The Ultimate Guide to Fast Leveling in Borderlands 3
The fastest way to level up in Borderlands 3 involves a combination of strategic gameplay, understanding enemy scaling, and exploiting the game’s mechanics. Primarily, focusing on side quests and repeatable boss farms, particularly Graveward, is the most efficient route. Additionally, utilizing experience-boosting artifacts and class mods, as well as understanding where to find the most lucrative experience gains, is crucial for maximizing your leveling speed. Finally, playing in co-op can also provide a significant boost to experience gains. Let’s delve into the specifics and uncover all the best methods to reach that coveted level cap.
Strategic Leveling Techniques
Prioritizing Side Quests
Many players make the mistake of focusing solely on the main storyline. While the main missions are essential, side quests are goldmines for experience points. These missions often involve fighting many enemies and completing objectives, each contributing to your character’s growth. It’s highly recommended to complete all side quests as you progress through each map, starting with Pandora and moving sequentially. This method provides a natural progression in level, ensuring you’re always powerful enough for the next story mission and also preventing you from having to backtrack to do these quests later, which would be less efficient.
Boss Farming for Rapid Gains
While side quests offer consistent XP, bosses, especially Graveward, are your best bets for rapid leveling. Graveward appears midway through the story and is a relatively easy boss to farm, offering large amounts of XP upon each kill. The added benefit is that you can spawn directly next to the boss arena, minimizing travel time and maximizing farming efficiency. With the right build, you can dispatch him quickly, making this a highly repeatable and efficient leveling method.
Utilizing Experience Boosting Gear
Your gear plays a crucial role in how fast you level. Look out for artifacts and class mods that provide experience bonuses. These can significantly boost the amount of XP you earn from all sources, reducing the time it takes to gain each level. Pay close attention to the stats of these items when deciding which ones to use, and prioritize those that specifically enhance experience gain.
Understanding Enemy Scaling
Borderlands 3 employs level scaling, meaning enemies will level up alongside your character. This ensures that you’re always facing a challenge and also that you gain valuable experience from every encounter. Use this to your advantage and don’t shy away from battles; even normal enemies can provide a solid amount of experience if you are at an appropriate level for the area.
Co-op Play for Increased XP
Playing in co-op is another effective way to accelerate your leveling. While the experience is divided among players, the increased number of enemies you’ll be facing can result in a higher overall XP rate, especially if you are coordinating your attacks. Furthermore, having a friend or two to help you clear areas or take down bosses significantly speeds up the process.
Leveling Hotspots
Psychobillies
The Psychobillies on Eden-6 are arguably the best location to farm experience without DLC. They’re part of Zero’s Crew Challenge and they provide a good amount of XP, are easily accessible, and don’t have armor or shields, making them fast to kill. Their respawn rate and ease of access make them an ideal spot for players to grind.
Slaughter Shaft
For players who enjoy horde-mode style combat, the Slaughter Shaft is a great location to farm both loot and experience, especially when playing in a group. While it requires more time to clear, the number of enemies you’ll face and the potential loot makes it a valuable resource for leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum level in Borderlands 3?
The current max level in Borderlands 3 is 72. This level cap was increased through free updates and matches the max level of Borderlands 2.
Does Borderlands 3 scale with level?
Yes, Borderlands 3 employs level scaling. Enemies will be roughly the same level as your character, ensuring that you’re always earning viable experience.
What boss gives the most XP in Borderlands 3?
Graveward is widely considered the best boss for farming XP due to his ease of access, quick kill time (with proper builds), and large XP payout.
Should I use golden keys early or later in the game?
It’s generally recommended to use golden keys around level 40-50. Prior to this, purple weapons are not essential for survival. Using them after level 50 might not yield weapons significantly better than what you can find normally.
Can you max out all skill trees in Borderlands 3?
No, it’s currently not possible to max out all skill trees in Borderlands 3. You can typically only max out one tree, or come close to maxing out two.
How many skill trees does each vault hunter have?
Each Vault Hunter has four skill trees. The fourth skill tree was added as free content and provides a unique playstyle and abilities to each character.
How long does it take to 100% Borderlands 3?
A full 100% completion of Borderlands 3 takes approximately 76.5 hours. Focusing solely on the main storyline can be completed in roughly 23 hours.
Who is the strongest playable character in Borderlands 3?
Moze is often considered one of the strongest characters, due to her versatility and ability to excel at both boss fights and mobbing.
What are some of the most overpowered builds in Borderlands 3?
Some of the most overpowered builds include the Boresplosion Zane, Rakk Attack FL4K, and Iron Maiden Moze, among others.
Where is the best place to farm experience outside of the Psychobillies?
The Slaughter Shaft is a great spot for XP farming, especially with a co-op team. It also provides lots of loot along the way.
Who drops the Infinity Pistol?
The Infinity Pistol is dropped by Anointed Alpha in The Anvil on Eden-6.
What is the best skill tree for FL4K?
For pet-focused builds, the Master skill tree is the best choice for FL4K, focusing on pet strength and bonus damage.
How do you unlock the fourth weapon slot in Borderlands 3?
The fourth weapon slot is unlocked automatically after completing the main missions on Promethea.
How do you get free golden keys in Borderlands 3?
You can get free golden keys by redeeming SHiFT codes released through official Gearbox events and social media accounts.
What should I use my Diamond Key on?
Use your Diamond Key to open the Diamond Chest in the room with neon symbols for Shields, Weapons, and Grenades. Activate the chest and choose the items you desire.