Does Doc Mercy Still Drop the Infinity Pistol? The Definitive Guide
Yes, Doc Mercy still drops the Infinity Pistol in Borderlands 2. However, like all things related to loot drops in the Borderlands universe, it’s not quite that simple. While Doc Mercy has an increased chance to drop the legendary Vladof pistol, it’s ultimately subject to the whims of RNG (Random Number Generator). Let’s dive into the specifics of farming the Infinity Pistol, understand the drop rates, and explore other avenues for acquiring this iconic weapon.
Understanding the Infinity Pistol
The Infinity Pistol is a legendary weapon renowned for its unique characteristic: it doesn’t consume ammo. Its magazine size displays the infinity symbol (∞), making it incredibly useful for sustained fire and conserving ammunition, especially during prolonged firefights or boss battles. It’s a Vladof pistol known for its high fire rate, but it is very inaccurate and its damage isn’t as significant compared to other legendaries, which makes it a niche weapon.
Doc Mercy: Your Primary Source?
Doc Mercy, located in Three Horns – Valley, is often considered the primary target for farming the Infinity Pistol. While he doesn’t guarantee a drop, he has a higher probability compared to other loot sources.
Farming Doc Mercy Efficiently
- Location: Three Horns – Valley.
- Level Recommendation: You should be at least level 10. This is when Doc Mercy starts to appear.
- Strategy: The geyser near Doc Mercy’s location can be utilized by most classes to reach him quickly. For characters other than Krieg, try standing just in front of the geyser, or driving a Runner (aimed to the left of the animal skull) through it.
- Persistence is Key: Expect to kill Doc Mercy multiple times before the Infinity Pistol drops. Patience is crucial.
Other Sources for the Infinity Pistol
While Doc Mercy has an increased chance, the Infinity Pistol can also drop from:
- World Drops: Any loot source in the game has a small chance to drop any legendary item. This includes chests, lockers, and even random enemies.
- Gold Golem: The Gold Golem located in the Mines of Avarice in the Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep DLC has an increased chance to drop.
- Chubby Enemies: These rare enemy variants that appear in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) and Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) have a higher chance of dropping legendary loot.
Drop Rates and RNG
The actual drop rate of the Infinity Pistol from Doc Mercy (or any source) isn’t officially documented by Gearbox. However, based on community experience and data mining, the estimated drop rate is around 5-10% from its assigned loot source. This means that on average, you might need to kill Doc Mercy 10 to 20 times to get the Infinity Pistol. Remember that RNG can be unpredictable, so you might get lucky and get it on your first try, or you might need to farm for hours.
Is the Infinity Pistol Worth Farming?
The Infinity Pistol is not considered a top-tier weapon in Borderlands 2. While its infinite ammo is a major draw, its relatively low damage and accuracy can be limiting. However, it can be useful for certain situations and characters. If you’re looking for a weapon that can sustain fire for long periods, or if you’re playing a character build that benefits from constant gunfire, the Infinity Pistol might be worth pursuing.
GamesLearningSociety.org: Where Gaming Meets Education
Want to delve deeper into the mechanics of game design, loot systems, and the psychology behind player engagement? Visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful research, discussions, and resources on the intersection of gaming and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level does Doc Mercy spawn at?
Doc Mercy starts spawning at level 10, scaling with your character level as you progress through the game.
2. Can the Infinity Pistol drop in different elements?
No, the Infinity Pistol does not come in elemental variants in Borderlands 2. It is always non-elemental.
3. Is the Infinity Pistol better in Borderlands 2 or Borderlands 3?
The Infinity Pistol appears in both games but functions differently. Many find its Borderlands 2 incarnation more iconic and strategically useful, especially due to its distinct farming method from Doc Mercy, compared to its Borderlands 3 counterpart.
4. What’s the best character to use the Infinity Pistol with?
Characters with skills that boost pistol damage or fire rate, such as Salvador (Gunzerker) or Zer0 (Assassin), can make good use of the Infinity Pistol.
5. Does difficulty mode affect the drop rate of the Infinity Pistol?
Yes, playing on True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) or Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) can increase the drop rate of legendary items, including the Infinity Pistol.
6. Is there a guaranteed way to get the Infinity Pistol?
No, there is no guaranteed method. Farming Doc Mercy or other sources increases your chances, but ultimately, it relies on RNG.
7. What are some alternative pistols to the Infinity Pistol?
Some excellent alternative legendary pistols include the Unkempt Harold, Maggie, Hornet, and Gub, each offering unique strengths and playstyles.
8. Can I farm Doc Mercy multiple times in a row?
Yes, simply save and quit after each kill, then reload the game. This will reset Doc Mercy’s spawn.
9. What does the Infinity Pistol look like?
The Infinity Pistol has a distinctive design, with a glowing barrel and the infinity symbol displayed prominently on its magazine.
10. Can I get the Infinity Pistol from the Golden Chest?
No, the Infinity Pistol cannot be obtained from the Golden Chest. It must be farmed from specific sources.
11. Is the Infinity Pistol good for endgame content?
The Infinity Pistol can be useful in certain endgame scenarios, but it’s generally outclassed by other legendary weapons that offer higher damage output or elemental effects.
12. How does the Infinity Pistol work in Borderlands 3?
In Borderlands 3, the Infinity Pistol still has infinite ammo, but its mechanics are slightly different. It fires a figure-eight pattern and can be farmed from the Anointed Alpha in The Anvil on Eden-6.
13. Can the Infinity Pistol drop at level 80?
Yes, the Infinity Pistol can drop at level 80 in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) if you are level 80. It scales with your character’s level.
14. What are the best parts for the Infinity Pistol?
The best parts for the Infinity Pistol are subjective and depend on your playstyle. Some prefer parts that boost damage, while others prioritize accuracy or fire rate.
15. Is there a difference between farming Doc Mercy in Normal Mode vs. True Vault Hunter Mode?
While Doc Mercy is easier to kill in Normal Mode, True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) offers increased chances for legendary drops, making it a more efficient option in the long run. However, this must be weighed against his relative toughness in TVHM.
By understanding these aspects of farming and knowing the weapon’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision about whether the pursuit of the Infinity Pistol is worthwhile for your Borderlands 2 experience. Happy hunting, Vault Hunter!