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Borderlands Game of the Year Edition: A Vault Hunter’s Ultimate Guide

The Borderlands Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition is the definitive way to experience the original looter-shooter that started it all. It includes the base game, Borderlands, and all four of its DLC expansions, offering a complete and enhanced experience for both newcomers and returning players. This edition provides countless hours of gameplay, a compelling story, and a massive arsenal of procedurally generated weapons to discover.

What Exactly is Included in Borderlands GOTY Edition?

The Borderlands GOTY Edition offers a treasure trove of content. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Borderlands (Base Game): The core experience, where players choose one of four Vault Hunters – Mordecai (Hunter), Lilith (Siren), Roland (Soldier), and Brick (Berserker) – and embark on a quest to find the legendary Vault on the planet Pandora. It features a vast open world, a compelling storyline filled with quirky characters, and the addictive loot system that defines the series.
The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned (DLC): This expansion transports players to a spooky, zombie-infested area of Pandora. Dr. Ned, a misguided scientist, has unleashed hordes of undead upon the unsuspecting population. Players must team up to uncover the truth and put an end to the zombie outbreak. Expect plenty of grotesque enemies, challenging quests, and unique rewards.
Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot (DLC): Focusing on arena combat, this expansion throws players into three different domes where they face waves upon waves of increasingly difficult enemies. Mad Moxxi, the charismatic owner of the Underdome, hosts the events. This DLC is perfect for players who enjoy challenging themselves with intense cooperative gameplay and honing their combat skills.
The Secret Armory of General Knoxx (DLC): This expansion expands the Borderlands universe significantly, introducing a new vehicle type and increasing the level cap. General Knoxx, a rogue commander of the Atlas Corporation, presents a formidable challenge. Players must navigate dangerous environments and battle heavily armed soldiers to uncover the secrets of the Armory.
Claptrap’s Robot Revolution (DLC): This expansion adds a comedic twist to the Borderlands experience. Claptrap, the lovable but often inept robot, leads a revolution against humanity. Players must fight against hordes of rebellious Claptraps and other robotic enemies. This DLC provides a lighthearted and entertaining conclusion to the original Borderlands storyline.
Gameplay Enhancements (GOTY Enhanced): The GOTY Enhanced edition features several improvements over the original release. These include a mini-map, inventory management enhancements, new weapons, and visual upgrades, making the game more enjoyable and accessible for modern players. It also comes with shift codes unlocking golden keys used to open the golden chest, and is capable of running at 60fps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Borderlands GOTY Edition to provide even more clarity:

1. Is the Borderlands GOTY Edition the same as the GOTY Enhanced version?

Yes and no. There are two versions of the GOTY edition. The original GOTY edition on older platforms (PS3, Xbox 360, PC without the enhancement) only includes the base game and the four DLC packs, but lacks the visual and gameplay enhancements of the GOTY Enhanced edition. The GOTY Enhanced edition is a free upgrade for anyone who owns the original Borderlands on Steam, and it includes all the content of the original GOTY edition, plus visual upgrades, gameplay improvements (like the mini-map and improved inventory), and some new weapons.

2. What platforms is Borderlands GOTY Edition available on?

The original Borderlands GOTY Edition (without enhancements) was available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The Borderlands GOTY Enhanced version is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is also playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility.

3. Does the Borderlands GOTY Edition include split-screen co-op?

Yes, the console versions of the Borderlands GOTY Edition (both original and Enhanced) support local split-screen co-op. The PC version does not natively support split-screen.

4. Is the Borderlands GOTY Edition cross-platform compatible?

No, Borderlands GOTY Edition does not support cross-platform play. Players can only play with others on the same platform.

5. What is the level cap in Borderlands GOTY Edition?

The base game has a level cap of 58. With The Secret Armory of General Knoxx DLC, the level cap is increased to 69.

6. Are there any new classes in the Borderlands GOTY Edition DLC?

No, the DLC does not introduce any new playable classes. It focuses on expanding the storyline, adding new areas, and providing new challenges and loot for the existing four classes.

7. How do I access the DLC content in Borderlands GOTY Edition?

The DLC content is integrated into the main game. Once you progress far enough in the story, you will receive quests that lead you to the new areas and storylines introduced by the DLC. You can also fast-travel to these areas once they are unlocked.

8. Is the loot in the Borderlands GOTY Edition the same as in Borderlands 2 and 3?

While the core loot mechanics are similar, the specific weapons, items, and rarity tiers are different in Borderlands GOTY Edition compared to the later games. Borderlands GOTY Edition has its own unique loot pool.

9. Is the Borderlands GOTY Edition worth playing in 2024?

Absolutely! Despite being an older title, Borderlands GOTY Edition offers a compelling and addictive gameplay experience. The GOTY Enhanced version provides visual and gameplay improvements that make it more enjoyable for modern players. It’s a great way to experience the origins of the Borderlands franchise.

10. Can I transfer my saves from the original Borderlands to the GOTY Enhanced Edition?

On PC (Steam), if you owned the original Borderlands, the GOTY Enhanced edition was a free upgrade. Save files generally transferred automatically. On Consoles the save system prevents such a transfer.

11. What are Shift Codes and how do I use them in Borderlands GOTY Edition?

Shift Codes are alphanumeric codes that can be redeemed in the game for rewards, such as Golden Keys. Golden Keys unlock a special chest in the city of Fyrestone that contains rare and powerful weapons and items. Shift Codes are often released by Gearbox Software through their social media channels.

12. Does the Borderlands GOTY Edition have an endgame?

While it doesn’t have a dedicated endgame like Mayhem Mode in later titles, the Borderlands GOTY Edition offers plenty of post-game content. You can replay the game on Playthrough 2 with increased difficulty and better loot, complete all the side quests, and farm for specific weapons and items. The DLC also provides additional challenges and content to keep you engaged.

13. What are some tips for new players in Borderlands GOTY Edition?

Experiment with different classes: Each Vault Hunter has unique skills and playstyles. Find the one that suits you best.
Explore the world: Pandora is full of secrets, hidden locations, and valuable loot.
Don’t be afraid to grind: Leveling up and finding better gear is crucial for survival.
Play with friends: Borderlands is best experienced in co-op.
Read weapon stats carefully: Different weapons have different strengths and weaknesses.

14. Is Borderlands GOTY Edition better than the original release?

The GOTY Enhanced Edition is definitively better than the original release, primarily due to the visual upgrades and gameplay improvements. The mini-map, improved inventory management, and new weapons significantly enhance the overall experience.

15. Where can I find Borderlands GOTY edition for the best price?

Check digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store for sales and discounts. Physical copies can also be found at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. Always compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

In conclusion, the Borderlands GOTY Edition is a must-have for any fan of the looter-shooter genre. With its complete content package, engaging story, and addictive gameplay, it offers countless hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned Vault Hunter or a newcomer to Pandora, the GOTY Edition is the perfect way to experience the origins of the Borderlands franchise. So, grab your friends, gear up, and prepare for a wild ride!

What does Borderlands GOTY edition include?