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Retaliation is one of the most rewarding modes for both new and veteran players, offering a structured way to earn exotic crafting blueprints, accumulate valuable materials, and unlock Named Blueprints through Reconstructed Caches. For new agents entering the endgame, Retaliation provides a clear shortcut to acquiring exotic items without depending solely on RNG drops. All Craftable exotics except raid exclusives can be unlocked here, making this mode an efficient path to rounding out your arsenal in The Division 2.
Veteran players are not left behind either. Even if you already own most exotics, Retaliation now grants access to Named Blueprints previously locked behind the Descent Vendor. With these blueprints now easily obtainable, the mode has become a strong incentive for experienced players to participate regularly. In short, Retaliation successfully bridges the gap between early progression and late-game optimization, ensuring players at every level have a reason to dive in.
How to Start a Retaliation Event
To initiate a Retaliation, you must first charge one faction to 100%. This is done by completing activities tied to that faction, such as:
Clearing control points
Running missions
Participating in faction-specific open-world encounters
For the fastest setup, completing a Heroic Stronghold is highly recommended, as it instantly charges a faction to 100%.
Once charged, you have a 6-hour window to start your Retaliation. If the timer expires, you must recharge the faction again. Only one faction can be fully charged at a time—others may sit at 99%, but you can’t maintain multiple 100% charges simultaneously.
Understanding the Factions The Division 2
Craftable exotics are grouped by faction: Hyenas, True Sons, Outcasts, Cleaners, and Rikers. You do not need DLC to unlock Cleaner and Riker exotic blueprints. These can be obtained directly from your crafting station using the NY Kill Squad Cache.
However, owning the Warlords of New York and Brooklyn DLC is highly recommended, as it expands your access to content, activities, and progression that synergize well with Retaliation.
What Happens Once Retaliation Begins
At the start of the event, participants have just over 7 minutes, with time decreasing. The goal is to capture control points and eliminate hostiles to extend the remaining time.
+2 seconds for every enemy killed
A larger time bonus upon clearing each control point
Additional time from defeating incoming Kill Squads between control points
Each control point and Kill Squad rewards you with a blueprint, which is immediately viewable inside the Retaliation session.
Death carries consequences. Each death removes 1 full minute from the timer. Being downed and revived is safe but dying outright sets you back significantly. For solo players, a full death ends the event completely, so grouping up is strongly advised.
Matchmaking Limitations
Retaliation cannot be accessed through traditional matchmaking. You may, however, join someone else’s Retaliation if they invite you before starting it. Once the Retaliation is underway, new players cannot join the session.
Rewards You Can Expect
Retaliation is lucrative, offering a wide spread of progression-focused rewards:
Exotic crafting blueprints
Crafting materials for exotic items
Resources for crafting Reconstructed Caches
NY Kill Squad Cache materials
General loot drops from enemies
XP and Season XP
Whether you’re building your exotic library for the first time or chasing that perfect Named item, Retaliation provides consistent, structured progression.