Is There Weapon Storage in Borderlands 1? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer to whether there is weapon storage in Borderlands 1 is yes, but only within a specific piece of DLC. Unlike later installments in the franchise, Borderlands 1 does not feature a traditional bank or storage locker in the base game. Instead, the ability to store weapons is locked behind the Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot DLC. This means that players solely relying on the core game will have to make tough choices about which weapons to keep and which to leave behind. This limitation significantly impacted the game’s early days, making the Underdome DLC almost essential for players with a growing collection of rare or powerful firearms.
The Underdome Bank: Your Only Storage Solution
If you find yourself amassing an arsenal of guns and desperately need to offload some, the Underdome’s bank is your only hope. This system is only accessible if you own and have installed the Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot DLC. The bank functions as a storage area, allowing you to keep weapons safe and retrieve them later.
How to Access the Underdome Bank
To access the weapon bank, you’ll need to:
- Own the Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot DLC. This is a necessary first step, and without it, there is no weapon storage in Borderlands 1.
- Travel to the Underdome. Once the DLC is installed, you can use a Fast Travel station to go to the Underdome location.
- Locate the bank. Inside the Underdome, the storage bank will be clearly visible, allowing you to deposit and withdraw your precious loot.
Limitations of the Underdome Bank
While a lifesaver, the Underdome bank is not perfect:
- DLC Dependent: As highlighted, it’s only accessible through the DLC, which might not be ideal for players without it.
- Limited Capacity: The bank does not offer unlimited space. You’ll still need to manage your storage effectively, even with its presence.
- Inconvenient Location: Traveling to the Underdome every time you need to deposit or withdraw weapons can be time-consuming, especially when compared to the readily available bank in later Borderlands games.
Inventory Management in the Base Game
Without the Underdome DLC, managing your inventory in the base game is a challenge. Your base inventory space is limited, and you’ll have to rely on backpack upgrades to increase your carrying capacity.
Backpack SDUs
The core method of expanding your inventory in Borderlands 1 is by finding and completing the Claptrap Rescue missions. Each of the ten successful rescue missions rewards you with a Backpack Storage Deck Upgrade (SDU), adding 3 extra inventory slots each time. This brings the total possible inventory slots to 42 on the first playthrough, up from the base 12. While helpful, this is still not enough to hoard every great gun that drops.
Weapon Storage in the Base Game – The Harsh Truth
Without the Underdome DLC, there is no dedicated weapon storage in the base game. Once your inventory is full, you’ll have to do one of the following:
- Sell: You can sell unwanted weapons at vendors, but you might regret getting rid of a rare find.
- Drop: You can drop weapons on the ground, but these will disappear if you leave the area.
- Choose Wisely: The default is simply making tough decisions and only keeping the guns you intend to use.
These options can be frustrating, making the Underdome’s bank almost mandatory for collectors or players who enjoy keeping a diverse arsenal.
Borderlands 1: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Borderlands 1, including topics discussed and others, for a more comprehensive understanding of the game:
1. How do you get more inventory space in Borderlands 1?
You increase inventory space by completing Claptrap Rescue Missions. Each mission gives you a Backpack SDU, granting 3 extra inventory slots. There are 10 of these missions available in Playthrough 1.
2. What is the maximum inventory size in Borderlands 1?
The maximum inventory size in Playthrough 1 is 42 slots, which is achieved by completing all 10 Claptrap Rescue Missions (starting from the default of 12). You can redo these missions on subsequent playthroughs for more experience and money, but you will not receive a new SDU.
3. Is there a bank in the base game of Borderlands 1?
No, there is no bank in the base game of Borderlands 1. The only storage is in the Mad Moxxi’s Underdome DLC.
4. How does saving work in Borderlands 1?
Pausing the game and selecting ‘Exit’ will save your progress. However, when you load back into the game, you will start at the nearest New-U station.
5. What is the level cap in Borderlands 1?
The level cap was initially 58 after patch 1.4.1. The Secret Armory of General Knoxx DLC further increases the max level to 69.
6. How long does it take to beat Borderlands 1?
Main story completion can take about 22-23 hours, while completing everything could take upwards of 60-65 hours. Playthrough 2 usually takes less time than the first.
7. How many guns are there in Borderlands 1?
According to Gearbox Software, there are over 17,750,000 weapon variations in Borderlands 1.
8. What is the rarest gun in Borderlands 1?
The Hyperion Reaper is often cited as one of the rarest guns in Borderlands 1, often competing with pearlescent weapons in terms of rarity.
9. How do you level up fast in Borderlands 1?
Completing in-game challenges and side quests alongside the main story is the quickest way to level up.
10. Is Borderlands 1 a long game?
A single playthrough of the main story can range from 3 to 6 hours, whereas completion with side quests can span 10 to 20 hours. Playthrough 2 typically ranges from 4-8 hours for the main story and 15-20+ hours including side quests.
11. How many players can play Borderlands 1?
Borderlands 1 supports solo play and cooperative mode for up to four players.
12. What is the storage size for Borderlands 1?
The download size for Borderlands 1 is about 14 GB.
13. How do you access higher quality loot in Borderlands 1?
You can farm higher-quality loot using dev chests that are found at various locations and have a higher chance of spawning valuable items.
14. Is Borderlands 1 still worth playing in 2024?
Despite being a 2009 title, Borderlands 1 has aged surprisingly well and remains an enjoyable experience for many gamers. However, some elements might feel dated compared to modern games.
15. What is the next Borderlands game coming out?
While there are no official announcements, a recent listing suggests that Borderlands 4 could potentially release sooner than initially expected, having already been in development for a couple of years.
Conclusion
While the absence of a traditional bank in the base game might be frustrating for new players, it is a testament to Borderlands 1’s unique charm and mechanics. The Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot DLC provides the only means of weapon storage in Borderlands 1, emphasizing its importance for dedicated players. Understanding these nuances allows for a more enjoyable and strategic playthrough. From completing Claptrap Rescue Missions for backpack upgrades to farming for high-quality loot, Borderlands 1 offers a distinct experience that is worth exploring, even with the limited storage capabilities.