Borderlands 2: Unlocking the Toothpick – Your Ultimate Guide

The Toothpick, an Effervescent Assault Rifle in Borderlands 2, is primarily farmed from Sand Worms within the Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC. Both Queen Sand Worms and standard Sand Worm variants can drop it, though the Queens boast a significantly higher drop rate. Now, let’s dive deep into the world of the Toothpick and related aspects!

Understanding the Toothpick

The Toothpick is a highly sought-after weapon due to its unique characteristics and synergy with certain builds. It’s essential to understand what makes it stand out and how to effectively farm it.

Unique Ability and Stats

The Toothpick’s unique ability lies in its projectile pattern: it fires 10 projectiles in 2 rows of 5. This spread can be devastating at close to mid-range. When paired with the Mouthwash Relic, it receives a massive +200% damage boost. Keep in mind, however, that all non-Jakobs Assault Rifles in Borderlands 2 generally suffer from a -20% critical hit damage penalty (scaling may vary with specific prefixes and parts). The weapon also burst fires when scoped, which can be beneficial for controlling recoil and conserving ammo.

Farming the Toothpick

Location and Enemy Breakdown

The primary location to farm the Toothpick is the area where Sand Worms spawn in the Fight for Sanctuary DLC. Queen Sand Worms are the preferred target because of their higher drop rate. Focus your efforts on locating and eliminating these larger, more formidable versions of the Sand Worm. Clear other enemies to ensure the Sand Worm is the only potential source for the drop.

Optimal Farming Strategies

• Increase Luck: Use gear that boosts your luck, such as the Vault Hunter’s Relic, to improve your chances of finding the Toothpick.

• Difficulty Setting: Higher difficulty settings like True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) and Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) typically offer better drop rates and higher-level gear.

• Patience and Persistence: Farming can be tedious, so be prepared for multiple runs. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find it on your first few attempts.

• Team Up: Playing with a group can significantly speed up the farming process.

Complementary Gear and Builds

Mouthwash Relic

This relic is key to maximizing the Toothpick’s damage output. The +200% damage bonus is substantial and can make the Toothpick viable even in higher difficulty levels.

Class Synergies

Characters who excel with Assault Rifles, such as Axton the Commando, can make excellent use of the Toothpick. Consider skill builds that enhance Assault Rifle damage and reload speed for optimal performance. Maya the Siren is also very strong with the Toothpick.

Toothpick Alternatives

Other Effervescent Weapons

While farming for the Toothpick, you might stumble upon other Effervescent weapons. These are also powerful and can be worth experimenting with, even if they are not your primary goal. Examples include the Peak Opener, also found within the Commander Lilith DLC.

Legendary Assault Rifles

Legendary Assault Rifles like the KerBlaster or the Veruc are solid alternatives if the Toothpick proves elusive. These weapons offer unique abilities and can be just as effective in the right builds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Toothpick worth farming in Borderlands 2?

Yes, especially if you have the Mouthwash Relic. The synergy between the Toothpick and the Mouthwash Relic is amazing, as it effectively triples the damage, making it a very viable weapon.

2. What is the best build for the Toothpick?

A build that maximizes Assault Rifle damage and reload speed is ideal. Axton’s skill trees are well-suited for this purpose. The Mouthwash Relic is also a must-have.

3. Can the Toothpick drop outside of the Commander Lilith DLC?

No, the Toothpick is exclusive to the Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC.

4. How do I find the Queen Sand Worms?

Queen Sand Worms spawn in specific locations within the DLC area, often alongside regular Sand Worms. Explore thoroughly to find their spawn points.

5. What is the drop rate of the Toothpick?

The exact drop rate isn’t publicly known, but Queen Sand Worms have a significantly higher chance of dropping it compared to standard Sand Worms.

6. Does the Toothpick come in different elements?

No, the Toothpick does not have elemental variations. Its strength lies in its high damage output when paired with the Mouthwash Relic.

7. What is the best way to increase my luck while farming?

Use gear that boosts your luck, such as the Vault Hunter’s Relic, and consider playing on higher difficulty settings.

8. Is the Toothpick good for all characters?

While any character can use it, those who specialize in Assault Rifle damage and have access to the Mouthwash Relic will benefit the most.

9. What are some good alternatives to the Toothpick?

Legendary Assault Rifles like the KerBlaster or the Veruc are solid alternatives. Even the Hammer Buster can be effective with the right build.

10. Where can I find the Mouthwash Relic?

The Mouthwash Relic is also found within the Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC, obtained as a quest reward.

11. What is the maximum level of the Toothpick?

The maximum level of the Toothpick corresponds to the maximum level you can achieve in the game, often dependent on whether you have the level cap increase DLCs.

12. How does the burst fire work on the Toothpick?

The Toothpick burst fires when you aim down sights. This can help with recoil control and ammo conservation.

13. Can I farm the Toothpick in Normal Mode?

Yes, but drop rates are generally lower in Normal Mode compared to TVHM or UVHM.

14. What other unique weapons are in the Commander Lilith DLC?

The Peak Opener and the Amigo Sincero are two other notable weapons found in the Commander Lilith DLC.

15. What is GamesLearningSociety.org and how does it relate to Borderlands 2?

The Games Learning Society is a community dedicated to exploring the educational potential of video games like Borderlands 2. While not directly related to gameplay mechanics, they examine how games can foster learning and skill development. For more insights, visit the Games Learning Society website.

I hope this guide helps you in your quest to acquire the Toothpick! Happy hunting, Vault Hunter!