Level Up Your Loot: A Vault Hunter’s Guide to Switching to True Vault Hunter Mode in Borderlands 2
So, you’ve conquered Normal Mode in Borderlands 2. Congratulations, Vault Hunter! But the loot is getting stale, the enemies are becoming predictable, and you’re yearning for a new challenge. The answer? True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM). Here’s how you make the leap:
The process is straightforward. Once you’ve completed the final story mission in Normal Mode, TVHM unlocks for that character. To initiate it, from the main menu, select “Play.” In the next menu, choose the “Mode:” option, and you’ll be able to select True Vault Hunter Mode. Prepare yourself, because Pandora is about to get a whole lot tougher!
Embracing the Challenge: What Awaits in TVHM
TVHM isn’t just a simple difficulty spike; it’s a completely fresh playthrough of the game, with some key differences:
- Increased Difficulty: Enemies are tougher, hit harder, and employ more strategic tactics.
- Higher Levels: Enemies and loot scale to higher levels, giving you access to more powerful gear. Early TVHM starts around level 30.
- New Loot Opportunities: While Normal Mode loot eventually plateaus, TVHM offers the potential for better versions of weapons and gear, including some quest-specific rewards that are simply not available in Normal Mode.
- Resetted Progress: All quests, including DLC content, are reset, giving you a chance to experience the story and side content again with your leveled-up character and skills.
- Slag is King (or Queen): While Slag is a useful element in Normal Mode, in TVHM, it becomes almost essential, as it significantly amplifies the damage taken by enemies.
Think of TVHM as New Game+, and a crucial stepping stone to prepare yourself for the even more challenging Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM).
TVHM: The Gateway to Greater Glory
TVHM isn’t just about beating the game again; it’s about gearing up for the real endgame: Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM). To unlock UVHM, you need to first conquer TVHM. This progression ensures that you’re adequately leveled and equipped to tackle the challenges that await.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about True Vault Hunter Mode
Here’s a deep dive into some common questions players have about TVHM:
1. Can I switch between Normal and True Vault Hunter Mode?
Yes! You can switch between Normal Mode and TVHM at any time after unlocking TVHM for a character. From the main menu, select “Change Character,” choose the desired character, and you’ll be presented with the option to switch between the two modes. This is perfect for farming easier content in Normal Mode or tackling the tougher challenges of TVHM.
2. How do I change modes in Borderlands 2 if I’m already in-game?
The simplest method is to load a different character (even a brand new one) and then switch back to your TVHM character. The game will then prompt you to choose between Normal Mode and TVHM.
3. Why am I stuck at level 50 in Borderlands 2?
The base game of Borderlands 2 caps your character’s level at 50. To level up further, you’ll need the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack, which is available as paid DLC. This pack not only raises the level cap but also unlocks UVHM. It’s part of the first Season Pass and the Game of the Year (GOTY) edition.
4. Does True Vault Hunter Mode reset DLC?
Yes, absolutely! Starting TVHM resets all quest progress, including DLC. This allows you to play through all the DLC campaigns again at a higher level with potentially better loot drops. However, keep in mind that Badass Challenges do not reset across playthroughs.
5. Can I turn off True Vault Hunter Mode completely?
You can’t “turn off” TVHM in the sense of erasing your progress. Once you’ve unlocked TVHM for a character, it’s permanently accessible. However, you can always switch back to Normal Mode if you prefer.
6. Can I go back to Normal Mode after completing TVHM?
Definitely! After completing the main story campaign in TVHM, you’ll unlock Mayhem Mode, which adds further difficulty modifiers and loot bonuses. However, you’re never locked into TVHM; you can always return to Normal Mode.
7. When should I play the DLC in Normal Mode vs. TVHM?
A common strategy is to play through the DLC in Normal Mode first to familiarize yourself with the content and obtain some useful gear. Then, tackle the DLC again in TVHM for better loot scaling. Level 33-36 is a good time to go back to play the DLCs.
8. What is different in True Vault Hunter Mode besides difficulty?
Besides increased enemy health and damage, TVHM unlocks the potential for quest-specific legendary items that aren’t available in Normal Mode. While not every quest reward is a must-have, some are highly sought after by experienced Vault Hunters.
9. What’s the difference between TVHM and UVHM?
While TVHM increases difficulty, UVHM takes it to another level. In UVHM:
- Enemies are even tougher and have significantly more health.
- Slag is essential for dealing effective damage.
- Rare loot drop rates are increased.
- Certain E-Tech relics and Pearlescent (cyan) weapons become available.
- Enemies scale to your level at all times.
UVHM represents the ultimate challenge for Borderlands 2 players.
10. I’m overpowered in Normal Mode. Should I jump straight to TVHM?
Yes, if Normal Mode feels too easy, TVHM is the perfect next step. However, keep in mind that the difficulty spike can be significant, so be prepared to adjust your strategies and gear accordingly.
11. What level should I be when I start TVHM?
Ideally, you should be around level 30-35 when starting TVHM. This will allow you to progress through the content at a reasonable pace without being severely underleveled.
12. Do enemies scale to my level in TVHM?
Enemies in TVHM initially scale to around level 30-35 when you first start the playthrough. However, after completing the main story in TVHM, enemies will then scale to your level, making the game consistently challenging.
13. Is True Vault Hunter Mode worth playing?
Absolutely! If you enjoy Borderlands 2 and want a more challenging experience with better loot, TVHM is definitely worth playing. It’s a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of your character and preparing for UVHM.
14. What are the key differences in terms of enemy behavior in TVHM?
Enemies in TVHM exhibit more aggressive behavior, use cover more effectively, and are more likely to employ special abilities. They also have a higher resistance to certain damage types, requiring you to diversify your weapon selection.
15. Does my skill tree reset when I start True Vault Hunter Mode?
No, your skill tree does not reset when you start TVHM. You retain all the skills and abilities you’ve unlocked in Normal Mode, allowing you to experiment with different builds and strategies in the new difficulty.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Vault Hunter Life
True Vault Hunter Mode is more than just a difficulty setting; it’s an invitation to experience Borderlands 2 in a whole new way. It’s a chance to refine your skills, experiment with different builds, and chase after the best loot in the game. So, gear up, Vault Hunter, and prepare for the challenge that awaits!
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