Leveling Up Like a Pro in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel – A Vault Hunter’s Guide
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The best way to level up in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a multi-faceted approach that combines efficient gameplay, strategic mission selection, and exploiting game mechanics. Focus on completing main story missions and side quests that offer substantial experience point (XP) rewards. Utilize experience-boosting gear like the Vault Hunter’s Relic, and always prioritize completing missions that are at or slightly above your current level for maximum XP gain. Don’t forget to leverage the grind spots and farmable bosses that offer repeatable XP opportunities.
Mastering the Lunar Landscape: Leveling Strategies
The Main Quest Grind
Your primary source of XP will undoubtedly be the main story missions. These are designed to progress you through the game’s narrative while providing a steady stream of experience. Unlike some games where side content overshadows the main quest in terms of leveling efficiency, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel strikes a good balance.
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Prioritize Completion: Focus on completing the main story missions first to unlock new areas and content. This will open up more opportunities for side quests and farming later on.
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Mission Rewards: Be mindful of the rewards offered for completing missions. Some quests offer unique gear that can significantly boost your character’s abilities, making subsequent leveling even faster.
Embrace the Side Quest Hustle
While the main quest is crucial, don’t underestimate the power of side quests. These often provide substantial XP rewards, especially those that are close to your current level.
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Quest Level Matters: Always check the recommended level for a side quest before accepting it. Missions that are significantly below your level will offer minimal XP. Aim for quests that are at or slightly above your level for maximum efficiency.
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Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Take the time to explore each map thoroughly. Hidden areas often contain quest givers who can provide you with lucrative side quests.
Gear Up for XP Gains
Certain items in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel can significantly boost your XP gains. These are crucial for maximizing your leveling speed.
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The Vault Hunter’s Relic: This relic provides a bonus to XP gain. Obtain this item as early as possible in the game.
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Class Mods: Look for class mods that enhance your character’s skills and provide additional bonuses, such as increased XP gain.
Boss Farming Bonanza
Once you’ve reached a decent level, consider farming certain bosses for repeatable XP. This is especially useful for the last few levels when XP requirements become significantly higher.
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Sentinel Farming: The Empyrean Sentinel, the final boss of the game, can be farmed for XP and loot. This method is effective once you can defeat the Sentinel relatively quickly.
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Iwajira Farming: Iwajira offers an option to get legendaries and you can repeat the fight over and over again.
Exploit XP Glitches (Use at Your Own Risk)
- Turret Kill Stealing: Robbing turrets of kills in the mission “Let’s Build a Robot Army” can be an effective way to gain extra XP. The mission ends once the turrets kill 12 Scavs, so the trick is to beat the turrets to their kills. This can give you a significant advantage early in the game.
Don’t Forget the Grinding
As mentioned above, you can gain extra XP in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel by robbing the turrets of their kills in the mission “Let’s Build a Robot Army.” The mission ends once the turrets kill 12 Scavs.
Leveling Solo vs. Coop
The game is built around co-op play so ideally you want to be playing with your friends or other players.
Solo Play Strategies
Leveling up alone can be more challenging so you should choose a character that has a strong solo build.
Co-op Play Strategies
Leveling up together in coop is generally easier as you can support each other, use different build styles, and revive each other.
Essential Tips for Efficient Leveling
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Always be on a Mission: Never wander around without an active quest. Ensure you’re always working towards completing a mission to maximize your XP gains.
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Turn in Quests Promptly: Don’t hoard quests. Turn them in as soon as you’ve completed them to receive your rewards and unlock new quests.
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Utilize Skill Points Wisely: Invest your skill points in abilities that enhance your damage output and survivability. A well-built character can clear content much faster, leading to faster leveling.
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Adapt to Your Playstyle: Experiment with different characters, skills, and weapons to find a playstyle that suits you. Enjoying the game will make the grind less tedious.
By combining these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to reaching the level cap and mastering Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the max level in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
The maximum level in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is level 70 with the “Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2” DLC. Without the DLC, the level cap is 50.
2. What is the fastest way to get XP early in the game?
Early in the game, focus on completing the main story missions and side quests in Concordia and the surrounding areas. Also, rob the turrets of kills in the mission “Let’s Build a Robot Army.”
3. How do I unlock Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode?
Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode is unlocked after completing the main story missions in True Vault Hunter Mode and reaching level 50. You also need the “Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack” DLC.
4. Does the Vault Hunter’s Relic stack with other XP bonuses?
Yes, the Vault Hunter’s Relic stacks with other XP bonuses, such as those from class mods or temporary buffs.
5. What level should I be before starting the DLC content?
It’s recommended to be around level 30 before starting the DLC content.
6. Can I reset my skill points in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Yes, you can reset your skill points at a Quick Change Station for a fee.
7. Are there any secret areas that offer bonus XP?
While there aren’t specific “secret” areas designed solely for bonus XP, exploring every nook and cranny can lead to hidden side quests and valuable loot.
8. How many skill points do I get per level?
In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, characters start accumulating skill points at level 3, resulting in 48 skill points at level 50, 58 points at level 60, and 68 at level 70.
9. What are the best characters for solo leveling?
Nisha, the Lawbringer, and Athena, the Gladiator, are often considered strong solo leveling choices due to their high damage output and survivability.
10. Does difficulty affect XP gains?
While the difficulty level doesn’t directly affect XP gains, playing on True Vault Hunter Mode or Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode can indirectly boost your leveling speed due to the increased enemy density and better loot.
11. What level is True Vault Hunter Mode in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Vault Hunters will most likely reach or be close to the level 50 cap by the end of this mode. When the Warrior is defeated, all zones are reset to a fixed level 50. This affects enemy levels, vending machine items, and missions that have not been accepted.
12. Are there any community resources for leveling builds and tips?
Yes, numerous online forums and websites, such as the Gearbox forums and Reddit communities, offer detailed leveling builds, tips, and strategies for Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
13. Does Borderlands DLC scale with level?
The only time you get “DLC scales +2 levels from you” is when you are in so called “Playthrough 2.5” – meaning you complete Playthrough 2 – after that point, almost everything in the game will scale +0-2 levels above the player, except mission rewards.
14. Is there Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode in Pre-Sequel?
After you’ve downloaded the update, Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode will be unlocked for any character once they have completed the main story missions in True Vault Hunter Mode and reached level 50.
15. Why is it called Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Early in his pitch to journalists, Pitchford said he wanted to call this next game Borderlands 1.5 because that’s when it takes place, but Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel won out because the game brings with it a host of new features and technology.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be able to level up efficiently in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and experience everything the game has to offer. Happy hunting! Remember to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into the educational aspects of gaming.