Do You Get Better Loot in True Vault Hunter Mode?
Yes, True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) offers a higher chance of enemies dropping better loot compared to Normal Mode in Borderlands games. This improved loot quality is one of the primary incentives for players to delve into TVHM after completing the main storyline. While the specifics may differ slightly across Borderlands titles, the core principle remains consistent: more challenging gameplay comes with increased rewards. In addition to enemies, chests in TVHM also contain improved loot, making exploration even more worthwhile. However, it is important to note that while TVHM increases drop rates in general, it does not necessarily provide better chances at specific drops, especially when compared to Mayhem mode in Borderlands 3.
The Allure of True Vault Hunter Mode
TVHM is not just about better loot; it represents a substantial step up in difficulty that tests players’ skills and strategies. It’s designed for those seeking a greater challenge and a new way to experience the game after finishing the initial playthrough. When you enter TVHM, you retain all your levels, skills, equipment, and experience points but are faced with tougher enemies and improved drops, which can feel very rewarding and give you a new perspective on the game. This mode also provides a fresh opportunity to re-experience the story with a fully leveled character.
Differences Between Normal and True Vault Hunter Mode
The key difference between Normal and True Vault Hunter Mode is the increased difficulty and loot quality. While Normal Mode offers a reasonable challenge for first-time players, TVHM presents a significant jump, demanding more tactical thinking and a greater emphasis on well-optimized builds. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Increased Enemy Difficulty: Enemies have higher health pools, do more damage, and may exhibit more aggressive behavior in TVHM.
- Improved Loot: As previously mentioned, both enemy drops and chest contents are improved, with a higher likelihood of rare and powerful gear.
- Story Reset: TVHM lets you play through the story again, allowing you to experience it with your enhanced character and to obtain better quest rewards.
- Level Scaling: In Borderlands 3, post-completion, enemies will scale up to Level 50, providing a consistent challenge regardless of how high you level up to. However, note that TVHM itself will not scale above Level 50.
Is TVHM Worth It?
The worth of TVHM largely depends on your goals and play style. If you’re aiming to:
- Experience the story again: TVHM is ideal for replaying the narrative with a more powerful character.
- Get max-level quest rewards: Completing side quests in TVHM will grant higher-level rewards, which is especially useful if you’re looking to get a particular quest reward at level 50.
- Enjoy increased loot drops: The improved drop rates in TVHM make it a valuable mode for farming weapons and gear.
- Test your builds: The increased difficulty allows you to test your character builds and optimize your strategy for even more challenging content.
However, if your main focus is just to get the best possible loot or if you do not feel like going through the story again, then you may be better served by focusing on the Mayhem Mode, which is specifically made for endgame looting.
True Vault Hunter Mode vs. Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3
In Borderlands 3, Mayhem Mode offers another end-game challenge that players can engage with once they complete the main story. It’s important to understand the distinctions between TVHM and Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3:
- TVHM: Primarily focuses on replaying the story at a higher difficulty with enhanced loot.
- Mayhem Mode: Focuses on increasing the challenge by applying gameplay modifiers in exchange for much better loot. It can be applied in either Normal or True Vault Hunter mode after completing the story.
Mayhem Mode is often preferred for endgame farming due to its potential for better loot and the ability to scale enemies to your level. However, for players who enjoy re-experiencing the campaign or who are looking to obtain max-level quest rewards, TVHM can be more useful.
Loot Differences in Mayhem Mode
Mayhem Mode offers significantly increased loot drops compared to TVHM. Depending on the Mayhem level you choose, you can expect even more powerful gear and higher drop rates. Mayhem 11, while lacking the modifiers present in levels 1-10, still offers the same rewards as Mayhem 10.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I switch to True Vault Hunter Mode?
The recommended level for entering TVHM is around 28-30, though it’s recommended to reach level 50 in Normal Mode before taking on the challenge to make your time in TVHM easier. This ensures you have the skills and build needed to deal with increased enemy difficulty.
2. Is True Vault Hunter Mode harder than Normal Mode?
Yes, TVHM is significantly harder than Normal Mode. Enemies have higher health, do more damage, and are generally more challenging.
3. Can I get OP levels in True Vault Hunter Mode?
No, OP levels are exclusively available in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM). These levels provide an additional challenge and are not available until players reach the level cap.
4. Can you play Mayhem Mode on True Vault Hunter Mode?
Yes, but in Borderlands 3, you must complete the story in TVHM to unlock Mayhem Mode. This is a change from Normal Mode, where Mayhem can be turned on immediately after beating the main story.
5. Should I do side quests in True Vault Hunter Mode?
It’s generally advisable to save side quests with desired rewards until you’ve beaten the final boss in TVHM. This allows you to obtain quest-specific items at the maximum level (50). Doing all side quests before the final boss might result in going into UVHM with an overleveled character.
6. Can you switch between True Vault Hunter Mode and Normal Mode?
Yes, you can switch between modes at any time via the main menu. Select your character, and you will be prompted to choose the desired playthrough.
7. What is the max level in True Vault Hunter Mode?
TVHM caps out at Level 50. You can exceed this limit to levels 61 or 72 by using the additional Level Cap increase DLCs, but the enemies themselves will not scale past 50 in TVHM.
8. Does TVHM give more XP?
Yes, you will gain substantially more XP from missions in TVHM compared to Normal Mode. Additionally, enemies scale to your level up to level 50 after completing the campaign.
9. Does TVHM scale to 50?
Yes, the enemies and missions will scale up to Level 50 in TVHM after beating the final boss. However, enemies will not scale above Level 50.
10. Is Mayhem 11 loot better than 10?
No. Mayhem 11 was intended to have the same loot as Mayhem 10 without the modifiers, but as of 2024, it still operates the same as Mayhem 10 with the same loot drops.
11. Can I go back to Normal Mode after TVHM?
Yes, you can freely switch between Normal and TVHM through the main menu. This feature allows you to go back and do anything you may have missed while on your TVHM playthrough.
12. What is the difference between TVHM and UVHM?
Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) is a third playthrough that’s unlocked after completing TVHM, and it provides the highest difficulty settings in the game. It also scales with your character, and you can get OP levels on this difficulty.
13. Can you turn off True Vault Hunter Mode?
Yes, you can switch back to Normal Mode via the main menu at any time.
14. Is True Vault Hunter Mode required to reach max level?
No, TVHM is not necessary to reach the max level. However, by completing quests in this mode you can obtain higher-level rewards.
15. Can I get max level quest items only in TVHM?
Not all max level items will only drop in TVHM, but specific quest rewards will be higher level in TVHM than Normal mode.
Conclusion
True Vault Hunter Mode offers a compelling mix of increased difficulty and better loot, making it a worthwhile endeavor for Borderlands players seeking a more challenging experience. While Mayhem Mode might be preferred for farming, TVHM remains a solid choice for those who wish to replay the story, get max-level quest rewards, and enjoy a tougher gameplay loop.