. Once you have done that, your decontaminated loot will come to your stash.

There are also Chests in Dark Zones which are loot caches that can be opened in two ways. You can either open Chests with Keys that are dropped from high level enemies, or players carrying the loot. The second method is to breaking opening the caches of loot. This second method however turns the player status to rogue.

Rogue Players

A new Rogue system has been added into the Dark Zones of the game. This is a status that players can opt for if they want to get their hands on high level loot. Rogue agents status are defined by three tiers:

Rogue: this status is gained when you perform a non lethal but anti agent activities like breaking in a chest, stealing entire DZ drop, or manually select to be Rogue
Disavowed Rogue: This status is gained when the player performs violent anti agent activities like killing another player. The red symbol with this status makes you more visible to other players.
Manhunt Rogue: This status grants the highest priority target to you where all other players are alerted of your presence, the bounty on your head is high, and many other agents will want to take you down.

Going Rogue means everyone in your squad has to have the same status. It is best to warn your squad members when you have decided to turn Rogue. Rogue players will get their own safehouses where the Rogue status can be cleared. This is done by having access to the Thieves Dens. There are many such dens that will appear on the map after you have gone Rogue.

Dark Zones Tips

Here are some tips that you should know before taking on the challenge of the Dark Zones:

• Playing with squad mates matters, as being in the Dark Zone without any backup makes you a victim. And it is only a matter of time till you are taken down.
• Stealth matters in the Dark Zones. While there are many NPC enemies, you have to stay off the streets and watch out for other players ready to kill you.
• When fighting NPCs, you have to watch your back as other players would want to ambush you and take advantage of your situation. Likewise, you can use the same method to your advantage. When you hear gunshots, investigate and plan your attack accordingly.
• Avoid going Rogue early one, as it is not recommended to go Rogue since the rewards for it will not be worth the effort. Focus on doing clean Dark Zone runs. Going Rogue also points you out to other players, prompting them to take you out.
• IF you plan on staying clean, and not going Rogue, there are many other ways you can stay clean and still get plenty of loot.
• If you do decide to go Rogue, make sure your squad mates are on board, and do it when you know an extraction is close. You can also stall your enemies or trick them last minute into taken their loot.
• Once you find a contaminated gear that you really want to have in your stash, its best to call an extraction immediately. The longer you delay it, the more chances there are that you will be taken out.
  

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Read more The Division 2 Guide:

• The Division 2 Beginner’s Guide
• The Division 2 Combat Guide
• The Division 2 Weapons Guide
• The Division 2 Weapon Talents Guide
• The Division 2 Perks Guide
• The Division 2 Gear Talent Guide

This concludes our the Division 2 Dark Zones guide. Feel free to comment below.