Should I Do Borderlands 3 DLC in Order? A Vault Hunter’s Guide
The question of DLC order in Borderlands 3 is one that plagues many a Vault Hunter, fresh off their first playthrough of the main campaign. Do you dive in headfirst, blazing a trail through the expansions as they come? Or do you cherry-pick, focusing on the content that tickles your fancy first? The answer, like much in Borderlands, is nuanced, but generally, playing the DLC in release order is recommended for the most cohesive experience, especially if you’re invested in the story.
Let’s delve into why that’s the case, and explore some alternative perspectives.
Why Release Order Matters (Sometimes)
The Borderlands series, while known for its frantic gunplay and over-the-top humor, often weaves subtle threads of narrative and character development through its DLCs. While each DLC can be enjoyed in isolation, playing them in release order allows you to witness these threads unfold more naturally. You’ll see character arcs progress, catch inside jokes and references, and appreciate the overall evolution of the Borderlands 3 world. The DLCs weren’t necessarily written to require the previous content but following the story progression is preferable for some players.
That being said, Borderlands 3 DLC is known for containing a few more difficult encounters than the main game itself.
Here’s the release order for Borderlands 3 DLC:
- Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot
- Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock
- Bounty of Blood
- Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck
Considerations Beyond Narrative
Of course, story isn’t the only factor. Other things to consider are:
- Your Playstyle: Do you prioritize gameplay variety? Or do you care more about story cohesion? If it’s the former, you might want to jump between DLCs based on the type of content they offer.
- Your Character Build: Some DLCs offer weapons and gear that are particularly synergistic with certain character builds. Researching this ahead of time can inform your decision.
- Your Level: As mentioned previously, The game scales to your level when you visit the area for the first time. However, if you are very underleveled or unprepared you may struggle.
- True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM): In True Vault Hunter Mode, enemies are tougher, and loot is more plentiful. Playing the DLCs in TVHM offers a different challenge and better rewards, regardless of the order you choose.
- Mayhem Mode: Mayhem Mode offers a series of modifiers that can be added to the game in order to drastically change the difficulty and playstyle of the game itself.
Breaking the Mold: When to Deviate from Release Order
While release order provides a solid foundation, there are valid reasons to deviate from it:
- Gear Acquisition: Maybe you’re chasing a specific legendary item from the Psycho Krieg DLC for your build. In that case, targeting that DLC early might be beneficial.
- Personal Preference: If you’ve heard glowing reviews about Guns, Love, and Tentacles, and it sounds like your cup of tea, there’s no harm in jumping in first. The important thing is to have fun!
- Burnout Prevention: Sometimes, sticking rigidly to a plan can lead to burnout. If you’re feeling fatigued with the main campaign, a change of scenery in a different DLC could be just what you need.
- Post Game Leveling: Some may want to level up as fast as possible. Using a specific DLC for this purpose may be an option to consider, and if so, release order may not matter for you.
Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and forge your own path through the Borderlands 3 universe.
The Final Verdict: It’s Your Vault, Your Rules!
While playing the Borderlands 3 DLC in release order offers the most cohesive narrative experience, it’s not a strict requirement. Consider your personal preferences, character build, and desire for specific loot when making your decision. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the chaotic, loot-filled world of Borderlands 3. Remember the key is to enjoy yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Borderlands 3 DLC
Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic of Borderlands 3 DLC:
1. Can I play the Borderlands 3 DLC at any time?
Yes, you can technically play the DLC at any time after reaching a sufficient level (usually around 32-34). However, some players recommend completing the main story first for the best experience.
2. Does the Borderlands 3 DLC scale to my level?
Yes, most of the DLC areas scale to your level, ensuring a challenging and rewarding experience regardless of when you choose to play them. The game scales to your level when you first enter an area, which can change the type of enemies and loot that you find in each zone.
3. Should I finish Borderlands 3 before playing the DLC?
It’s generally recommended to finish the main story first. This allows you to fully appreciate the narrative context of the DLC and avoid being over-leveled for the main campaign.
4. What is True Vault Hunter Mode, and should I play the DLC in it?
True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) is a New Game+ mode that offers increased difficulty and better loot. Playing the DLC in TVHM can provide a more challenging and rewarding experience, especially if you’re looking for a greater sense of progression.
5. Is Borderlands 3 worth it without the DLC?
Yes, Borderlands 3 is still worth playing without the DLC, especially if you enjoy looter-shooters with a wide variety of guns. However, the DLC adds significant content, including new stories, characters, and gear, which enhances the overall experience.
6. Which Borderlands 3 DLC is the best?
This is subjective, but many players consider Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot and Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock to be among the best DLCs, thanks to their engaging stories, memorable characters, and unique environments.
7. Which Borderlands 3 DLC is the shortest?
Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck is generally considered to be the shortest of the major DLCs.
8. What is the level cap in Borderlands 3 with and without the DLC?
The max level of Borderlands 3 is capped at level 72, and it does not matter if you own the DLC or not. You do not need any DLC to reach level 72.
9. What is the best character to start with in Borderlands 3?
Moze the Gunner is often recommended for beginners, thanks to her powerful Iron Bear mech and versatile skill trees. However, all four Vault Hunters are viable and fun to play.
10. Will there be a Borderlands 4?
While nothing is confirmed as of the time of writing, rumors and leaks suggest that Borderlands 4 is in development, with a potential release date in the coming years.
11. How long is Borderlands 3 with all DLC?
Completing Borderlands 3 with all DLC can take upwards of 76 hours or more, depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies.
12. Is Borderlands 3 addictive?
Many players find Borderlands 3 to be highly addictive, thanks to its engaging gameplay loop, vast loot pool, and sense of progression.
13. Is True Vault Hunter Mode harder than the normal playthrough?
Yes, True Vault Hunter Mode is significantly harder than the normal playthrough, offering tougher enemies, increased loot drops, and a greater challenge overall.
14. What is the hardest content in Borderlands 3?
The hardest content in Borderlands 3 typically includes the Takedown at the Maliwan Blacksite and the Guardian Takedown, as well as the various Eridian Proving Grounds Trials.
15. Where can I learn more about video games and education?
You can learn more about the intersection of video games and education at the Games Learning Society website. This is a great resource for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in the educational potential of video games. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
The world of Borderlands 3 awaits you, Vault Hunter. Go forth, explore, and loot!