Borderlands: The Handsome Collection – Does It Really Include All the DLC?
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Alright Vault Hunters, let’s cut to the chase. The Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is a fantastic deal, bundling two incredible games – Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel – into one explosive package. However, while it boasts “all DLC,” it’s crucial to understand the fine print. The general answer is yes, it includes a ton of DLC! But a specific answer would be, it includes pretty much all downloadable content for the two games up to a certain date. Notably, Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary, a DLC that bridges the gap between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, is not included in the Handsome Collection. Let’s dive deeper.
What Exactly Is the Handsome Collection?
The Handsome Collection is designed to be a definitive experience for fans of Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel on modern consoles (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and later, playable on newer generations). It aims to provide the core games along with their expansions, enhanced graphics, and smoother performance. The sheer volume of content offered is truly impressive. It features hours of gameplay, new characters, storylines, and a whole lot of loot. This makes it a perfect entry point for newcomers and a worthwhile upgrade for seasoned Vault Hunters who want to revisit Pandora and Elpis in their best possible form.
Diving into the DLC Details
What does the Handsome Collection actually include?
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Borderlands 2: This includes all the main campaign DLCs: Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, and the fan-favorite Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. These DLCs offer entirely new areas to explore, challenging enemies to defeat, and compelling stories to experience.
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Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel: It includes the main campaign DLCs. The Holodome Onslaught, and Claptastic Voyage. These additions expand upon the Pre-Sequel’s narrative, providing more backstory and lore.
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Character Packs: Every Vault Hunter from both games gets their due. This includes the Mechromancer Pack (Gaige), the Psycho Pack (Krieg), and the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs (which raise the level cap) for Borderlands 2, along with the Doppelganger Pack (Jack) and Lady Hammerlock the Baroness Pack for The Pre-Sequel.
These DLCs add tons of hours of gameplay, new gear, new challenges, and generally enhance the overall Borderlands experience. The inclusion of the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs is especially valuable, as they allow players to continue leveling up their characters and acquiring even more powerful gear.
Why Isn’t All DLC Included?
The absence of Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary is a matter of timing. The Handsome Collection was released before this DLC. Fight for Sanctuary was designed as a dedicated bridge to Borderlands 3 and released years after the Handsome Collection made it into the market. Think of the Handsome Collection as a comprehensive archive of content up to a specific point in the Borderlands timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Borderlands: The Handsome Collection and its included DLC:
1. Is the Handsome Collection worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely. Even without the Fight for Sanctuary DLC, the sheer volume of content offered makes it a fantastic value, especially if you haven’t experienced these games before.
2. How do I access the DLC content in the Handsome Collection?
In both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, DLC campaigns are typically accessed via Fast Travel stations. New locations will appear once the DLC is installed. Look for the Fast Travel stations after completing the first mission to Oasis for Captain Scarlett.
3. Does the Handsome Collection include the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs?
Yes, both Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs for Borderlands 2 are included. These raise the level cap and introduce the challenging Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode.
4. Can I play the Handsome Collection in co-op?
Definitely! The Handsome Collection supports cooperative gameplay for up to four players, both online and locally with split-screen.
5. Does the Handsome Collection have cross-platform play?
Unfortunately, no. The Handsome Collection does not support cross-platform play between different console ecosystems (e.g., PlayStation and Xbox).
6. Is Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel as good as Borderlands 2?
That’s subjective! While opinions vary, The Pre-Sequel offers a unique experience with low-gravity combat and different character skills. Gameplay also includes O2 kits.
7. Do I need to play Borderlands 2 before The Pre-Sequel?
It’s recommended. The Pre-Sequel contains spoilers for Borderlands 2’s story. While the game is mostly flashbacks, you’ll enjoy the narrative more if you’ve played Borderlands 2 first.
8. What is the best Borderlands 2 DLC?
Many players consider Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep to be the best DLC, thanks to its creative storyline, memorable characters, and humorous writing.
9. Does the Handsome Collection include all character customization options?
Yes, most character customization options released as DLC are included, allowing you to personalize your Vault Hunters’ appearance. This includes heads and skins.
10. How much gameplay time does the Handsome Collection offer?
You can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring the content in the Handsome Collection, especially if you aim for 100% completion.
11. Is there a physical version of the Handsome Collection?
Yes, the Handsome Collection was released in a physical format for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Check online or at your favorite retailer.
12. What is the difference between Borderlands GOTY and the Handsome Collection?
The Game of the Year (GOTY) edition typically refers to the original Borderlands and its DLC. The Handsome Collection includes Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, along with their DLC.
13. I’m new to Borderlands. Where should I start?
The Handsome Collection is a great starting point! Just play Borderlands 2 before The Pre-Sequel.
14. Can I transfer my save data from previous Borderlands games?
The Handsome Collection allows you to transfer save data from the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
For more information on how games can be used for learning and development, visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Verdict
The Handsome Collection delivers exceptional value for Borderlands fans. While it doesn’t include every single piece of DLC ever released for Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, it offers an immense amount of content, including all the major campaign DLCs and character packs. The missing piece is the Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Borderlands universe. Now, go get looting, Vault Hunter!