Summary
Borderlands 3, and by extension the entireBorderlandsfranchise, is built on three core concepts: tight, engaging gunplay, fun, irreverent writing, and collecting more loot than anyone could ever possibly use. While the series has certainly evolved over time, particularly in the gameplay department, the games have always stayed close to their roots, making it a comforting, familiar experience to return to, regardless of the installment. This familiar approach has always been the core of the franchise (as well as its fantasy-tinged spinoff,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands), which is why any monetization shake-ups afterBorderlands 3would be a big mistake.
In the era of in-game shops and limited-time exclusive cosmetics,Borderlandshas generally stayed close to its original cosmetics model: all earnable in-game, with a few added as extra bonuses in larger DLC packages. As early as the original game, there have always been a healthy amount of cosmetic items in the base game. What cosmetics don’t come with the purchase of the game always arrived in post-launch DLC packs filled with additional story content, new enemies, new locations, and plenty of new guns. This pattern has largely followedBorderlandsDLC across the yearsand into modern times, while some competitors have eschewed this model for a plethora of cheaply priced cosmetics on launch day and battle passes laden with rewards for grinding XP daily.
Will Borderlands 4 Have Microtransactions?
WhenBorderlands 3launched,Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchfordstated online that the company was going to avoid nickel and diming players, shutting down rumors that the game would have excessive microtransactions. True to his word, the game featured a veritable treasure trove of cosmetics at launch, all earnable in-game. Several paid cosmetics arrived at a later date within the game’s numerous DLC packages, but players still had plenty of options to chew on for their $70 purchase of the base game.
Previously exclusiveBorderlands 3cosmetic items have been added to Crazy Earl’s shop for eridium, making them 100% earnable in-game without any real-life money changing hands.
While these DLC packages have been commonplace in the industry since the golden age of gaming, they are still, by definition, microtransactions. But what sets them apart from theskin offerings in games likeCall of Duty: WarzoneorApex Legendsis the value these purchases represent, somethingBorderlandshas always delivered. When players make a purchase forBorderlandsDLC, they’re not just buying a cosmetic; they’re buying hours of new gameplay, new story content, new guns for additional build options, and cosmetics.
A great example of the value-per-dollar in the DLC model is inMoxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, the first expansion forBorderlands 3. For just $15, players had access to a veritable cornucopia of content.
The Future of Borderlands Cosmetics
WhenBorderlands 4rolls around, Gearbox needs to stick to its guns on this, no pun intended. Not only is it a better general value in terms of content ($15 is the price of a single skin in some titles), but it setsBorderlandsapart from the competition. Sometimes gamers don’t want an intricate in-game shop with limited-time cosmetics sold with FOMO. A return to the more straightforward days of post-launch content is a welcome change of pace in today’s landscape.
Ignore the battle passes and the cosmetics that need real-world cash, and let us just farm for legendary loot.
There’s no way of knowing for sure what kind of cosmetics/DLC options will be available inBorderlands 4, but Gearbox should absolutely stay the course on how it delivers them to players. In a world of battle passesand flashy cosmetics sold exclusively for real-world cash, sometimes it’s refreshing to be able to boot up the game and justfarm Tom and Xam for easy legendary loot. It’s a time-tested model, it fits with the never-ending loot search the series is known for, and most importantly, the players love it.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
