First off, congrats on picking up The Division. If you just got into it, you're getting a lot of gameplay for a low price. You've also picked it up after a lot of balancing (and rebalancing!), glitch fixing and QoL improvements. It's in a really good place and you've got plenty of time to save NYC before heading down to DC for the warmer weather when Division 2 releases. Onward... Some good stuff, along with some bad advice got posted in here, but this is spot on... [quote]As your level 8 stamina, once your 30 depends on what classified build you go for[/quote] As is this (with a very minor caveat)... [quote]Others may disagree, but I would suggest not worrying too much about your build until you hit end-game.[/quote] Unlike Destiny, your character can morph into whatever playstyle you want depending on the gear you run. Even then, there's are variations of builds even utilizing the same gear or gear set. It's already been said, but the best thing to do is to figure out what your playstyle (or styles) will be. If you are getting together with a regular group, decide who wants to fill what role and trade equipment to that end. I'd recommend having a couple of builds/styles you are comfortable with so you can change roles when you're just matchmaking with random players. Having said all that, at lower levels stamina is a very good thing to emphasize. I prioritize it, then firearms and then tech. I also feel that out of all the signature skills that recovery link is the best one to go for early on as it can really help you (and your squad!) out if you get in over your head. It's possible to unlock as early as 12th level, maybe 11th with some careful planning. Certainly low enough to keep you alive in the DZ if you choose to go there. Speaking of which, there's no reason to head into the DZ unless your level is near the max level for that bracket. Too low a level makes you far too easy a prey item for enemy AI and other players. Additionally, as rapid as the progression is at lower levels whatever gear you get will be quickly replaced. And if you're going in solo (not recommended for new players), I'd suggest you be at the max level for that bracket. If you're just running through with one character, which most players do, just replace gear as you get better & more build appropriate items. However, as items can be optimized don't let gear score alone be the determining factor for whether you keep things or dismantle/sell them - pay attention to the perks, and what ability scores it takes to unlock them, all perks are not created equal (there's a reason why handguns with the Coolheaded perk and sawed-off shotguns with the Determined perk are the norm and no one runs with the Sustained perk but everyone loves Predatory). If you're planing on running multiple characters you may want to put some quality items in your stash to make things easier the second (and even third or fourth) time around. Remember when I mentioned builds and caveats about only worrying about builds once you reach the endgame? The endgame means different things to different players. Some want to make it through the story and just live in the Dark Zone (Some not even at the max gear score - highly recommended if you want to experience a sparse player population and feel the full weight of a plague infested NYC! Not many rogues to worry about, but no backup either), others want to run incursions relentlessly, some run through the Underground non-stop and others prefer the more traditional PVP style of Last Stand and Skirmish. Decide what [b]your[/b] endgame is and worry about the build(s) then. Some quick suggestions... Tweak your builds and use the loadout feature to save them. Use perks that synergize with your build to maximize it. Don't always run with the same perks (though some are more useful and more widely applied than others), or worse yet...forget about them. Use your consumables; too many players use only frag grenades, never load explosive/incendiary rounds, drink a soda/water or eat canned food/energy bars. Don't be afraid to use your med kits for "another time." There's an Bedouin saying that advises, "Die with your water in you." A full waterskin can't be used by a dead man, and med kits on a dead agent are equally useless. Learn the difference between additive and multiplicative damage. I'm sure there's other stuff, but it's been a long day and I've had one too many lambics. If I think of anything else I'll mention it, or maybe just PM you, and you can always ask me or hit up YouTube or Reddit (good Division community there) for some answers, suggestion or build ideas. It's a deep game with a lot of stuff to do (and learn), and despite claims to the contrary, it's got a solid story. Good luck, Agent!