Diving Headfirst into Pandora’s Box: Your Borderlands 3 First Steps Guide

So, you’re finally ready to plunge into the chaotic, loot-filled world of Borderlands 3? Excellent choice, Vault Hunter! But with so much to see and do, where do you even begin? The absolute first thing you should do in Borderlands 3 is to focus on completing the main story missions up to the point where you unlock the Sanctuary 3 spaceship. This unlocks essential features like fast travel, lost loot retrieval, and access to crucial vendors and side quests. Afterwards, focus on figuring out which Vault Hunter you want to main and begin to develop a solid character build so that you can take on the challenges Pandora has to offer.

Beyond the Blast Doors: A Detailed Breakdown of Your Initial Borderlands 3 Journey

Alright, let’s break this down. Why is reaching Sanctuary 3 so crucial right off the bat? Think of it as your home base, your mobile HQ, and your key to unlocking the true Borderlands 3 experience.

• Early Game Focus: Don’t get bogged down in side quests immediately. A few are fine for leveling, but the main story provides the biggest XP boosts early on. Power through to Sanctuary 3.
• Unlocking Fast Travel: This is HUGE. The Borderlands 3 map is vast, and backtracking without fast travel is a colossal waste of time. Sanctuary 3 unlocks the ability to warp between discovered locations.
• Lost Loot Machine: Accidentally left a legendary weapon behind? Don’t panic (yet). Sanctuary 3 houses a machine that collects loot you missed. This feature can be a game-changer, especially during intense firefights.
• Vendors and Customization: Sanctuary 3 hosts essential vendors like Marcus (ammo and weapons), Earl (Anointed gear), and Crazy Earl (character customization). You’ll need these services regularly.
• Crew Challenges and Side Quests: While you should focus on the story initially, Sanctuary 3 is the hub for numerous side quests and Crew Challenges that provide significant rewards and expand the lore. Don’t ignore them completely!
• Picking Your Vault Hunter: Choose a vault hunter that you like the look of. If you’re new to the series consider Moze the Gunner to start. Experiment with her loadouts to find what fits your playstyle.

Laying the Foundation: Key Early-Game Strategies

Once you’re on Sanctuary 3, the Borderlands 3 universe truly opens up. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Character Builds: As you level up, start planning your character build. Research skill trees and synergies. Don’t just randomly allocate points. Aim for a cohesive build that complements your play style. Some builds lean into dealing insane damage, while others focus on healing and survivability.
• Weapon Variety is Key: Borderlands is all about the loot! Experiment with different weapon types and manufacturers. Each has unique characteristics. Vladof weapons often have high fire rates, Jakobs offer powerful single shots, and Tediore weapons act as thrown grenades when reloaded.
• Elemental Warfare: Learn the elemental weaknesses of different enemy types. Fire is great against flesh, shock decimates shields, corrosive melts armor, cryo slows enemies, and radiation deals damage over time. Use elemental barrels to your advantage.
• Destructible Environments: Keep an eye out for objects to shoot for extra loot, such as crates, trash piles, and dumpsters.
• Take on Challenges: Don’t ignore your Crew Challenges, as they give good XP and even some great loot.
• Don’t be afraid to respec: If you don’t like your build you can always respec and put your points elsewhere.
• Co-opetition Mode: If playing with friends, consider experimenting with co-opetition mode. This allows players to compete for loot. If you’re tired of accidentally grabbing that legendary your buddy wanted, turn it on!

FAQs: Borderlands 3 Beginner Edition

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate the early hours of Borderlands 3.

1. Which Vault Hunter is best for beginners? Moze the Gunner is often recommended for beginners. Her Iron Bear mech provides excellent survivability and damage output, making solo play much easier.

2. What order should I play the Borderlands games? Release order is generally recommended: Borderlands 1, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3. Play the Commander Lilith DLC for Borderlands 2 after Tales from the Borderlands, but before Borderlands 3.

3. Is Borderlands 3 good for solo players? Absolutely! While Borderlands 3 is great in co-op, it’s perfectly enjoyable solo. Some Vault Hunters, like Moze, are particularly well-suited for solo play.

4. How long does it take to beat Borderlands 3? The main story takes around 23 hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend upwards of 75 hours to see everything.

5. What’s the deal with “Anointed” gear? Anointed gear has special bonus effects that activate under certain conditions, such as after using your action skill. They can significantly boost your damage or survivability.

6. What do I do with Eridium? Eridium is a special currency used to purchase cosmetic items from Crazy Earl on Sanctuary 3 and to activate certain machines.

7. Is there romance in Borderlands 3? While there isn’t traditional romance for the playable characters, the game explores themes of relationships and family dynamics through its story.

8. What’s the best way to farm for loot in Borderlands 3? Farming specific bosses or completing the Trials and Proving Grounds is a great way to find good loot. Research which bosses drop specific items you’re looking for.

9. Who is the most overpowered character in Borderlands 3? This is subjective and depends on the build, but Moze and Amara are often cited as the most powerful characters.

10. What are the best early-game weapons? This changes as you level up, but keep an eye out for weapons with high damage, good accuracy, and synergistic elemental effects.

11. Where can I find good character build guides? Numerous websites and YouTube channels offer detailed Borderlands 3 character build guides. Search for builds that match your preferred playstyle.

12. Can I respec my skill points in Borderlands 3? Yes! You can respec your skill points at any Quick Change Station located in major hubs like Sanctuary 3.

13. What’s the difference between Mayhem Mode and True Vault Hunter Mode? Mayhem Mode is a difficulty modifier that increases enemy health, damage, and loot drop rates. True Vault Hunter Mode is a second playthrough of the main story with increased difficulty and better loot.

14. What is “Co-opetition Mode”? Co-opetition Mode is a co-op option that allows players to compete for loot. If you’re tired of accidentally grabbing that legendary your buddy wanted, turn it on!

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for research and resources on the educational power of games.

Your Pandora Adventure Awaits!

Borderlands 3 is a vast and rewarding game. By prioritizing the main story early on, unlocking Sanctuary 3, understanding elemental effects, and planning your character build, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a legendary Vault Hunter! Now go out there and make some mayhem!