Is Borderlands 3 on PS Plus? Navigating the Vault Hunter’s Landscape
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Unfortunately, Borderlands 3 is no longer available as part of the PlayStation Plus subscription service. It was previously offered within the Extra and Premium tiers, but it has since been removed.
Borderlands 3’s departure from PS Plus might sting for those who enjoyed it through the service. This article will delve into the details surrounding its availability, upgrade paths, and other relevant information.
Borderlands 3 and PlayStation: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of Pandora and its chaotic vault hunters have enthralled gamers for years. Borderlands 3, the latest main installment, brought even more mayhem, loot, and quirky characters to our screens. However, access to this beloved title through subscription services like PlayStation Plus has been a fluctuating landscape. Let’s dissect the details.
Understanding the PS Plus Landscape
Before diving into the specifics of Borderlands 3, let’s briefly recap the PlayStation Plus tiers:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: Offers basic features such as online multiplayer access, monthly downloadable games, and exclusive discounts.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: Includes all the benefits of Essential, plus a catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: Encompasses all the features of Essential and Extra, alongside access to classic PlayStation titles, game trials, and cloud streaming capabilities.
Borderlands 3 was previously available through the Extra and Premium tiers as part of their respective game catalogs. This meant that subscribers to these tiers could download and play the game as long as it remained within the catalog. However, games periodically get removed from these catalogs, and Borderlands 3 was one of them.
Why Games Leave PS Plus
It’s essential to understand that games do not remain on PlayStation Plus indefinitely. Licensing agreements between Sony and game publishers dictate the terms and duration of a game’s inclusion in the PS Plus catalog. These agreements expire periodically, leading to games being removed from the service. This is a standard practice across all similar subscription services, including Xbox Game Pass.
Alternatives to Playing Borderlands 3
While Borderlands 3 is no longer on PS Plus, there are still several ways to enjoy the game on your PlayStation console:
- Purchase the Game: The most straightforward way is to purchase the game digitally from the PlayStation Store or physically from retailers. Keep an eye out for sales, as Borderlands 3 often receives significant discounts.
- Used Copies: Physical copies can often be found for a reduced price from various retailers or even individuals looking to sell their used games.
- Borderlands 3 Next Level Bundle: This bundle includes the base game and the Multiverse Final Form cosmetics packs, offering a complete and visually appealing experience.
- Free on Epic Games (Past Event): It’s important to acknowledge that Borderlands 3 was previously offered for free on the Epic Games Store. This promotion was time-limited, and if you claimed it during that period, you can still access the game on PC.
The removal of games from PlayStation Plus underscores the value of owning your favorite titles outright. While subscription services provide convenient access to a vast library of games, they don’t guarantee long-term availability.
The Future of Borderlands
The success of Borderlands 3 has undoubtedly fueled speculation about the future of the franchise. A fresh leak confirms the existence of Borderlands 4, hinting at an upcoming release date. While details remain scarce, the prospect of a new Borderlands adventure is exciting for fans.
Furthermore, a Borderlands movie is set to release on August 9th, 2024, offering another avenue for fans to engage with the world and characters they love.
Understanding the franchise, its history, and its potential future contributes to a more comprehensive gaming experience. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, is a valuable resource for those seeking to delve deeper into the educational and societal aspects of gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Borderlands 3 and PS Plus
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address any remaining concerns or curiosities you might have regarding Borderlands 3 and its presence on PlayStation.
- Is Borderlands 3 currently free on PS5? No, Borderlands 3 is not currently offered as a free game on PS5 through PlayStation Plus or any other promotion.
- If I owned the PS4 version of Borderlands 3, do I get a free PS5 upgrade? Yes, if you already own the PS4 version of Borderlands 3, you can get the PS5 digital version at no extra cost. Ensure that the PS4 version is on your home screen; this usually triggers the PS5 upgrade prompt, adding the PS5 version to your library as a separate game.
- Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Borderlands 3 online? Yes, PlayStation Plus is required to play online multiplayer in Borderlands 3 on both PS4 and PS5.
- What games replaced Borderlands 3 on PS Plus? The specific games that directly “replaced” Borderlands 3 vary based on the monthly PlayStation Plus game updates. August 2023’s additions included Lost Judgment, Cursed to Golf, and Destroy All Humans 2, while October 2023 brought The Callisto Protocol, Weird West, and Farming Simulator 22. These are simply games added to the service around the time of Borderlands 3’s departure, not direct replacements.
- Is Borderlands 3 worth playing without the DLC? Borderlands 3 is still a worthwhile experience without the DLC, particularly if you enjoy shooter RPGs with a vast array of weapons. If you can purchase the base game at a discounted price, it’s a solid investment. However, be aware that some players find the story less compelling than previous installments.
- How big is the Borderlands 3 file size on PS5? Borderlands 3’s file size is significant, often exceeding 100GB. This large size is attributed to the high-definition textures and detailed environments within the game.
- How long after Borderlands 2 does Borderlands 3 take place? Borderlands 3 takes place approximately seven years after the events of Borderlands 2 (specifically, six years after Tales From The Borderlands).
- Is Borderlands 3 the last game in the series? No, Borderlands 3 is not the final chapter in the series. A Borderlands 4 is rumored and anticipated by the gaming community.
- How well did Borderlands 3 sell? Borderlands 3 has been a commercial success, selling over 8 million copies by the end of 2019 and surpassing 15 million copies by May 2022.
- Was Borderlands 3 ever offered for free on the Epic Games Store? Yes, Borderlands 3 was offered for free on the Epic Games Store as part of their Mega Sale promotion in May 2022.
- Is Borderlands 3 cross-platform compatible? Borderlands 3 does feature crossplay, allowing players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC to play together.
- Is Borderlands 3 still being updated? While major content updates may be less frequent, Gearbox Software continues to support Borderlands 3 with occasional patches and adjustments.
- What is the Borderlands 3 Next Level Edition? The Borderlands 3 Next-Level Edition is a console-only version that includes the base game and the Multiverse Final Form cosmetics packs, offering visual customization options.
- What other games have left PS Plus recently? Other games that have recently left PS Plus include titles such as Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Death end re;Quest 2, Nidhogg 2, and Through the Darkest of Times. The Yakuza series has also been removed from the service.
- Where can I learn more about the impact of video games? The Games Learning Society website is a valuable resource for insights into the educational and cultural impact of video games.
Ultimately, while Borderlands 3’s absence from PlayStation Plus might be disappointing, there are still plenty of ways to experience the mayhem and loot-filled adventures of Pandora. Whether through purchasing the game, exploring bundles, or eagerly awaiting the next installment, the Borderlands universe remains vibrant and engaging.