Accuracy Restored: LMG Headshot Multipliers Fixed

The Division 2 Patch 21.5 includes a crucial bug fix that significantly impacts the performance of Light Machine Guns (LMGs). For an extended period, LMGs were not applying the correct damage multiplier for headshots, meaning the weapon type was underperforming compared to its statistical potential and other weapon categories (like Assault Rifles or Rifles). The patch addresses this, ensuring LMGs now benefit fully from Headshot Damage (HSD) investments.

The key factual change is a numerical correction:

  • Multiplier Validation: The fix ensures that the base Headshot Damage multiplier ($M_{base}$) inherent to the LMG category, and all additional HSD bonuses from gear, mods, and specialization trees, are correctly applied to the LMG’s base damage.
  • Impact on DPS: This change represents an immediate, effective damage buff for LMG builds, especially those already focusing on HSD for proficiency or specialized play. The maximum damage output is now higher and more consistent.

The developers’ intent is to restore the balance intended for the LMG category. This weapon type is designed to reward sustained fire and accuracy, and the bug fix now correctly honors the player’s effort in landing precise headshots.

Community Reaction: Relief and New DPS Meta Hopes

The community’s response is overwhelmingly positive, viewing the fix as long-overdue maintenance that revitalizes a fun weapon category.

  • Relief for LMG Mains: Players who favor LMGs—especially the high-damage M60 or the high-RoF MG5—expressed significant relief. The inconsistency of the damage output was a major source of frustration, and the fix validates their gear investments in HSD. Many LMG mains are now eagerly re-testing their builds.
  • New Meta Hopes: A significant portion of the community is speculating that the LMG category might now rise into the top-tier DPS meta. They argue that LMGs already offer high sustained damage, and with the corrected headshot bonus, they could potentially rival high-end Assault Rifles, particularly in PVE where enemies often stand still long enough for sustained fire.

Strategic Impact: Sustained Damage and Gear Focus

The LMG Headshot damage fix has immediate strategic implications for build crafting and weapon selection.

Firstly, the change makes Headshot Damage a more viable and desirable stat on LMG builds. Players are now encouraged to invest more skill points into HSD talents (like the Sharpshooter specialization) and prioritize HSD rolls on gear, directly boosting the weapon’s ceiling.

Secondly, LMGs become a superior choice for sustained, high-volume fire in PVE. Their large magazines combined with the now-correct HSD multiplier make them excellent choices for long boss encounters or waves of enemies where reloading frequently is a hazard.

The Patch 21.5 LMG Headshot fix is a critical victory for stability and balance. By simply correcting a core numerical error, the developers have effectively buffed the entire LMG category, making it a stronger, more reliable, and potentially meta-defining weapon choice for the Necropolis League.