What Should You Play Before Borderlands 3?
Borderlands 3 is the latest installment in the popular shooter-rpg series, offering hours of action-packed fun. However, if you’re new to the franchise or looking to get back into the swing of things, you might be wondering what you should play before Borderlands 3.
In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of what games you should play to get the most out of your Borderlands 3 experience. From beginner’s guides to expert level discussions, we’ve got you covered.
Pre-Borderlands 3 Required Reading
Before you even think about playing Borderlands 3, we highly recommend playing the games listed below. These games lay the foundation for the storyline, characters, and mechanics in Borderlands 3, making them essential play-throughs.
- Borderlands (1) – This is where the story begins. First introduced in 2009, the original Borderlands revolutionized the shooter-RPG genre with its cell-shaded graphics, dark humor, and addictive gunplay. Playing the original game will give you insight into the world of Pandora and its eccentric characters, such as Lilith, the Siren.
- Borderlands 2 – Released in 2012, Borderlands 2 built upon the foundations laid by the original and added new features like Claptrap, a hyper-kinetic and malfunctioning robot. This game set the stage for the villainous Handsome Jack, who would become a driving force behind the events in Borderlands 3.
Tales from the Borderlands
Tales from the Borderlands, developed by Telltale Games, is a 2-part episodic game set within the Borderlands universe. This game doesn’t have direct connections to Borderlands 3, but it does offer character backstory and world-building that you may find interesting.
What is Tales from the Borderlands?
Released in 2014-2015, Tales from the Borderlands is an interactive narrative-driven game where players control two characters -Rhys, a con-artist, and Fiona, a thief- in an attempt to uncover a dark conspiracy. The story intertwines with the core game series, offering intriguing backstory on characters like Gaige and Krieg, whose fate is tied to the events in Borderlands 3.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Pre-Borderlands 3
If you’re brand new to the series or feeling rusty, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Take the time to understand character mechanics, such as combat techniques and skill trees, before diving into Borderlands 3.
- Study your characters’ abilities, special powers, and potential augmentations to maximize efficiency and survivability.
- Invest in a good level-based skill tree, paying close attention to your passive buffs and active abilities to suit your playstyle.
Is Borderlands Beginner Friendly?
Yes! Although Borderlands 3 isn’t as complicated as games like Skyrim or Fallout, the series still maintains its accessibility. The series takes time to learn mechanics like the skill tree, but once you grasp the essentials, you’ll be slaughtering bandits left and right.
Playing Without Pre-Borderlands Games
If you skip the pre-Borderlands 3 games, here are a few things to know:
- You can jump into Borderlands 3 without prior knowledge or play-throughs, and the game will still hold value. However, it would be beneficial to understand some world lore and character archetypes to fully appreciate the events and story.
- Familiarize yourself with gameplay mechanics, such as bullet-based combat, vault symbols, and the likes to improve your chances against bosses and tough enemies.
- Experiment with different guns and equipment to find combinations that work best for your style of play.
Conclusion:
In this article, we’ve established what you should play before diving into Borderlands 3. From the classic gameplay of the original and the narrative-driven Tales from the Borderlands, a rich and immersive world of action, adventure, and drama awaits.
Whether you’re a seasoned Borderlands pro or a newcomer looking for an exciting experience, understand the importance of knowledge when diving into the next big game in the Borderlands franchise.