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Should I Play Borderlands 3 DLC in Order? A Vault Hunter’s Guide

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Yes, you should play the Borderlands 3 DLC in release order for the best experience. While the DLC storylines aren’t directly sequential in a way that drastically impacts understanding, playing them in the order they were released enhances the narrative flow, character development, and provides a sense of progression that enriches the overall Borderlands 3 experience.

Why Play DLC in Release Order?

The main reason to play the Borderlands 3 DLC in release order boils down to narrative context and power progression. While each DLC is designed to be a standalone story, there are subtle references and character arcs that are better appreciated when experienced in their intended sequence.

Consider it like watching a TV series: you can watch episodes out of order, but you’ll miss out on character development, recurring jokes, and the gradual unfolding of the overarching narrative. The Borderlands 3 DLCs, while not as tightly interwoven as a TV series, still benefit from being played in the following order:

Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot: This is a great starting point, offering a taste of the DLC content and a fun, self-contained story. It’s relatively lighthearted and sets the stage for the more substantial expansions to come.
Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock: This DLC dives deeper into the Borderlands lore, exploring the bizarre and often unsettling world of Xylourgos. The story is engaging and provides a unique change of pace from the main game.
Bounty of Blood: A Fistful of Redemption: This Western-themed adventure offers a stark contrast to the other DLCs, with a focus on morality and redemption. The setting is unique, and the characters are memorable.
Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck: Perhaps the most experimental of the DLCs, this one takes players inside the mind of Krieg, the Psycho bandit. It’s a visually stunning and narratively complex experience that benefits from having a strong understanding of the Borderlands universe.

By playing in this order, you’ll naturally progress in terms of character level and gear, ensuring that each DLC offers a challenging but manageable experience. Furthermore, the release order often reflects updates to gameplay mechanics or enemy design, meaning that you’ll encounter these changes in a more gradual and intuitive way. Learning through GamesLearningSociety.org can assist you in finding the best strategies for enjoying the story.

Gameplay Considerations for Borderlands 3 DLC

Beyond the narrative advantages, there are also practical gameplay considerations that support playing the DLC in release order:

Character Level: While the DLCs scale to your level, starting with Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot allows you to ease into the post-game content. This DLC is generally considered to be the easiest, making it a good choice for players who are still getting their bearings in the endgame.
Gear Acquisition: Each DLC introduces new weapons, gear, and character builds. Playing them in order allows you to gradually accumulate these items and experiment with different playstyles.
True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM): As the provided text suggests, it’s recommended to complete the DLCs before switching to TVHM. This allows you to experience the content at your current level and then replay it in TVHM for increased difficulty and better loot.
Mayhem Mode: Mayhem Mode is unlocked after beating the main story and allows you to further increase the difficulty of the game. This mode can be combined with the DLCs to provide an even greater challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing Borderlands 3 DLC, designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the topic:

1. Can I play the Borderlands 3 DLC during the main story?

Yes, you can technically play the DLC during the main story. However, it’s generally not recommended as it can disrupt the flow of the main narrative and make it difficult to balance your character’s level. It is better to play the DLC after you have completed the main story to prevent any problems.

2. What is the recommended level for starting the Borderlands 3 DLC?

The DLCs scale to your level, but it’s generally recommended to be around level 35-40 before starting them. This will ensure that you’re adequately equipped and prepared for the challenges they present.

3. Do the Borderlands 3 DLCs have their own separate storylines?

Yes, each Borderlands 3 DLC has its own self-contained storyline, with new characters, locations, and objectives.

4. Can I play the Borderlands 3 DLC in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM)?

Yes, you can play the Borderlands 3 DLC in TVHM. In fact, it’s highly recommended as it provides a more challenging experience and better loot.

5. Do the Borderlands 3 DLCs add new characters or classes?

No, the Borderlands 3 DLCs do not add new playable characters or classes. They focus on expanding the existing story and gameplay.

6. Does Borderlands 3 have a level cap?

The maximum level in Borderlands 3 is level 72.

7. What is Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3?

Mayhem Mode is a system that allows you to increase the difficulty of the game and receive better rewards. It is unlocked after completing the main story.

8. Is there a specific order I should play the Borderlands games in?

Yes, the recommended order to play the Borderlands games is:

Borderlands (Enhanced Edition)
Borderlands 2
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Tales From The Borderlands
Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary
Borderlands 3
New Tales From The Borderlands

9. What happens after I beat Borderlands 3?

After beating Borderlands 3, you unlock Mayhem Mode and can start a new game plus (TVHM).

10. Is Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands related to Borderlands 3?

Yes, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a spin-off of the Borderlands franchise, based on the popular Borderlands 2 DLC, Assault on Dragon Keep.

11. What is the best character to start with in Borderlands 3?

The best character to start with depends on your playstyle, but Moze the Gunner is often recommended for beginners due to her strong abilities and survivability.

12. When should I start True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) in Borderlands 3?

You can start TVHM when you feel comfortable, typically around level 33-36, or after completing the main story and DLCs on your first playthrough.

13. How long does it take to beat the Borderlands 3 DLC?

The length of each Borderlands 3 DLC varies, but you can expect to spend 8-12 hours on each one, depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies.

14. Do the Borderlands 3 DLCs add new skill trees?

Yes, each of the four playable characters receives a fourth skill tree as part of the Designer’s Cut add-on, which requires a purchase, of course.

15. Should I play all the side quests in Borderlands 3?

Playing the side quests is not necessary to enjoy Borderlands 3, however, it is highly recommended to enrich the story and get new weapons.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to play the Borderlands 3 DLC in order is up to you. However, considering the narrative benefits, character development, and gameplay progression, playing the DLC in release order is the best way to experience the full Borderlands 3 experience. So, grab your Vault Hunter, load up your favorite weapon, and get ready to dive into the chaos!

For more insights into gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.