Stuck at Level 72 in Borderlands 2? Here’s Why and How to Break Through!
The vault hunter life is a thrilling one, filled with loot, explosions, and increasingly challenging enemies. So, it’s incredibly frustrating to hit a wall – a level cap – especially in a game like Borderlands 2, where progression is key to enjoying the full experience. The short answer to the burning question, “Why can’t I level past 72 in Borderlands 2?” is because you need the right DLC (Downloadable Content) installed!
The original level cap in Borderlands 2, without any DLC, was level 50. Subsequent DLC packs raised this limit, eventually settling at level 72. However, reaching the true endgame – level 80 and the Overpower (OP) levels – requires specific content. Without this DLC, you’re effectively hard-stopped at 72.
The DLC Key to Unlocking Level 80
Specifically, to reach level 80 and access the OP levels, you need two crucial DLC packs:
- Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 1 & 2: These packs originally raised the level cap to 72 and introduced the Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM), a necessary playthrough for endgame progression.
- Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary: This DLC is essential as it increases the level cap to level 80 and allows you to unlock the Overpower Levels.
Without both of these DLCs, you will be limited to a max level of 72. It’s as simple as that. The base game alone only allows you to reach level 50. These DLCs essentially “unlock” the ability for your character to gain further experience and skill points beyond level 72.
Beyond Level 72: The Overpower Levels
Once you’ve reached level 72, you gain access to a new form of progression known as Overpower (OP) levels. These aren’t traditional levels that increase your skill points or stats. Instead, OP levels artificially increase the level of the enemies and gear, making the game significantly harder while allowing you to acquire higher-level equipment.
To unlock OP levels, you need to complete the Digistruct Peak challenge. This is a challenging gauntlet of enemies that tests your build and skills. Once you successfully complete Digistruct Peak, you can select an OP level from the character selection screen. This scales the game to match your chosen OP level (OP1 through OP10), effectively making enemies and loot higher level than your character, and thus providing an additional challenge.
It’s important to note that while OP levels don’t grant additional skill points or stat increases, they are crucial for obtaining the very best gear in the game. The best gear will always match your level or your OP level, and that’s what makes this system so rewarding.
Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) is Non-Negotiable
Even with the necessary DLC, simply having the packs installed isn’t enough. You need to be playing in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM). UVHM is the third playthrough, unlocked after completing True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM). It’s designed to be the most challenging difficulty setting and is absolutely essential for leveling past 50.
If you’re stuck at level 50 or 72 despite having the DLC, double-check that you’re actively playing in UVHM. Enemies in UVHM scale to your level, and loot quality is significantly improved, making it the ideal environment for leveling up and obtaining end-game gear.
Double-Check your Playthrough!
Even if you are playing Borderlands 2 with a friend, make sure that your last selected Playthrough was UVHM. If the game detects your last saved point in TVHM, you will not gain any experience towards leveling up beyond 50.
Badass Rank
In addition to Character Levels and Overpower Levels, Borderlands 2 also features a Badass Rank. This account-wide system rewards you for completing challenges with tokens that can be used to incrementally increase your character’s stats, such as gun damage, shield capacity, and reload speed. While Badass Rank does not have a direct influence on reaching level 80 or unlocking OP levels, it does play a role in making your characters even more powerful.
Borderlands and Education
Did you know that games can be valuable educational tools? Organizations like the Games Learning Society recognize the potential of games to promote learning and engagement. GamesLearningSociety.org are focused on finding the best way to promote learning through interactive video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about leveling in Borderlands 2, designed to cover various aspects of the leveling system and potential roadblocks you might encounter:
1. What is the maximum level cap in Borderlands 2 with all DLC?
The maximum level cap in Borderlands 2 with all relevant DLC (Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs 1 & 2 and Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary) is level 80, along with 10 Overpower (OP) levels.
2. Do I need to start a new character to reach level 80?
No, you don’t need to start a new character. You can continue playing with your existing character as long as you have the necessary DLC and are playing in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM).
3. I have the DLC, but I’m still not leveling up past 50 or 72. What’s wrong?
Make sure you are in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM). If you are playing in Normal or True Vault Hunter Mode, you will not gain experience beyond 50. The Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode will become available after beating the game twice.
4. What are Overpower (OP) levels?
Overpower levels are additional difficulty settings unlocked after reaching level 72. They scale enemy levels and loot quality beyond level 72, allowing you to acquire even higher-level gear. However, you do not gain additional skill points or stat increases from OP levels.
5. How do I unlock Overpower (OP) levels?
To unlock OP levels, you must first reach level 72, and then complete the Digistruct Peak challenge. Once completed, you can select an OP level from the character selection screen.
6. Do OP levels make the game harder?
Yes, OP levels significantly increase the difficulty of the game by scaling enemy levels and health pools. It’s essential to have a well-optimized build and gear to succeed at higher OP levels.
7. Can I reset my OP level?
Yes, you can reset your OP level at any time by simply selecting a different OP level (or none at all) from the character selection screen.
8. What’s the best way to level up quickly in Borderlands 2?
The most efficient way to level up in Borderlands 2 is to play in UVHM, complete challenging missions, and farm high-experience enemies. The Warrior, Bunker, and Pyro Pete bosses are all popular choices for experience farming.
9. Does playing in co-op affect leveling speed?
Yes, playing in co-op can increase leveling speed, especially if you’re playing with experienced players who can help you clear content more efficiently. However, enemy health and damage are also increased in co-op, so it can also increase difficulty.
10. What’s the best gear to use while leveling?
Focus on using gear that matches your level and synergizes well with your character’s skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and equipment to find what works best for your playstyle.
11. How does the level cap affect loot drops?
The level cap directly affects loot drops. Higher-level enemies drop higher-level gear, allowing you to obtain more powerful weapons and equipment. Reaching level 80 and unlocking OP levels is essential for obtaining the best gear in the game.
12. Can I reach the maximum Badass Rank in Borderlands 2?
Yes, it is theoretically possible to reach the maximum Badass Rank, but it would require an extremely long time and significant effort to complete all of the challenges.
13. Does Borderlands 3 have a similar leveling system?
Borderlands 3 also has a level cap and a system for increasing difficulty (Mayhem Levels) beyond the level cap. However, the specific mechanics and DLC requirements differ from Borderlands 2. The max level of Borderlands 3 without any of the DLCs is capped at level 72. Level Cap Increases are FREE updates that only require the latest patch and therefore work independently from the Borderlands 3 DLCs.
14. What is the best character build for endgame content in Borderlands 2?
The best character build for endgame content depends on your playstyle and preferences. Some popular choices include the Gunzerker Salvador, the Psycho Krieg, and the Mechromancer Gaige. Research different builds and experiment to find what works best for you.
15. Will there be a Borderlands 4?
While not officially confirmed by Gearbox Software, there are strong indications that Borderlands 4 is in development. This information comes from the official game website.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has helped you understand why you were stuck at level 72 in Borderlands 2 and how to break through to the endgame content. Grab those DLCs, jump into UVHM, and get ready to experience the true potential of your Vault Hunter! Good luck, and happy hunting!