Should You Play Borderlands 2 Before Borderlands 3? A Vault Hunter’s Guide

Absolutely, playing Borderlands 2 (BL2) before Borderlands 3 (BL3) is highly recommended, especially if you value story, character development, and a deeper understanding of the Borderlands universe. While BL3 offers enhanced gameplay mechanics and a larger scope, BL2 provides crucial context and emotional investment that enriches the overall experience. Think of it as building a house; BL2 lays the foundation that makes the rest of the structure so much more meaningful.

Why Play BL2 First?

Skipping BL2 entirely is like jumping into the middle of a beloved TV series. While you might grasp the basic plot, you’ll miss out on the intricate character arcs, recurring jokes, and the emotional weight that comes with knowing the history. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Story Continuity: BL3 directly continues the narrative threads established in BL1 and BL2. The events of BL2, particularly the rise and fall of Handsome Jack, have profound consequences that shape the world and characters in BL3. You’ll appreciate the returning characters far more if you’ve experienced their previous adventures.

• Character Familiarity: Many of the playable Vault Hunters from BL2 (Axton, Maya, Salvador, Zero, Gaige, and Krieg) make appearances in BL3 as NPCs. Knowing their backstories and personalities adds depth to these interactions and allows you to understand their motivations and relationships.

• Emotional Impact: BL2 is widely considered to have a stronger narrative and more compelling villain (Handsome Jack) than BL3. Experiencing this story firsthand creates an emotional investment that enhances your enjoyment of BL3’s story, which references and builds upon those events.

• Understanding Recurring Themes: The Borderlands series explores themes of corporate greed, found family, and the allure of power. Playing BL2 helps you understand these themes and appreciate how they evolve in BL3.

• Appreciating Gameplay Evolution: Playing BL2 before BL3 allows you to appreciate the improvements in gameplay mechanics, weapon variety, and character builds that BL3 offers. It’s easier to appreciate the advancements when you’ve experienced the previous iteration.

When Gameplay Takes Precedence

If you’re primarily interested in the shooting mechanics, looting, and character customization, and less concerned about the story, then you could potentially start with BL3. BL3 boasts smoother gunplay, more diverse environments, and a wealth of endgame content. However, even in this case, it’s still recommended to at least watch a summary of BL2’s story to understand the context of the events unfolding in BL3.

BL2: A Gateway to the Borderlands Universe

Borderlands 2 is the sweet spot of the franchise. The game offers a well-balanced experience between story, gameplay, and character development, making it a compelling entry point for newcomers. Furthermore, BL2 is a complete game experience. All DLC are considered excellent, including the Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, which is so popular that it was resold separately later on.

FAQs: Borderlands 2 & 3

Here are some frequently asked questions about Borderlands 2 and 3 to further guide your decision:

Should I play Borderlands 1 before Borderlands 2?

While not essential, playing Borderlands 1 provides context for some characters and events in Borderlands 2. However, the main story is self-contained in BL2, so you can enjoy it independently. Many feel that the first Borderlands is aged, so a brief recap may be enough.

Is it okay to play Borderlands 3 without playing 1 and 2?

You can play Borderlands 3 without playing 1 and 2, but you’ll miss out on the history and relationships between characters. You’ll still enjoy the core gameplay, but the story’s impact will be lessened.

Is Borderlands 3 bigger than Borderlands 2?

Yes, Borderlands 3 is significantly larger than Borderlands 2 in terms of map size, number of missions, and overall content. Expect a longer playtime with BL3.

Is Borderlands 3 good alone?

Yes, Borderlands 3 is enjoyable solo. Each Vault Hunter has builds that excel in solo play. However, the game is designed with cooperative play in mind.

Who is the best solo character in Borderlands 2?

Maya the Siren is often considered the best solo character in Borderlands 2 due to her crowd control abilities and healing. Axton the Commando is also a decent choice for beginners.

Is Borderlands 2 okay for a 12-year-old?

Borderlands 2 is rated Mature (M) due to its violence, gore, and mature themes. It’s not recommended for children under 17.

Is Borderlands 3 easy solo?

Some characters in Borderlands 3 are better suited for solo play than others. With the right build, any Vault Hunter can handle the game solo.

Does Borderlands 3 continue the story from 2?

Yes, Borderlands 3 is a direct continuation of the stories from BL1 and BL2. The consequences of Handsome Jack’s actions in BL2 are a major plot point.

Why is BL2 considered better than 3 by some?

While Borderlands 3 improves on gameplay, some players prefer Borderlands 2 for its stronger story, more compelling villain, and tighter focus. Ultimately, it comes down to preference.

How many years are there between Borderlands 2 and 3?

Borderlands 3 takes place approximately seven years after the events of Borderlands 2 and Tales from the Borderlands.

Which Borderlands games should I play before Borderlands 3?

Ideally, play Borderlands 1, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and Borderlands 2 before Borderlands 3 for the full story. However, at the very least, playing Borderlands 2 is highly recommended.

Is Borderlands 3 worth it without the DLC?

Borderlands 3 without the DLC still offers a substantial amount of content and is worth it if you enjoy the core gameplay loop. However, the DLCs add significant story content and new gameplay features.

Who is the most loved character in Borderlands?

Handsome Jack is arguably the most popular and memorable character in the Borderlands series, though the specific Vault Hunters will have their fans.

Which Borderlands is the easiest?

Borderlands 3 is generally considered the easiest in the series, while Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is often seen as the most challenging.

Who is the most overpowered character in Borderlands 2/3?

In Borderlands 2, Salvador the Gunzerker is considered the most overpowered due to his dual-wielding abilities. In Borderlands 3, characters like Zane and FL4K can achieve incredibly powerful builds with the right skills and gear.

Conclusion: Your Borderlands Journey Awaits

Ultimately, the decision of whether to play Borderlands 2 before Borderlands 3 depends on your priorities. If you’re primarily interested in gameplay, you can potentially start with BL3. However, for a richer, more engaging, and emotionally rewarding experience, playing Borderlands 2 first is highly recommended. It’s an investment that pays off handsomely as you dive deeper into the Borderlands universe.

Games can be transformative tools, and the Borderlands series offers a rich context for learning about narrative, character, and design. Consider exploring the research at the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, to learn more about the educational applications of gaming.