Borderlands 3 is officially available worldwide for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The release of this latest installment in the genre-defining shooter-looter series serves as the pinnacle of development lasting almost five years. With a combination of different features like memorable characters, deeper customization than ever, and best-in-class shooting, Borderlands 3 is set to re-establish itself and the series as the true leader in the genre.
The series has long been highly acclaimed, particularly in how it offers thrilling FPS action mixed with the loot systems and progression of an RPG. Borderlands 2 remains to be popular and continues to draw at least one million unique users monthly even after six years.
This new installment introduces a number of new and innovative concepts while enhancing and expanding on the features that made the series the critical success it is. Borderland 3 features, among others:
- A Mayhem-Fueled Thrill Ride
- The fanatical Calypso Twins have managed to unite the bandit class and are slowly closing in on the ultimate power in the galaxy. As a Vault Hunter, it is you that has the arsenal and allies that can defeat them. Uncover rewarding mysteries and learn more about the deep lore that is the Borderlands universe.
- Your Vault Hunter, Your Playstyle
- You get to choose one of four new Vault Hunters. Each offers unique abilities and deep skill trees bringing with it different playstyles. There also tons of personalization you can choose from.
- Lock, Load, and Loot
- There are different unique weapons manufacturers and even a new content generation system. Offered as well are special legendary drops that you can uncover. The improving arsenal comes with almost infinite possibilities. You want a rifle that can give multiple elemental damage types or shotguns that have bullet shields? Yes you can.
- New Borderlands
- Get to discover new worlds with each one giving you unique environments to explore along with enemies to destroy. Navigate your way through deadly bayous, fight across war-torn cityscapes, and go through hostile deserts.
- Quick & Seamless Co-Op Action
- Borderlands 3 has a new “level-sync” system with the experience is able to scale for each individual player. What this means is that you can play with anyone at any time whether online or even in split-screen co-op. You can even play with other players regardless of what your level is. There is also what is known as "loot instancing" where you get rewards that are yours alone, even if you take down enemies and complete challenges as a team.
In an open letter to fans, Borderlands 3 Creative Director Paul Sage said that there is always something special when it comes to to seeing an idea start and then watch that same idea go through different people with each contributing their effort and talent to make everything a reality. He went on to say that he "cannot stress enough how the team has come together to make sure we have produced a worthy successor to Borderlands 2, but I hope more than just feeling the team’s passion, more than getting to experience the next Borderlands, you get to sit down, laugh a little, and just have a damn good time.”
So how is the game faring so far? Most early critics agree that with this new installment, Borderlands is indeed back and better than ever. IGN gave it 9/10 with Shacknews saying it was "an absolute masterpiece" and Destructoid describing it as "a hallmark of excellence."
Borderlands 3 Standard Edition is available for $59.99. The Borderlands 3 Deluxe Edition is available for $79.99 and includes the base game along with additonal digital content including the Retro Cosmetic Pack, Neon Cosmetic Pack, Gearbox Cosmetic Pack, Toy Box Weapon Pack, and XP & Loot Drop Boost Mods.
The Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition can also be purchased for $99.99. It has all the bonus digital content included in the Deluxe Edition along with the Borderlands 3 Season Pass. The Season Pass includes four campaign DLC packs featuring new stories, missions and challenges; Butt Stallion weapon skin, weapon trinket, and grenade mod. Act fast, because beginning September 17, the Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition digital version is going to update to the full $119.99 price.
