The Division 2: major changes to Prototype Gear drop rates

Massive Entertainment has announced significant changes to the drop rates of valuable materials in The Division 2, including Cherry Blossom event keys and Prototype Gear. This comes at a key moment as the game celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

New season: Rise Up

In April 2026, The Division 2 introduced a new season called Rise Up. This season includes an endgame activity called Escalation, designed to be highly replayable. Players can expect better rewards at higher difficulty levels, making the new challenges appealing to both veterans and newcomers.

Prototype Gear: a new loot category

Prototype Gear is the newest loot category and offers unique augments and stronger attribute values. Players can convert High-End gear into Prototype Gear. However, once High-End gear has been converted into Prototype, these items can no longer be recalibrated or optimized.

Changes to drop rates

On April 28, 2026, The Division 2 underwent routine maintenance, during which the server settings were also adjusted. One notable change was the removal of Prototype Gear from loot crates, leaving only other High-End gear behind. According to Massive Entertainment, this gear was never meant to drop from loot crates during Escalation missions; players should only be able to find it after defeating NPCs and completing activities.

Following this adjustment, many players have voiced frustration over the lower Prototype Gear drop rates, despite earlier improvements based on feedback. Many report receiving significantly less gear, with some saying they only get one piece after multiple runs, a sharp drop from earlier experiences of three or more pieces.

Updates for the Cherry Blossom event

Alongside the Prototype Gear changes, the loot rates for the Cherry Blossom event have also been adjusted. Players can now receive guaranteed Event Key drops when they encounter Kitsunebi and Red Ronin. These keys are essential for unlocking special cosmetics from the vendor in the Base of Operations. In addition, the chance for Cherry Blossom Gear Caches to contain Prototype Gear has been increased, giving players extra opportunities to obtain this new loot category.

With a growing player base and ongoing updates, 2026 looks set to be a crucial year for The Division 2. The game remains in the spotlight with new seasons, special events, and possibly future expansions, including the long-awaited Survivors game mode.