Conquering Pandora: How Long Does It Really Take to 100% Borderlands 3?
So, you’re itching to become the ultimate Vault Hunter and wondering how much of your life you’ll need to dedicate to Borderlands 3? Let’s cut to the chase: Achieving 100% completion in Borderlands 3 is a serious time commitment. Expect to sink around 75 to 80 hours into the game, maybe even longer depending on your play style and familiarity with the Borderlands universe. This isn’t just about blasting through the main story; it’s about meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of Pandora and beyond, conquering every challenge, and collecting every piece of loot. Now, let’s dive deeper into what that entails.
The Road to 100%: A Breakdown
The estimated playtime hinges on several factors:
- Main Story Completion: As the provided text mentions, focusing solely on the main story will take you roughly 23 hours. However, a true completionist won’t stop there.
- Side Missions: Borderlands 3 is bursting with side missions. These range from hilarious fetch quests to engaging storylines that expand the game’s lore. Completing all of them is a must for 100% completion and will add a significant chunk of time.
- Crew Challenges: These include hunts, proving grounds, and other objectives scattered across the various planets. Finding and completing all the crew challenges contributes significantly to the 100% completion goal.
- True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM): After beating the main story, you unlock TVHM. While not strictly required for 100% completion, it’s the only way to experience the game at a truly challenging level and to collect certain exclusive items. Many consider it an integral part of the Borderlands 3 experience.
- Mayhem Mode: This mode allows you to further customize the difficulty and rewards of the game. Reaching Mayhem Level 11 is a goal for many players and is where the highest tier loot can be obtained.
- DLC Content: Borderlands 3 has several DLC packs that add new stories, characters, and challenges. These are ESSENTIAL for true 100% completion, and each one adds dozens of hours to the total playtime.
- Leveling and Gear Grinding: Reaching the maximum level (currently 72) and acquiring the best possible gear requires dedicated grinding.
- Guardian Ranks: These are account-wide perks that you unlock by gaining experience. While not required for 100% completion, maximizing your Guardian Ranks will significantly enhance your character’s capabilities.
- Personal Skill and Playstyle: Some players are naturally faster and more efficient than others. Your familiarity with the Borderlands formula, your class choice, and your preferred play style will all impact how long it takes you to complete the game.
Why So Long? The Borderlands 3 Appeal
Borderlands 3, like its predecessors, is designed to be a game with high replayability. The variety of characters, skill trees, weapons, and challenges encourages players to keep coming back for more. The addictive gameplay loop of shooting, looting, and leveling up is incredibly satisfying, making the hours melt away. You may find yourself diving deeper than you had initially planned.
The Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org, recognizes the engagement and motivation that games like Borderlands 3 provides to players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions to consider.
How Long Does it Take to Beat Borderlands 3’s Main Story?
Approximately 23 hours if you focus solely on the main objectives, as stated in the article.
What’s the Max Level in Borderlands 3?
The maximum level is currently 72, which can be achieved without any DLC.
Is Borderlands 3 Bigger Than Borderlands 2?
Yes, Borderlands 3 has more content and a larger scope than Borderlands 2, according to Anthony Nicholson at Gearbox.
Is Borderlands 3 Worth Playing Solo?
Yes! The Borderlands games are fun solo. If you enjoy the gameplay and story, it’s still a great time to be had.
What’s the Best Class in Borderlands 3 for Solo Play?
Moze with the Bottomless Mags or Demolition Woman skill tree is often considered a strong choice for solo players.
What’s the Hardest Difficulty in Borderlands 3?
True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) is the hardest difficulty level.
Will There Be a Borderlands 4?
Rumors suggest Borderlands 4 is in development, with some reports indicating that work began as early as November 2021.
Is Borderlands 3 Addictive?
Many players find Borderlands 3 highly addictive due to its gameplay loop.
Is Borderlands 3 Free to Play?
Borderlands 3 has been given away for free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time. Once claimed it is yours forever, but currently you would have to purchase it.
What is the Highest Weapon Rarity in Borderlands 3?
Legendary (orange) is the highest confirmed weapon rarity in Borderlands 3.
Does Borderlands 3 Get Hard?
Yes, especially after completing the main story and unlocking True Vault Hunter Mode.
Why is Borderlands 3 Such a Big File Size?
The game utilizes thousands of high-definition images to create a realistic world, and these textures cannot be significantly compressed without causing visual issues. The Borderlands 3: Director’s Cut clocks in around 135GB.
Are the Level Cap Increases Free in Borderlands 3?
Yes, level cap increases are free and independent of the DLCs.
How Important are DLCs for 100% Completion?
DLCs are essential for achieving true 100% completion in Borderlands 3. They add significant content, including new story missions, characters, and challenges.
What is the Largest Map Ever Seen in a Video Game?
Although not mentioned previously, No Man’s Sky has quadrillions of planets to explore.
Conclusion: The Vault Hunter’s Journey
Reaching 100% completion in Borderlands 3 is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It requires patience, dedication, and a love for the game’s unique blend of humor, action, and loot. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll experience everything that Borderlands 3 has to offer, from the hilarious story moments to the satisfying gear grinds. So, grab your Vault Hunter, load up your favorite weapon, and prepare for an epic adventure. The Vault awaits!