Firewalls inThe Division 2choose to eliminate their targets with their trusty flamethrower, something that demonstrates their terrifying efficiency. Players who want to take up a unique DPS/Support role inUbisoft’sThe Divisionsequel might take interest in the Firewall - a tactical equivalent of a mage with devastating fire-based skills. With this Specialization, Agents essentially have a squad member that dishes out constant damage-over-time (DOT) to decimate targets before they can fight back.
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Unfortunately, the flamethrower-toting Firewall might overwhelm first-time users with its rather flexible skillset. After all, should players optimize the Firewall as a DPS Specialization, or someone that should prioritize inflicting Burn damage? Thankfully, the right kind of familiarity with the Firewall’s skill tree can help Operators maximize this Specialization’s unique loadout. However, how exactly should players approach the Firewall?
First Things First: Fire Is The Cleanser
Compared to other Specializations, the Firewall treads the fine line between tanking and DPS. Unlike the protective Gunner or the damage-oriented Demolitionist, the Firewall provides decent damage with its flamethrower while throwing off enemies with its Striker Shield. In turn, players might feel confused balancing its both offensive and defensive skill tree. Interestingly, fans should probably first remember that the Firewall skill tree has a focus in these areas of interest:
KB-JetStream Flamethrower:The Firewall primarily uses the KB-JetStream Flamethrower in combat. Essentially, this customized flamethrower can shoot a concentrated jet of fire up to 15 meters. In turn, the Firewall can provide the same frontline damage support as the Gunner, with the added Burn damage kick.
Offensive Tanking:Unlike the protective Gunner, the Firewall has a more offensive approach to tanking. Thanks to the KB-JetStream’s panic-inducer, the Firewall can lead the team on aggressive approaches to enemy territory. Meanwhile, the buffing nature of the Striker Shield and other Firewall Talents encourage a more proactive approach in combat.
Fiery Softener:Interestingly, the Firewall’s other weapon specializations allow it to finish off enemies depending on their approach with the KB-JetStream. They have a Cluster Grenade that further adds burst damage to enemy squads. Moreover, their special Firestarter shotgun can decimate the battlefield after a good softening, care of the Flamethrower.
Striker Shield:Unlike other Specializations that have Drones as assistants, the Firewall has the trusty Striker Shield instead. This modified Crusader Shield is exclusive to the Firewall, and works in tandem with the KB-JetStream. Essentially, the Shield can not only protect the Firewall but also buff allies behind it.
Signature Weapon: KB-JetStream Flamethrower
Unlike other Specializations that rely on special firearms as Signature Weapons, the Firewall has the rather explosiveKB-JetStream Flamethrowerinstead. This Signature Weapon essentially takes the form of a portable flamethrower that uses high-octane fuel to stream concentrated fire towards enemies.
Scorched Earth
Of all Signature Weapons, it’s the KB-JetStream Flamethrower that is perhaps the most unique. For starters, its 15-meter effective range essentiallyinflicts Burn damage to enemies it hits. However, it alsocauses normal enemies to panic and flail around the battlefield.In turn, they become easy pickings for the Firewall and its allies.
Additionally, the KB-JetStream Flamethrower serves as the only Signature Weapon that players can use with shields. Interestingly, the Flamethrower does only work with the Striker Shield.
Damage: 477.6k
Rate of Fire: 500
Fire Mode: Ignition System
High-Octane Gasoline Mixture (Weapon Talent)
The destructive power of the KB-JetStream Flamethrower comes in the form of theHigh-Octane Gasoline Mixture.Essentially, this Talent explains the lore behind the Flamethrower’s extremely volatile flames. As the name suggests, unlike conventional flamethrowers, the KB-JetStream uses a mixture of high-octane gasoline that’sso potent that it only works within 15 meters.However, it doesreceive a damage penalty against Named opponents,as with other Signature Weapons.
Signature Weapon Damage (Passive)
Firewalls who want to maximize the KB-JetStream Flamethrower can actually invest in theSignature Weapon DamageTalent. Thanks to this Talent, Firewalls can enjoy up to(Tier 4) 40-percent increased Signature Weapon damage.Essentially, this Talent causes the Flamethrower to become an envoy of death. Players can soften up enemies with the Flamethrower and have allies finish them off with their own skills.
Skill Modifiers: A Shield For Offense
Firewalls still need a way of defending themselves from the volatile fires of their KB-JetStream Flamethrower. Thankfully, this comes in the form of theStriker Shield, a modified Crusader Shield that works in tandem with their Signature Weapon. Essentially, the Striker Shield providesboth defensive and offensive opportunitiesfor the Firewall and their teammates. Moreover, as a close-encounter skill, the shield becomes a great pairfor skill combosthat rely on close-quarters combat.
Striker (Talent, Shield)
Interestingly, the Firewall gets a special shield instead of the usual drone of their other Specialization counterparts. TheStriker Shieldallows Firewalls toadd a defensive component to their KB-JetStream Flamethrower, as it’s the only shield that the Flamethrower can be paired with.
Perhaps more interesting is the Striker Shield’s unique properties. The Striker Shield grantsa damage boost to allies behind the Firewall based on the number of enemies in front of the Shield.
Shock Hardened Frame (Talent)
Firewalls can improve the potency of their Striker Shield with theShock Hardened FrameTalent. Essentially, this Talentadds a health boost to the Striker Shield, allowing Firewalls to use it longer in battle.
General Modifiers: Burn ‘Em First
Interestingly, a Firewall’s major set of characteristics encourage them to have a more offensive take on combat. Moreover, their stronger defenses allow them to tank much like their Gunner counterpart. However, the aggressive approach of the Firewall is thanks in part to its offensive-aligned buffs. For instance, Firewalls have the ability to regenerate health and armor on kills, or even generate armor much faster. On the offensive side, the Firewall also capitalizes on strengthening their fire affinity to deal more damage over time.
Firewall Tactical Link (Talent)
Unlike the more defensive Gunner, the more aggressive Firewall has a more proactive approach when it comes to engaging the enemy. Essentially, after softening them with the Flamethrower, the Firewall and their allies are expected to clear the battlefield with suppressing fire. Interestingly, the Firewall encourages this tactic further with theFirewall Tactical LinkTalent. With this Talent,allies of the Firewall deal 10-percent more damage to all enemies within 10 meters of the Firewall.
In turn, this actively encourages the squad to stick close to the Firewall - which also activates the buff of the Striker Shield. In turn, this skill combination becomes essentialwhen taking control pointsor having a more aggressive approach to combat in general.
