Should I play Borderlands DLC first or second playthrough?

Should You Play Borderlands DLC First or Second Playthrough?

Borderlands is an action-packed role-playing first-person shooter with a unique blend of loot, leveling, and storytelling. One of the key aspects of the game is its downloadable content (DLC), which adds new storylines, characters, and game modes to the original experience. But should you play the DLC first or second playthrough? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing the DLC in both sequences and provide guidance on which approach is best for your gaming experience.

Benefits of Playing the DLC First

Playing the DLC first can provide several benefits to your gaming experience:

• Enhanced Story Understanding: The DLCs introduce new characters, storylines, and plot twists that can enhance your understanding of the game’s overall narrative. By playing the DLCs first, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s world and characters.
• Additional Content: The DLCs add new content to the game, including new weapons, characters, and game modes. Playing the DLCs first allows you to explore this content earlier in the game.
• Higher Level Cap: Some DLCs, like the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs, raise the game’s level cap, providing more opportunities for character growth and development.

Downsides of Playing the DLC First

However, playing the DLC first can also have some drawbacks:

• Spoilers Ahead: Playing the DLC first can spoil key plot elements and surprises for the main game. This can be frustrating for players who enjoy discovering new information through play.
• Out-of-Sequence Content: Playing the DLCs first can disrupt the natural flow of the game’s story. The DLCs are designed to be played after completing the main game, so playing them first can lead to confusion and disorientation.
• Limited Endgame Content: Playing the DLCs first can also limit the endgame content available to you. The game’s main storyline and final boss are tied to the main game’s progression, so playing the DLCs first can leave you without a compelling endgame.

Benefits of Playing the DLC Second

Playing the DLC second, after completing the main game, offers several advantages:

• Natural Story Flow: The DLCs are designed to be played after completing the main game, so the story unfolds in a more natural and intuitive way. You’ll have a deeper understanding of the game’s world and characters, making the DLCs more engaging and immersive.
• Endgame Content: Completing the main game and then playing the DLCs provides access to a wider range of endgame content, including new storylines, characters, and game modes.
• Higher Difficulty: Playing the DLCs second allows you to play them at a higher difficulty level, making the challenges more rewarding and satisfying.

Downsides of Playing the DLC Second

However, playing the DLC second can also have some drawbacks:

• Less Engagement: Playing the DLCs second can be less engaging than playing them first, as you’ll already know the story and characters from the main game.
• Limited Progression: Playing the DLCs second can limit your character progression, as the DLCs are designed to be played at a certain level.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you play the DLC first or second playthrough depends on your personal preference and gaming style. If you enjoy discovering new information and exploring new content, playing the DLC first might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more natural story flow and a wider range of endgame content, playing the DLC second is the way to go.

Here’s a summary of the key points:

By considering these factors and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about when to play the Borderlands DLC in your gaming experience. Happy gaming!