Mission: Secure the Base of Operations

Clear Rikers from the future Base of Operations and activate your hub. This guide covers enemy encounters, loadout choices, and securing your first Division str.

Welcome to Manhattan, Agent! Your arrival marks a critical turning point in the fight to reclaim the city. Your immediate priority is to establish a secure Base of Operations (BoO) – a vital hub for your future endeavors. This guide will walk you through the process of clearing out the Rikers gang from the designated building and activating your BoO, ensuring you start your Division career on solid footing.

Recommended Early-Game Loadout & Skills

Before you even step foot inside, ensure you're adequately prepared. As a fresh Agent, your gear options are limited, but making smart choices can significantly impact your success.

• Primary Weapon: An Assault Rifle (e.g., P416, SCAR-L) for its versatility in medium-range engagements, or an SMG (e.g., MP5, Vector) for closer quarters.
• Secondary Weapon: A Shotgun (e.g., Super 90, M870) for high burst damage against rushing enemies, or a Marksman Rifle (e.g., M44, SRS) if you prefer to engage from a distance.
• Sidearm: Your starting pistol is sufficient for emergencies.

For skills, focus on utility and survivability:

• First Aid (Base Skill): Absolutely essential for early-game sustain. The instant heal can save you from being overwhelmed.
• Pulse (Base Skill): Provides crucial tactical information, highlighting enemies and their weak points, even through cover. This is invaluable for planning your attacks and avoiding ambushes.

Walkthrough: Clearing the Base of Operations

Upon entering the building, you'll find it heavily fortified by Rikers. Proceed with caution, utilizing cover and your newly acquired skills.

1. Initial Entry & Lobby Skirmish:
   • As you enter the main lobby, you'll immediately encounter a group of Rikers. Expect 3-4 Standard Rikers and potentially 1 Riker Rusher armed with a shotgun.
   • Tactical Advice: Immediately take cover behind the reception desk or the large planters. Prioritize the Rusher if present, as their close-range damage can be devastating. Use your Pulse to identify enemy positions and any explosive barrels nearby. There's often an explosive barrel near the main entrance staircase – a well-placed shot can clear multiple enemies.
   • Environmental Opportunity: Look for destructible cover points. Some low walls can be shot through, allowing you to hit enemies without exposing yourself fully.
2. Ascending to the Upper Floors:
   • After clearing the lobby, proceed towards the staircase or elevator shaft leading upwards. Be wary of potential ambushes.
   • Tactical Advice: As you ascend, enemies may attempt to flank you from above or below. Keep your Pulse active. Consider throwing a grenade (if you have one) into tight stairwells to flush out entrenched enemies.
3. Office Area Engagement:
   • The next significant encounter will be in an open office area, often with cubicles and scattered furniture. Here, you'll face a mixed group, including Standard Rikers, 1-2 Riker Heavies (LMG wielders), and potentially a Riker Grenadier.
   • Tactical Advice: The Heavies are slow but deal high damage and have significant armor. Focus fire on their head or exposed weak points (like their ammo belt if they have one). Grenadiers will attempt to flush you out of cover; listen for their distinctive grenade launch sound and reposition quickly. Use the cubicles for cover, but be aware that they can be destroyed. Flanking is highly effective here, especially against the Heavies.
   • Common Pitfall: Don't get caught in the open. The office layout can feel spacious, but Rikers will push aggressively. Maintain situational awareness.
4. Final Stand & Terminal Activation:
   • The final group of Rikers will be defending the main terminal area, usually on the highest accessible floor. This will be the toughest fight, featuring 5-6 Standard Rikers, 1-2 Riker Elites (purple health bar), and possibly a Riker Medic.
   • Tactical Advice: Prioritize the Medic if one is present, as they can heal their allies and prolong the fight. Elites have more health and deal higher damage; focus fire with your team (if playing co-op) or use your most powerful abilities. Utilize the available cover extensively. There are often more explosive barrels or even electrical boxes that can be shot to stun enemies in this final area.
   • Environmental Opportunity: Look for elevated positions if available. Gaining a height advantage can make it easier to target enemies and avoid incoming fire.
5. Securing the Base:
   • Once all Rikers in the building have been neutralized, the area will be clear. A prompt will appear, guiding you to the main terminal.
   • Action: Interact with the terminal (usually marked with a glowing orange objective marker) to initiate the Base of Operations activation sequence.
   • Reward: Completing this mission unlocks the Base of Operations, granting access to the Medical, Tech, and Security wings, each with unique vendors, upgrades, and missions. You will also receive a significant amount of XP and some basic gear.

Rewards & Unlocks

Successfully securing the Base of Operations is a pivotal moment in your Division career. Beyond the immediate XP and gear, you unlock the core functionality of your agent:

• Base of Operations Unlocked: Gain access to all three wings (Medical, Tech, Security).
• Vendor Access: Basic vendors for weapons, gear, and clothing become available.
• Skill Unlocks: The first set of skills and talents for each wing become available for purchase with Wing Supplies.
• Crafting Station: The crafting station in the Tech Wing becomes accessible, allowing you to craft basic gear and weapon mods.
• Dark Zone Access: While not immediately required, securing the BoO is a prerequisite for entering the Dark Zone.

Congratulations, Agent! The Base of Operations is now secure. Your journey to reclaim New York City has truly begun.