Borderlands 3 has received what could be its final big update, as Gearbox will likely be switching its attention over to Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. In this new Borderlands 3 patch, some exciting features are added, with cross-play being one of the biggest. Players can also replay seasonal events, allowing them to hunt down the exclusive loot or fight the special enemies whenever they see fit. The update raises the level cap, too, and the number should be familiar to longtime Borderlands fans.
Borderlands 3 now allows gamers to level up their Vault Hunters to 72, which is the same exact level cap as the one from the second Borderlands game. The two games sharing this level cap is fitting, as it sees Borderlands 3 getting its characters to the same power level as the likes of Zer0 and Salvador. However, if players read into this number, it becomes clear that it means much more than the other level increases. In fact, Borderlands 3 fans could view it as a proper sendoff for the 2019 game.
Allowing Borderlands 3 Players To Maximize Their Final Builds
Borderlands 3 players can now upgrade their Vault Hunters as far as possible, making full use of all the available skill trees. With the Designer’s Cut DLC adding a new skill tree for each character, this level cap raise could not be more welcome. Before, players had to sacrifice a part of their build of they wanted to mess with the new skill tree. Now, however, they can keep their old builds intact while also incorporating a part of the new addition. This should create even more build variety, something that is always welcome within the Borderlands series.
Equally important is the fact that players no longer need to re-grind for loot. Whenever a level cap increase happens in Borderlands 3, players are forced to hunt down all their top tier weapons again. However, with level 72 seemingly being the end, that will no longer be an issue. Players can max out their Vault Hunters, enter a Mayhem 10 session, and acquire a level 72 version of a Borderlands 3 legendary. Once obtained, there will be no need to worry about the weapon going out of date again, as the cap will no longer be increasing. For those that have not wanted to grind due to their loot possibly going out of date, they can finally do so safely.
Bringing An End To Borderlands 3’s Post-Launch Support
The most noteworthy thing about Borderlands 3’s leap to level 72 is that it likely serves as a capstone for the game. With Borderlands 2’s original DLC run, level 72 served as the endpoint, with no more levels added until Commander Lilith's Fight for Sanctuary. With the 2019 expansion being a surprise that came long after the DLC releases had stopped, its increase to level 80 was a bit of a special case. For years, level 72 was the final rank for Borderlands 2, and the number has stuck with gamers because of that. As such, with the Borderlands 3 Vault Hunters finally at 72, it can be assumed that no further leveling changes will be coming.
With no more levels on the way, Borderlands 3 fans may want to give up hope for a third Season Pass. It seems like the Director’s Cut will serve as the final paid DLC for the game, and while it is possible for something like Commander Lilith’s Fight for Sanctuary to appear one day, fans should not be expecting it. This new level cap, while great from a gameplay perspective, doubles as a sign that post-launch content is coming to an end. For those that love Borderlands 3, this could make the update as sad as it is exciting.
Once players have maxed out their characters and completed the upcoming Vault Cards, they will have likely experienced all the content for Gearbox’s latest looter shooter. With Gearbox closing a big chapter of the Borderlands universe, fans can now look back at Borderlands 3 in its entirety. While gamers have delivered plenty of criticism for the game’s divisive story and lack of raid bosses, it did do a lot right in terms of its gameplay and visuals. As such, it will be interesting to see its legacy now that the final level cap has arrived.
Borderlands 3 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.