A promise kept: now that we’ve gathered enough experience with the game, we present a comprehensive update to our beginner’s guide, featuring more tips and extensive guides to enhance your gameplay.
Borderlands 3 is finally here, which means the loot hunt has begun for many players. Among them, many of you may have already delved into at least one previous title in the series. This following guide is tailored especially for newcomers or anyone eager to prepare for their first expedition on Pandora. Here, you’ll find a list of handy tips to maximize your gaming experience.
Shift Codes and Golden Keys
In addition to the VIP rewards system, Gearbox offers Shift Codes that grant access to Golden Keys. These keys can be used to open the chest located on Sanctuary 3, which will yield powerful gear based on your level. Therefore, it is highly recommended to enter these codes directly within the game. Be mindful that some unique legendary weapons associated with Easter eggs cannot be acquired this way. For guidance on how to enter the codes and view the list, refer to the article linked below:
Character Builds: Which Class to Choose?
Each Vault Hunter has their own skill trees and active abilities. To figure out which class best suits your playstyle, you will need to analyze these options. However, if you’re a solo player, we recommend Fl4k, the Beastmaster. With the help of its pets, this Hunter can navigate through dangerous situations quite effectively. For more in-depth information on each class and examples of builds, check out the guides linked below (note that there is also a respec system for skill points):
Understanding the Borderlands Universe
It’s advisable to do a bit of homework to fully grasp the intricacies of the storyline. Over the course of the series, the Borderlands galaxy has expanded, introducing new characters and numerous plot twists. While it serves as a massive funfest, you’ll soon realize that Borderlands 3 is quite dialogue-heavy. If you’re interested in the narrative, there are plenty of summaries of the overall storyline available online.
Expanding Inventory and Storage
If you’re an action-oriented player, you might not have thought to thoroughly explore the Sanctuary 3 spaceship. This ship offers useful services, including a storage chest and the ability to purchase additional storage space. To buy these valuable expansions, visit Marcus’s shop, where the inventory upgrade is located in the middle of the last row. It’s going to take a hefty amount of in-game currency to complete all upgrades, so be sure to consult our guide on farming dollars.
Level Scaling
Despite the level differences between two players, Borderlands 3 averages out the enemy difficulty to ensure that they remain engaging for all members of the party, regardless of their level. The same applies to the loot that players receive from different containers along their journey. However, not all equipment is beneficial, and you may come across class mods that aren’t suited for your character. Unless you’re planning to reroll, do not hesitate to regularly exchange items with your teammates.
Critical Hits and Weak Points
This mechanic has been part of the Borderlands series since the very beginning and is even more crucial in this latest installment. Some enemies come equipped with large health pools, prompting you to identify their weak points. Each time your weapon impacts a vulnerable spot, your damage will register as a critical hit. Virtually all enemies, including bosses, have weak points in Borderlands 3, so make it a priority to seek them out during combat and inflict massive damage later with your legendary weapons.
Expect the Unexpected
The planetary zones in the galaxy are intricate, and while some segments are reserved for side quests, we strongly recommend you venture into crew challenges, like the Typhon logs or the Crimson radios. You might unearth delightful treasures while navigating through the planets of Borderlands 3. Occasionally, you’ll need to return after unlocking certain skills in the story, such as breaking those pesky Eridium blocks or deciphering the Eridian writings that will tantalize you for hours.
Second Wind
This mechanic, present since the very first installment, has become even more flexible, as you can now move while downed. The best way to take advantage of this mechanic is during boss fights: these battles often come with a swarm of minions. If you put several low-health enemies down, once you’re on the ground, reap the rewards of your foresight by jumping back into the fray.
Farming: A Full-Time Job
You’ve scored a few random legendary items and think you’ve seen all the content? Not quite. The ultimate goal of Borderlands 3, much like in Diablo 3, is to create the most optimized character possible to wipe out waves of enemies in seconds.
Sure, some game-breaking loot items, like certain grenade mods, can temporarily dampen the excitement, but on paper, you’ll want to chase after those designated items with decent properties related to your character’s specifications. For that, you’ll need to enter Chaos mode, preferably on difficulty 3. It’s still more thrilling than grinding the same loot Tink for hours, right?
Think About Endgame from the Start
If you become enthralled with the game, you may find yourself sinking hours into it. At this point, consider your playstyle: you can either rush to finish the main campaign to enjoy the endgame and rerun for better sweeping of each area or take your time exploring the planets, even if it means experiencing everything again in ultimate Hunter mode. We opted for the first option, and we believe it’s the right choice: it allowed us to rediscover certain areas properly and enjoy the game’s side quest threads with an appropriate level of difficulty. For those looking to optimize their growth, this is also the best approach, as it quickly unlocks Guardian levels and their dedicated experience bar.
