This is a DPS LMG build designed to deliver high damage with the exotic Pestilence LMG, but it can also be used effectively with other exotic or high-end LMGs. It’s versatile and suitable for any activity. If you enjoy using LMGs, this build is made for you.

MAIN FEATURES

• 1.7 Million Damage Per Pestilence Tick

• Use as regular DPS build in any type of content

  
  

WHERE TO FARM GEAR AND WHY

Pestilence

Pestilence is an exotic LMG and one of the best in the game. It comes with an amazing talent that automatically kills enemies and spreads to others, allowing you to take cover and watch enemies fall. This build is specifically designed to maximize the power of the Pestilence talent.

The build is not focused on critical hit damage, headshot damage, or critical hit chance. Instead, it prioritizes raw weapon damage, as this is the most effective way to fully leverage Pestilence's talent. Of course, I've included as many red attributes as possible, which do help with eliminating enemies. The key is to amplify the talent's power, as that's what truly makes this LMG so strong

Pestilence has a solid rate of fire at 935 RPM and a generous 100-round magazine size, but its accuracy and stability are not the best. It’s a good idea to include weapon handling in some of your attributes if these drawbacks are an issue for you. Personally, I find it manageable, but if you struggle with the weapon’s handling, adding weapon handling attributes can help without affecting the damage bonus provided by its talent.

Pestilence is a Dark Zone-exclusive weapon, meaning it can only drop in the Dark Zone. However, you can also obtain it from exotic caches. It’s a relatively common drop, and spending about an hour in the Dark Zone should be enough for the weapon to drop.

Sawyer’s Kneepads

Sawyer’s Kneepads are important. While they come with armor and blue attributes that may not directly benefit this build, their real value lies in the unique talent they provide. The talent grants a 30% weapon damage boost while stationary. To make the most of this bonus, play strategically by staying in cover and shooting from cover. This additional 30% weapon damage not only helps you eliminate enemies faster with Pestilence but also enhances the tick damage dealt by Pestilence's talent.

You can farm Sawyer's Kneepads as targeted loot in any activity, or obtain them from exotic caches.

Lengmo brand set

For this build, I take full advantage of the Lengmo brand set to unlock the third set bonus of +30% LMG damage. This build also incorporates the Lengmo named backpack, Backbone, which features the talent Perfectly Unstoppable Force. This talent provides +35% weapon damage, enhancing both the base damage of your weapon and the damage dealt by its talent.

You can farm Lengmo gear pieces and the named backpack in any activity that offers targeted loot. Additionally, you can obtain the backpack from named caches.

GEAR TABLE

RECOMMENDED SPECIALIZATION

Gunner

I chose the Gunner Specialization because it offers perks that complement this build effectively, enhancing both damage output and survivability. The Gunner specialization includes the Barrage talent, which increases the rate of fire by 5% for 5 seconds after each kill. Another valuable perk is the Incessant talent, providing a 10% armor bonus upon each kill. You also get 10% Weapon handling by unlocking Emplacement talent.

RECOMMENDED SKILLS

Reviver Hive

This build focuses solely on DPS, and it is recommended to equip the Reviver Hive for self-revival.

Second Skills

When selecting skills for the second slot, opt for abilities like Blinder, Foam, or Decoy that can be effective without depending on skill tiers.