How Many DLC Does Borderlands 3 Have? A Complete Guide
Borderlands 3 offers a wealth of post-launch content to keep players engaged long after the main story ends. In total, Borderlands 3 has 6 major DLC packs, in addition to various cosmetic packs and smaller content updates. These DLCs dramatically expand the game, introducing new stories, characters, environments, and gameplay mechanics. They fall into two main categories: campaign DLCs and the Director’s Cut DLC. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you navigate the world of Borderlands 3 add-ons.
Borderlands 3 Campaign DLCs
The four campaign DLC packs are the cornerstone of Borderlands 3’s post-launch content. Each of these DLCs offers a unique storyline, complete with new maps, characters, enemies, and of course, a whole lot of loot. These packs are designed to be integrated into your existing character progression, allowing you to dive in at any point after finishing the main story or even during the campaign.
Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot
This first campaign DLC is a high-stakes heist that takes you to a space casino built by the infamous Handsome Jack. Expect a colorful setting, intense battles against robotic security and gamblers, and some humorous interactions with returning characters like Mad Moxxi. It is estimated to take 5-6 hours to complete all the achievements associated with the DLC.
Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock
The second DLC takes you to the icy planet of Xylourgos for the wedding of Sir Alistair Hammerlock and Wainwright Jakobs. However, things are not as peaceful as they appear as the planet is plagued by strange creatures and cultists. It boasts a unique gothic horror theme, fun characters, and a good amount of challenge.
Bounty of Blood
The third campaign DLC plunges you into the Wild West-inspired planet of Gehenna. Here, you’ll find yourself battling outlaws and monsters in a vast open landscape. This DLC offers a different flavor than the previous ones, embracing a classic Western aesthetic, with a strong narrative focus and fun, unique missions.
Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck
The fourth and final campaign DLC delves into the mind of the fan-favorite character, Krieg. In this DLC, you navigate the surreal, chaotic landscape of Krieg’s psyche, battling his inner demons, and facing a variety of unique enemies, in his very twisted view of the world. This DLC is known for being imaginative and taking around 3.5 hours for the main objectives.
Borderlands 3 Director’s Cut
The Director’s Cut DLC is different from the campaign packs and focuses more on gameplay enhancements and additions rather than a brand-new story. It includes a new raid boss, the Varkid raid boss Hemovorous the Invincible, and a new series of missions featuring Ava, a new form of progression called Vault Cards, behind the scenes content, and much more. This DLC significantly changes the endgame experience by adding more challenging and interesting things to do.
Bonus Content
Beyond the major DLCs, there’s also various additional content included in special editions or through separate purchases, including:
- Butt Stallion Pack: This pack includes cosmetic items like a weapon skin, weapon trinket, and a grenade mod themed around the iconic character Butt Stallion.
- Various cosmetic packs: Different cosmetic packs add new skins for characters and weapons, as well as Echo device skins.
These cosmetic items do not affect gameplay but allow for more personalization of your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the DLC content in Borderlands 3:
How long does it take to complete all of the Borderlands 3 DLC?
The playtime can vary greatly, but you can expect at least 20-25 hours to complete the main objectives of all the campaign DLCs. Completionists looking to do everything will easily spend 30-40 hours across all the DLCs. Adding the Director’s Cut content increases playtime further.
Which Borderlands 3 DLC is the best?
While subjective, Bounty of Blood and Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot are often cited as the best, due to their engaging stories, unique environments, and enjoyable characters. Guns, Love and Tentacles is praised for its more intense storyline and dark, gothic aesthetic. And the Psycho Krieg DLC is great for the strange, and unique world it creates.
Are the Borderlands 3 DLCs worth it?
Yes, the DLCs for Borderlands 3 are widely considered worth the investment. They add significant content, expand the universe, and offer a variety of new experiences that greatly enhance the game’s replayability. None of them are considered bad, and all are an excellent addition to the Borderlands 3 experience.
Why does Borderlands 3 not have DLC characters?
Gearbox has decided not to include DLC characters because player data showed that they weren’t as popular in previous Borderlands games. Instead, they focused on creating more diverse build options for the existing four Vault Hunters through skill trees and other content.
What is the Director’s Cut DLC?
The Director’s Cut DLC does not add a story campaign but it includes a raid boss, new missions, an in-game content gallery, and vault cards that offer new gear, skins, and other rewards. It’s focused on enhancing the endgame experience.
Is Borderlands 3 longer than Borderlands 2?
Yes, Borderlands 3 is considered the longest Borderlands game to date, offering a more extensive campaign and more DLC content than its predecessor.
What is the level cap in Borderlands 3?
The level cap in Borderlands 3 is level 72, which is the same level cap as Borderlands 2.
Are there any new skill trees in Borderlands 3 DLC?
Yes, each of the main characters in Borderlands 3 has a 4th skill tree, added after the release of the base game, but not tied to the DLC Packs, it is available through free updates. Zane’s 4th skill tree, The Professional is the one mentioned in the above article.
What is Mayhem mode in Borderlands 3?
Mayhem mode is a system introduced in Borderlands 3 that increases difficulty but also rewards players with better loot. Mayhem levels increase the enemies health, shields, and damage output, and also apply modifiers that can affect gameplay for better or worse. It allows players to tailor the challenge to their liking.
Is Mayhem 10 or 11 better?
Unless you are trying to use modifiers, there is no difference between Mayhem 10 and Mayhem 11.
Can you play Borderlands 3 without DLC?
Yes, you can play Borderlands 3 without DLC, and you will still enjoy a great experience with the base campaign. However, the DLCs provide significant additional content and a much more in-depth game.
How many characters can you play as in Borderlands 3?
You can play as four different characters in Borderlands 3. There are no plans to add more characters as DLC.
What is the best character to play solo in Borderlands 3?
Moze is generally considered the best character for solo play in Borderlands 3, as she excels in both boss fights and clearing mobs of enemies.
What is the shortest Borderlands DLC?
For all games in the series, Hammerlock’s Hunt is generally considered the shortest Borderlands DLC due to its shorter story and reduced mission count.
When is Borderlands 4 being released?
While there is no official release date for Borderlands 4, there are listings suggesting a potential release earlier than initially expected, possibly in 2026, as the game has reportedly been in development for two years already.
Conclusion
Borderlands 3’s DLC offerings greatly enhance the overall experience, providing hours of additional content, and well-written stories. With 6 main DLC packs, including campaign content and the Director’s Cut, there’s plenty to keep you engaged in the world of Borderlands for a long time. Whether you’re a fan of the story, the loot, or the characters, Borderlands 3’s DLCs are worth checking out.