Ghost Recon: Wildlands new Tier 1 mode explained - here's how to access it, how to get XP fast, and what you'll get for your efforts.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands Title 5 update brought the challenging new Tier 1 game mode with it. If you're wondering what the heck it is, and why it's worth your time, you're in the right place.
How to activate Tier 1 Mode
Tier 1 is a new mode for Ghost Recon: Wildlands players who are ready for more of a challenge. It's accessible once you've maxed out your character to the level cap of 30. You can activate it via the in-game menu under the Tier One tab.
You'll begin at Tier 50, working through existing content like missions and challenges that will become increasingly more difficult, hitting Extreme difficulty at Tier 35, until you reach Tier 1. You can activate and deactivate Tier 1 mode when the fancy takes you, and your progress will be saved.
Reaching Tier 1 isn't necessarily the goal, but that's probably what most of you will be aiming for. Bear in mind, if you do choose to stay put at a particular Tier, every time you complete a mission or challenge on that level, the available Tier Points for the specific activity will reduce with each playthrough.
Mission Tier Points will reset with each new Tier.
Tier 1 Mode co-op
The AI in Wildlands is a long way off from being perfect, so you'll be pleased to know that you can play Tier 1 Mode in co-op with a squad made of flesh-and-blood humans.
The difficulty level will be averaged out across the squad and balanced appropriately. It doesn't matter if not all players have activated the mode either.
Tier 1 Mode rewards
Rather than XP, you'll earn Tier Points and supplies, and rewards in the form of weapons and accessories. Tier Points are awarded for all activities you would usually earn XP for and are used for unlocking Tiers.
Each tier - from 49 onward - has multipliers for supply bonuses and Tier Points to help you progress a bit quicker.
Every five Tiers you get under your belt will bag you a weapon or accessory. The rest of the Tiers will give you Supply Packs. Here'a the complete list of Tier 1 Mode rewards, excluding Supply Packs:
- Tier 49: Jaws Bandana
- Tier 45: Wingnut Helmet
- Tier 40: Desert Tech HTi BDC Sniper Rifle
- Tier 35: Red Shemagh
- Tier 30: Old Glory Tattoo (right arm)
- Tier 25: Galea Facial Paint
- Tier 20: Wolf Skin Weapon Paint
- Tier 15: Operator Bandana
- Tier 10: 1%er Tattoo (left arm)
- Tier 5: LVOA-C Bad News Assault Rifle
- Tier 1: Grey Python Weapon Paint
Recommended weapon upgrades
If you're wondering what use supplies have for a maxed out character and skill tree, in Tier 1 Mode you can upgrade weapons using resources, increasing their damage through 30 different levels. You don't have to be entirely dependant on in-game activity for resources either. You can also gather supplies through Live Season Challenges and the free companion app, Guerrilla Mode.
Battling your way to Tier 1 is going to be a rough ride, so there's little advantage to spreading out resources amongst a variety of weapons. Of course, you should use what you feel comfortable with, but investing in a couple of key weapons is advisable.
Tier 40's Desert Tech sniper rifle is a good one to save your resources for. It can one shot vehicles which will come in handy when you're on mission runs for Tier Points.
You should also pick one assault rifle that you enjoy using and plough some resources into that. You can check out our Ghost Recon: Wildlands assault rifle guide if you can't quite make up your mind.
Best missions for fast XP in Tier 1 Mode
When it comes to earning Tier Points, focusing on missions with the largest 'XP' that are on an easily accessible route is key. You don't want to waste time faffing about. Look for nearby fast travel points and farming opportunities where reinforcements spawn.
Locations that are populated with enemies are great to sneak into under cover of night for extra points from stealthy take-downs.
There's no point replaying missions in each of the Tiers because the Tier Points will halve with each subsequent playthrough.
With that being said, here are some suggestions for missions for you to tackle that are super fast and will net you a load of Tier Points.
Koani
- The Truck Depot
- The Convoy
- Boston Reed
- Train Graveyard
Espiritu Santo
- The Advisor
- Gold Rush North
Remanzo
- The Mule Doctor
- The Quinoa Factory
- The Chemist
Inca Camina
- Northern Plane
- Eastern Plane
- Southern Plane
- La Cabra
Let us know how far you've made it and if you have any tips of your own to share in the comments.
Are the rewards worth the grind? Chime in below.
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