Is it OK to play Borderlands 3 before 2?

Is it OK to play Borderlands 3 before 2?

If you’re a fan of the Borderlands series, you’re probably wondering whether you should play Borderlands 3 before diving into Borderlands 2. The good news is that you can play Borderlands 3 without playing Borderlands 2, but knowing the characters and story of the previous games can enhance your experience. In this article, we’ll explore the connections between the two games and help you decide whether to play Borderlands 3 first or not.

Can you play Borderlands 3 without playing Borderlands 2?

Yes, you can play Borderlands 3 without playing Borderlands 2. While the story of Borderlands 3 builds upon the events of the previous games, it’s designed to be accessible to new players. The game’s director, Paul Sage, has stated that Borderlands 3 is intended to be a standalone experience, with a new storyline and characters that don’t require knowledge of the previous games.

What do you miss out on by not playing Borderlands 2 first?

Character backgrounds: While Borderlands 3 introduces new characters, some of the characters in the game have backgrounds and motivations that are only revealed in Borderlands 2. Knowing these characters’ stories can add depth to your experience and make you more invested in the game’s world.

World-building: Borderlands 2 expands on the world of Pandora, introducing new locations and factions. Without playing Borderlands 2, you might miss out on the richness of the game’s world-building.

References and easter eggs: The Borderlands series is known for its humor and references to pop culture. Borderlands 3 includes nods to previous games, including characters, locations, and quotes. While these references aren’t essential to the gameplay, they can add to the game’s charm and make it more enjoyable for fans of the series.

What do you gain by playing Borderlands 2 first?

A deeper understanding of the world and characters: Playing Borderlands 2 first gives you a deeper understanding of the game’s world, characters, and lore. You’ll be more invested in the story and characters, making the game more engaging and enjoyable.

Better appreciation of Borderlands 3’s references: Knowing the characters and story of Borderlands 2 makes the references and easter eggs in Borderlands 3 more meaningful and enjoyable.

Enhanced co-op experience: If you play Borderlands 2 first, you’ll be able to play through the game’s co-op campaign with friends, which can enhance the overall experience.

Conclusion

Whether you play Borderlands 3 before or after Borderlands 2, you’ll still have a great time. However, knowing the characters and story of the previous games can enhance your experience and make it more enjoyable. If you’re new to the series, you can start with Borderlands 3 and still have a blast. But if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the game’s world and characters, playing Borderlands 2 first is the way to go.

Borderlands 2 and 3 Comparison Table

In conclusion, while you can play Borderlands 3 without playing Borderlands 2, knowing the characters and story of the previous games can enhance your experience. Whether you play Borderlands 2 first or not, you’ll still have a great time exploring the world of Pandora and taking down bandits with your friends.