How to unlock the Smart Cover skill in The Division 2

The Smart Cover skill has made its return to The Division 2, and it’s an extremely effective one to unlock.

The seventh year of the content marked the launch of the Battle for Brooklyn DLC, and the new skill is part of it. You can unlock it by simply playing the game, and this guide will highlight all the steps to do so. This is the first time since Division 1 that Ubisoft has introduced Smart Cover to the sequel, and it comes with two variants.

How to get the Smart Cover skill in The Division 2

First, get the Battle for Brooklyn DLC, which has to be purchased separately (or as part of the new Ultimate Edition). You’ll then have to travel to the Brooklyn region, where you’ll be able to access the fresh set of missions. The opening quest begins with you taking on the Cleaners, which gives you access to the Bridges HQ.

Keep completing the missions until you start the H5 Refinery quest. This mission requires you to blow up the refinery, and you’ll then receive a call from Theo telling you that the Bridges HQ is being attacked. Clear all the enemies attacking the headquarters and head inside to start a cutscene. Once the cutscene is over, you’ll have unlocked the Smart Cover skill. You can then equip this skill from the selection menu.

Smart Cover skill stats in The Division 2

The Smart Cover skill has two variants: Fortified and Precision. The two variants are perfect for different playstyles: Fortified enhances your survivability, while Precision increases your damage potential. Here are the detailed stats for both variants.

Fortified

• Radius: 8.8 meters
• Cooldown: 32.1 seconds
• Duration: 45 seconds
• Bonus Armor: +60%
• Explosive Resistance: +15%
• Pulse Resistance: +15%
• Skill Health: 1.33m HP

Precision

• Radius: 6.6 meters
• Cooldown: 32.1 seconds
• Duration: 45 seconds
• Weapon Handling: +40%
• Damage to Targets Out of Cover: +17%
• Skill Health: 1.33m HP