Released on May 16, Title Update 3 introduced the game's first 8-player raid, Operation Dark Hours. Set in the Washington National Airport, this raid challenges players to face the Black Tusk, who have fortified their position with advanced resources, technology, and manpower. The raid requires players to confront unique bosses and complex mechanics, making it one of the toughest challenges in The Division 2.
Raid Details
Operation Dark Hours features four main boss encounters: Boomer, Dizzy, Ricochet, and Weasel; Buddy & Lucy; and DDP-52 Razorback. Each boss has unique mechanics that demand teamwork and strategic planning.
How to Start the Raid
To begin the raid, players must speak with the helicopter pilot at the Base of Operations. This unlocks a new raid tab in the social menu, where players can form their raid groups. The raid leader is the player who creates the group and is the only one who can start the raid.
Boss Mechanics and Strategies
- Boomer: The first boss encounter requires players to manage mechanics such as disabling turrets and dealing with Boomer's powerful attacks. Coordination is key to preventing him from healing and regaining strength.
- Dizzy, Ricochet, and Weasel: This encounter involves managing a room filled with gas that can either debuff players or increase their damage output. Killing Dizzy and Ricochet simultaneously before focusing on Weasel is crucial to avoiding prolonged exposure to harmful gas phases.
- Buddy & Lucy: These two Black Tusk warhounds require players to balance their health bars carefully. If one warhound's health drops too low compared to the other, it triggers a healing overcharge, making the fight significantly harder. Players must coordinate to damage both warhounds evenly and use laptops in the arena to manage the overcharge.
- DDP-52 Razorback: The final encounter involves disabling four SAM turrets before attacking the Razorback itself. Players must manage waves of drones and elite enemies while coordinating to expose and damage the Razorback's weak points.
Rewards and Loot
Operation Dark Hours offers exclusive loot for those who can conquer its challenges. Rewards include:
- Eagle Bearer: An exotic assault rifle known for its exceptional damage and unique talents.
- New Gear Sets: Including sets designed for specific roles such as DPS and support.
- Vanity Items: Unique cosmetic items that showcase the player's achievement in completing the raid.
- Commendations and Arm Patches: Completing the raid also unlocks new commendations, each rewarding an exclusive arm patch.
Weekly Reset
The raid features a weekly reset timer, meaning that boss loot will only drop once per week. Players can still participate in the raid after the reset to help others or refine their strategies, but additional loot will not be available until the next reset.
Race to World First
Operation Dark Hours also features a "Race to World First" challenge, where the first team to complete the raid earns exclusive rewards and recognition. This competition encourages teams to coordinate and complete the raid as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Raid Requirements
To participate in Operation Dark Hours, players must be level 30, have reached World Tier 5, and possess a Gear Score of 490. While a full team of eight players is not mandatory to start the raid, the difficulty is scaled for eight players, making teamwork and coordination essential for success.
Why You Should Try Operation Dark Hours
Operation Dark Hours is a milestone in The Division 2's endgame content, offering a highly challenging raid experience that tests players' skills, teamwork, and adaptability. The exclusive rewards and the excitement of the Race to World First add significant value to this raid, making it a must-play for dedicated agents. By participating in Operation Dark Hours, you can earn prestigious loot, enhance your gameplay, and enjoy one of the most intense and rewarding experiences in The Division 2.
