Borderlands 3 DLC Order: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve conquered the main story of Borderlands 3 and now you’re staring down a pile of downloadable content, wondering where to begin. The good news is, unlike some games, Borderlands 3’s DLC doesn’t lock you into a specific order, allowing for flexibility. However, there’s a generally recommended path that maximizes enjoyment and ensures a smooth experience. The ideal order is to tackle the DLCs in their release sequence, after completing the main game, and ideally after completing the True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) playthrough.
This means you should start with Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot (DLC 1), then proceed to Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock (DLC 2), next go into Bounty of Blood (DLC 3), and finally finish with Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck (DLC 4).
Following this order not only respects the intended narrative flow—as much as it exists in Borderlands—but also aligns with the game’s intended scaling and progression. Let’s delve into why this order works and what each DLC offers.
Why Follow the Release Order?
The primary reason to adhere to the release order is story context and level scaling. While the DLCs are largely standalone in their stories, some subtle character developments and references are best experienced in sequence. Each DLC tends to introduce higher-level gear and challenges, gradually increasing the difficulty curve after the base game. By playing them in order, you allow your character to progressively gain power, making each DLC a natural step up from the last.
Additionally, starting with Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot provides a gentler introduction to DLC content. It offers a solid mix of humor and action, and it’s a great way to transition from the main game. Each subsequent DLC then builds on that foundation, introducing more complex mechanics and higher stakes, culminating in the surreal experience of Krieg’s DLC.
Starting the DLCs
Each DLC is initiated by interacting with a specific object in Sanctuary III, the player’s main hub ship. Here’s how to kick off each one:
Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot (DLC 1)
To begin this heist, head to Moxxi’s Bar on Sanctuary III. Look for a poster featuring Handsome Jack on the wall to the left of the bar entrance. Interacting with this poster starts the DLC mission.
Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock (DLC 2)
You’ll find a small sign near the science area on Sanctuary III, in the same area as Patricia Tannis. Interact with it to start the DLC.
Bounty of Blood (DLC 3)
Locate the wanted poster on a table near the Lost Loot Machine on Sanctuary III. Interacting with the poster initiates the DLC quest.
Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck (DLC 4)
This is the final DLC. Look for the psycho-themed poster near the Medical Bay on Sanctuary III. Once again, interacting with the poster will start the quest.
The Importance of Level and Mayhem
While you can technically start the DLC at level 1, it’s highly recommended to complete the main story first, ideally hitting level 50 to get the most out of the experience. After completing the main story, you should jump into True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM).
The DLCs scale to your level after completing the main story of each individual DLC. However, for the best balance of challenge and reward, consider engaging with the Mayhem Mode after hitting level 50. Mayhem Mode increases the difficulty and loot quality, but also has a large set of modifiers that can change up the gameplay. While you can jump into Mayhem 3 with random level 50 gear, be aware that groups of enemies can be quite challenging. Once you understand the mode, you can use Mayhem to optimize your gear before starting the DLC. The end goal is to farm the Graveward Vault Monster on Mayhem 3 for the most loot and XP.
Many players prefer to complete the main game in both Normal Mode and TVHM before tackling any DLC. This ensures that when starting the DLC, you will be scaled to the appropriate level. Remember Mayhem level 11 offers the same difficulty as Mayhem 10, but with the modifiers removed. It is the best difficulty to play on unless you are specifically taking advantage of the modifiers on Mayhem 10.
Additional Tips for your DLC playthrough
- Don’t Rush: Take your time and explore each DLC. There are unique side quests, items, and areas to discover.
- Experiment with Builds: DLCs offer new gear and challenges that might inspire you to tweak your character build.
- Pay Attention to the Story: Although they’re not directly connected to the main game’s story, each DLC has engaging narratives with interesting characters.
- Use the Mayhem Mode: Consider playing the DLCs with an increased Mayhem level after the first completion to maximize the loot.
- Farm Bosses: Many bosses drop great loot. Once you beat a DLC boss, don’t be afraid to farm them a bit to get some awesome gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Borderlands 3 DLC scale with level?
Yes, once you finish the main missions of a DLC, everything scales to your level. This means you can jump into the DLC with a new character at a high level, if you have beaten the story on another character.
2. Do I need DLC to reach level 72 in Borderlands 3?
No, the level cap increase to 72 is a free update and is not tied to any specific DLC. It simply requires the latest patch.
3. What is the first DLC for Borderlands 3?
The first DLC is Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot.
4. When should I start the Borderlands 3 DLC?
Story-wise, the DLCs are designed to be played after you complete the main quest. For balance, it’s recommended to save them for after completing TVHM.
5. What is the max level in Borderlands 3 with DLC?
The max level is 72, the same as Borderlands 2.
6. What level should I start Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3?
You can start Mayhem Mode at level 50.
7. Should I finish Borderlands 3 before playing the DLCs?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to complete the main story before starting any DLC. Play the DLC after completing the main story in both normal and TVHM.
8. Do legendary weapons scale in Borderlands 3?
Yes, legendary weapons scale to your current level when you find them, although the other effects are static.
9. Does True Vault Hunter Mode scale to your level?
Enemies in TVHM have set levels but scale down to the player if the player is lower. They do not scale up if you are higher level than the content.
10. What does Mayhem level do to guns?
The quality of weapons improves as you increase the Mayhem level, meaning they will have higher stats and can get more bonuses.
11. Is Mayhem 11 easier than Mayhem 10 in Borderlands 3?
Mayhem 11 is the same difficulty as Mayhem 10, but it does not have modifiers. All rewards are reduced in Mayhem 11 compared to Mayhem 10.
12. Can you max out all skills in Borderlands 3?
No, at level 72, you cannot max out all skill trees. You can generally max out two.
13. What is the max mayhem level in Borderlands 3?
The max Mayhem level is Mayhem 11, and Mayhem 10 has modifiers.
14. What boss gives the most XP in Borderlands 3?
The Graveward Vault monster is known for giving the most XP.
15. Which character should I start with in Borderlands 3?
Moze the Gunner is an ideal choice for beginners due to her tankiness and offensive playstyle.
Conclusion
Borderlands 3 offers a wealth of content beyond its main story. While the DLCs can be played in any order, following the release sequence provides the best blend of narrative progression and difficulty scaling. Remember to maximize the game by jumping into True Vault Hunter Mode and playing the game after you reach level 50 and have a decent understanding of Mayhem Mode. By taking the time to explore each DLC thoroughly, you can squeeze every last bit of fun out of this fantastic title. Happy Vault Hunting!