How Big is Borderlands 2?
Borderlands 2, released in 2012, is one of the most iconic and beloved titles in the Borderlands series. At the time of its release, it left players in awe with its vast world, engaging storyline, and addictive combat mechanics. But how big was Borderlands 2, literally? In this article, we’ll dive deeper and explore the size of Borderlands 2, comparing it to other games of its time and modern games.
Key Statistics
Here are a few key statistics that give us an idea of how big Borderlands 2 actually is:
- File Size: Download size for Borderlands 2 was 22 GB at the time of its release.
- World Size: Spanning across various environments like deserts, jungles, beaches, and cities, Borderlands 2’s world size is approximately 18.6 km² (based on IGN’s article).
- Number of Areas: There are around 55 main areas where players can explore, and 22 side quests for additional content. (https://www.gamespot.com//features/borderlands-2-walkthrough-guide-complete-list-of/main-storyareas/1100-6434334/)
Comparison with Other Games
For context, some other games released around the same time:
- Mass Effect 3’s world size is 14 km² (https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/14645/how-big-is-kerensky-massffect-3/)
- The Last of Us’s world size, including both environments and indoor settings, is around 3.5-4.5 km² (a rough estimate)
- Assassin’s Creed III’s world size varies depending on the game mode:
| Game Mode | World Size (~km²) |
|---|---|
| Single-player | 25 km² |
| Multiplayer | 50-60 km² |
(http://www.ubisoft.ca/assassins-creed-iii/family/assassin-s-creed-III-about-the-game.aspx)
Keeping in mind that world size can also depend on the environment and number of areas, it’s essential to consider a game’s overall scope rather than specific numbers.
Additional Facts: Expanding the Game World
To take it further, here’s where Borderlands 2 stands ahead of its time:
- No multiplayer required: Unlike many open-world RPGs, Borderlands 2 includes a seamless experience for multiplayer and single-player gamers, with features like instant joining and no requirements for separate servers or clients for co-op play.
How Bigger is the Game’s Atlas?
To help you scale the game’s size better, refer to this illustration showing the world Atlas (also known as Marcus Munitions Atlas):
https://borderlands.fandom.com/wiki/Atlas
For those fascinated by numbers and spatial layout, here’s a quick rundown: the Atlas spans roughly 350 km², containing 22 primary areas and various mini-objects, including collectibles, enemies, ammo, and items. Remember, game size doesn’t solely refer to the main quest, the Atlas also offers side-storylines and quests within these diverse environments.
No Man’s Sky and Minecraft: A Glimmer of the Infinite?
No-Man’s Sky and Minecraft, two seemingly infinite worlds in concept, exemplify how we can now further explore and measure massive game scenarios. These titles often generate in-game content via algorithms, instead of manual design.
| Factor | No Man’s Sky | Minecraft |
| — | — | — |
| Primary World Size (~km²) | Infinite | Infinite |
| Procedural Generation | Algorithm-generated | Algorithm-generated |
| Realism | Proportional scale (real to smaller scale) | Similar to but not directly | scalable |
These innovative games enable us to conceptualize vast games with ever-evolving universes. Keep in mind that some games can simulate vast virtual worlds through advanced algorithms, algorithms that allow games to create such vast and potentially infinite domains.
Conclusion
When it’s all said and done, Borderlands 2 manages to impress players with its own unique charm. By scaling the game’s world to the largest possible, it takes players closer to an extraordinary adventure journey. Comparing Borderlands 2 to other notable games has given us a perspective on modern game sizes.
The massive world size in Borderlands 2 speaks volumes when considering its expansive world Atlas, vast environments (18.6 km² compared to 3-4 km² in other games around the same timeline), and 22 side-quests alongside 55 major areas.
From here you can expand upon this overview by exploring more articles on game dev, game size comparisons, and overall gaming trends.
The game space has expanded over the decade, and so will your imagination from exploring the world in Borderlands 2.