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Should I do all the side quests in Borderlands 3?

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Should I Do All the Side Quests in Borderlands 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The million-dollar question for any Vault Hunter diving into the chaotic world of Borderlands 3: Should you meticulously complete every single side quest before tackling the main story, or blast through the campaign and circle back later? The short answer is: it depends on your playstyle and goals. There’s no definitive “right” answer, but understanding the pros and cons of each approach will help you make the best decision for your Borderlands 3 experience.

Diving into side quests offers richer gameplay, but is it worth the extra time? Let’s unpack it.

The Case for Completing Side Quests As You Go

For some players, the true joy of Borderlands lies not just in the loot and gunplay, but in the world-building, character development, and often hilarious stories woven into the side quests. Here’s why you might want to embrace the completionist approach:

  • Experience and Leveling: Side quests are a significant source of XP. Skipping them can leave you under-leveled for certain main missions, leading to frustrating difficulty spikes. While you can always replay them later, doing them as you go ensures a smoother and more balanced progression.

  • Loot and Gear: Many side quests reward unique and powerful weapons, mods, and gear that can significantly enhance your build. These items might not be available anywhere else, providing a substantial advantage early on.

  • Story and Lore: Borderlands 3’s side quests are often filled with memorable characters, quirky scenarios, and surprising twists. They expand upon the main story, providing deeper insight into the world of Pandora and beyond. You’ll miss out on a lot of the charm and humor if you skip them.

  • Variety and Breaks from the Main Story: Constantly hammering away at the main storyline can become repetitive. Side quests offer a welcome change of pace, introducing new environments, enemies, and gameplay mechanics.

The Case for Skipping Side Quests (For Now)

On the other hand, some players prefer to focus on the main story first and tackle side quests later. This approach has its own set of advantages:

  • Faster Progression: Skipping side quests allows you to reach the end game more quickly, unlocking Mayhem Mode and True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM).

  • Endgame Scaling: Once you’ve completed the main campaign and activated Mayhem Mode (or started TVHM), all enemies and quests will scale to your level. This means you can return to side quests at any time and receive rewards appropriate for your current power level.

  • Avoid Overleveling: Completing too many side quests early on can result in overleveling. This can make the main story too easy and reduce the challenge. Some players find this less enjoyable.

  • Efficient Farming: Endgame content often provides more efficient ways to farm for specific loot and experience than early-game side quests.

  • Focus on the Story: If you’re primarily interested in the main narrative, skipping side quests allows you to experience the story at a faster pace, without distractions.

The Hybrid Approach: Balancing Main and Side Quests

The ideal approach for many players lies somewhere in between. A balanced strategy involves completing some side quests while skipping others, depending on your needs and preferences.

  • Prioritize Rewarding Quests: Research which side quests offer particularly valuable or unique rewards, and focus on completing those.

  • Use Side Quests to Fill XP Gaps: If you find yourself struggling with a main mission, complete a few side quests to level up and gain an edge.

  • Leave the Rest for Later: Defer the remaining side quests until after you’ve completed the main story and unlocked endgame content.

Considerations for True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM)

If you plan on playing through Borderlands 3 in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM), the decision of when to do side quests becomes even more important. Many players recommend completing all available side quests in Normal Mode before starting TVHM. That way, they are available to do again in TVHM and get even more high-level loot.

Mayhem Mode and Side Quests

Once you beat the main story, you can toggle on Mayhem Mode. Mayhem Mode makes the game significantly more challenging, but also increases loot drop rates and experience gains. With Mayhem Mode enabled, any side quest you undertake will scale to your level, granting you suitably powerful rewards. This system helps you level up and improve your gear even after the main story is complete!

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the decision of whether to do all the side quests in Borderlands 3 is a personal one. Consider your play style, goals, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in the game. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. Most importantly, have fun exploring the wacky and wonderful world of Borderlands 3!

Don’t forget to explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into the educational and engaging aspects of video games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Borderlands 3 main missions scale to your level?

In Normal Mode, main missions do not scale to your level until you beat the main story and enable Mayhem Mode. However, in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM), they do scale from the get-go.

2. What are the best side missions in Borderlands 3?

Some highly recommended side missions include:

  • Baby Dancer: Hilarious and rewarding.
  • Childhood’s End: Emotionally resonant story.
  • The Demon in the Dark: Intriguing and challenging.
  • Porta Prison: Fun and engaging.

3. What level should I be at the end of Borderlands 3?

Typically, players finish the main story between levels 30 and 35, but this can vary depending on how many side quests you complete. Don’t worry too much about your exact level, as you can easily level up in Mayhem Mode or TVHM.

4. Is 72 the max level in Borderlands 3?

Yes, the maximum level in Borderlands 3, achievable through free updates, is currently level 72.

5. How many hours does it take to 100% Borderlands 3?

A 100% completion run of Borderlands 3 can take around 75 hours or more, depending on your play style and familiarity with the game.

6. Can you get to level 80 in Borderlands 3?

No, the level cap is 72. There are no confirmed plans to increase this in future updates.

7. Will there be a Borderlands 4?

While nothing is officially confirmed, reports suggest that Borderlands 4 may be in development.

8. What level should I start True Vault Hunter Mode?

It’s generally recommended to start TVHM around level 33-36, but leveling up to 50 on Normal mode is considered preferable for an easier experience.

9. What is the fastest way to get to level 50 in Borderlands 3?

Efficient leveling strategies include:

  • Farming bosses.
  • Completing the main story.
  • Equipping good gear.
  • Playing on Mayhem 3 or higher.
  • Completing side quests.

10. Who is the strongest playable character in Borderlands 3?

Moze is often considered one of the strongest characters, excelling at both mobbing and bossing, especially for new players.

11. Do enemies scale to your level in Borderlands 3?

Yes, enemies scale to your level once you have unlocked Mayhem Mode or are playing in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM).

12. Do side quests scale in Borderlands 3?

Not initially. Side quests scale to your level after the main campaign is finished, and you engage either Mayhem Mode or TVHM.

13. Does True Vault Hunter Mode matter in Borderlands 3?

Yes, TVHM offers a greater challenge and the potential for better loot. It’s a popular way for players to continue enjoying the game after completing the main story.

14. Is True Vault Hunter Mode harder?

Yes, True Vault Hunter Mode is harder than Normal Mode by default, with tougher enemies and a small experience boost.

15. Is Borderlands 3 still being updated?

While post-launch support has slowed, Borderlands 3 received updates as recently as June 2022.

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