The New Game+ feature, known as Ultimate Hunter Mode, makes its much-anticipated return in Borderlands 3. In this guide, we will explore how to unlock it and the significant changes it brings in terms of challenges, enemies, weapons, and gear.
Like its predecessors and many contemporary big titles in gaming, Borderlands 3 features a New Game+ mode called Ultimate Hunter Mode. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need or might want to know about it.
Unlocking Ultimate Hunter Mode in Borderlands 3
It may seem obvious, but the first step is to complete the main storyline of the game. There is no requirement to reach level 50. Simply return to the main menu, click on “Normal Mode,” and then choose “Ultimate Hunter Mode.” After that, make sure to click on “Continue” instead of “New Game”; this is crucial.
The Mechanics of Ultimate Hunter Mode
In Ultimate Hunter Mode, you restart at the beginning of the game with the same character who retains their level, gear, inventory, money, etc. However, the story progression resets to zero. Don’t worry; from the main menu of the game, you can freely toggle between Normal Mode and Ultimate Hunter Mode. Progression is kept separate, so you can return to the last planet you visited in Normal Mode while continuing your Ultimate Hunter adventure on Pandora.
It goes without saying that Ultimate Hunter Mode increases the game’s difficulty, but it also offers better rewards.
What Changes in Ultimate Hunter Mode
- Good news! You can skip the cutscenes and introductions of the game with Claptrap. Unfortunately, this does not apply to the other cutscenes and narrative dialogues. At least, you can see if the jokes about flatulence tickle your funny bone the second time around.
- You will need to unlock the autolock feature again (but your vehicles and special parts will carry over), as well as Sanctuary-3. Once the ship is unlocked, you can choose to activate the Chaos Mode to increase the difficulty and rewards scale.
- Your enemies will have more health and hit harder. You will notice many enemy types gain a second health bar in the form of armor or shields, and some may even acquire a third bar. Expect more brutal and elite monsters, making the game generally more challenging—things will explode, often quite literally.
- The loot quality is significantly improved overall, featuring a better score and a higher chance of being superior or legendary. Loot monsters will also appear more frequently, upping your chances for valuable finds.
- An experience bonus applies in this play mode, meaning you will reach level 50 quicker if you haven’t done so already, and thereafter you will level up your Guardian Ranks more swiftly. These ranks, of course, are preserved in this mode.
- All main and side quests are reset; however, oddly enough, the Crew Challenges remain untouched. This at least gives you another opportunity to collect ClapTrap parts and other collectibles without having to revisit maps solely for that purpose.
