Where to Buy Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 Gameplay Video
Borderlands 3 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Genre | Action RPG, Looter Shooter, FPS, Co-op |
| Initial Release | 2019-09-13 |
| Developer | Gearbox Software |
| Publisher | 2K Games |
| Setting | Multiple Planets (Pandora, Promethea, Eden-6, etc.) |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch (Ultimate Edition) |
| Multiplayer | Up to 4-player Online Co-op, LAN Co-op, Cross-Platform Multiplayer (most platforms) |
| Unique Feature | Bazillions of procedurally generated guns, four distinct Vault Hunter classes with deep skill trees, signature cel-shaded art style and humor, multi-planet exploration, robust co-op gameplay. |
Borderlands 3 System Requirements
Minimum_1080p_Low
tune Minimum (Target: 1080p, Low settings, ~30-60 FPS) – Low Preset.
Recommended_1440p_High_OR_1080p_Ultra
tune Recommended (Target: 1440p High settings OR 1080p Ultra settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Ultra Preset.
Borderlands 3 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 7/10 (latest service pack)
A 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11 with the latest service packs is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 75 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is recommended for faster load times and smoother overall gameplay experience.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Streaming, Material Quality, Shadows, Draw Distance, Volumetric Fog, Screen Space Reflections, and Anti-Aliasing options (FXAA, Temporal AA) are key settings affecting performance.
Borderlands 3 Other Features & Info
- labelStory and Setting
Set several years after Borderlands 2 and Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3 sees the rise of the Calypso Twins, Troy and Tyreen, who have formed a violent cult called the Children of the Vault (COV) and are attempting to locate and open 'The Great Vault' to absorb its power. Players choose one of four new Vault Hunters and are recruited by Lilith and the Crimson Raiders aboard their starship Sanctuary III to travel to multiple planets (Pandora, Promethea, Athenas, Eden-6, Nekrotafeyo) to stop the Calypsos and secure other Vaults before they do.
- labelVault Hunters & Skill Trees
Players choose one of four distinct Vault Hunters:
- Amara (The Siren): Utilizes powerful Siren abilities with three skill trees (Fist of the Elements - elemental damage; Mystical Assault - phasegrasp, astral projection; Brawl - melee, tankiness). Can equip different Action Skills and Augments.
- FL4K (The Beastmaster): Commands one of three loyal pets (Skag, Spiderant, Jabber), each with their own evolutions. Skill trees (Stalker - critical hits, Fade Away; Hunter - ranged damage, Rakk Attack!; Master - pet buffs, Gamma Burst) enhance FL4K and their pets.
- Moze (The Gunner): Summons and pilots her heavily armed Iron Bear mech. Skill trees (Demolition Woman - explosives, splash damage; Shield of Retribution - shields, survivability; Bottomless Mags - ammo regeneration, fire rate) allow customization of Iron Bear's weapon loadouts (e.g., Miniguns, Grenade Launchers, Railguns, Bear Fists).
- Zane (The Operative): A semi-retired corporate hitman who can equip two Action Skills simultaneously from his three trees (Hitman - kill skills, SNTNL drone; Doubled Agent - Digi-Clone, utility; Under Cover - Barrier, team support).
- labelLoot System & Weapons
Features procedurally generated weapons, resulting in 'bazillions' of guns with diverse stats, elemental effects (Incendiary, Shock, Corrosive, Cryo, Radiation), and unique behaviors. Guns are produced by various manufacturers, each with distinct characteristics (e.g., Jakobs - high critical damage, ricocheting bullets; Maliwan - elemental damage, charge times; Tediore - thrown as grenades when reloaded; Hyperion - shields when aiming; COV - 'infinite' ammo with overheat mechanic). Includes rarities (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary). Anointed gear provides powerful buffs tied to Action Skill usage.
- labelPlanets & Exploration
For the first time in the series, players travel beyond Pandora to multiple distinct planets via the Sanctuary III starship, which acts as the central hub. Planets include: Pandora (classic wasteland), Promethea (futuristic urban metropolis besieged by Maliwan), Athenas (serene monastery planet), Eden-6 (lush, swampy jungle planet controlled by the Jakobs corporation), and Nekrotafeyo (ancient Eridian homeworld). Each planet has multiple zones with unique environments, enemies, and quests.
- labelMultiplayer & Co-op Features
Supports up to 4-player online co-operative play. Features a 'Loot Instancing' option (Cooperation mode) where each player gets their own instanced loot drops scaled to their level, and level scaling for enemies, allowing players of different levels to play together seamlessly. A 'Coopetition' mode offers the classic Borderlands shared loot system. Cross-platform play is supported across PC (Steam/Epic), Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac via SHiFT matchmaking.
- labelEnd-Game Content
Includes True Vault Hunter Mode (NG+), Mayhem Mode (10+ levels that scale enemy health, shields, armor, and loot quality, adding random gameplay modifiers), Guardian Rank (account-wide passive stat boosts unlocked after campaign completion), Proving Grounds (timed dungeon-like trials with boss fights), and Circles of Slaughter (wave-based survival arenas). DLCs also added significant end-game content like raid bosses.
- labelDLC & Season Passes
Received extensive post-launch support with two Season Passes:
Season Pass 1: Included four major story campaign add-ons: 'Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot,' 'Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock,' 'Bounty of Blood,' and 'Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck.' Also included cosmetic packs.
Season Pass 2: Included the 'Designer's Cut' (Arms Race mode - a roguelike experience, and a new Skill Tree for each Vault Hunter) and the 'Director's Cut' (new raid boss - Hemovorous the Invincible, Ava's murder mystery questline, behind-the-scenes content, and three Vault Cards for unlocking cosmetics and gear).
- labelVehicles
Players can access and customize various vehicles via the Catch-A-Ride system. Main vehicle types include the Outrunner (versatile buggy), Technical (armed truck), and Cyclone (fast, single-wheel vehicle). Customization includes weapons, armor, wheels, and paint jobs. Vehicles are used for traversal and combat in larger outdoor maps.
Borderlands 3 Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline When was Borderlands 3 released?Borderlands 3 was initially released on September 13, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Epic Games Store), with a Steam release for PC on March 13, 2020. It later came to other platforms like Stadia, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
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help_outline Who are the playable characters in Borderlands 3?There are four playable Vault Hunters: Amara the Siren, FL4K the Beastmaster, Moze the Gunner, and Zane the Operative. Each has three unique skill trees and multiple Action Skills.
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help_outline Who are the main villains in Borderlands 3?The main antagonists are the Calypso Twins, Troy and Tyreen, who lead the Children of the Vault (COV) cult and seek to harness the power of the Great Vault.
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help_outline Does Borderlands 3 have multiplayer?Yes, Borderlands 3 supports up to 4-player online co-operative multiplayer. It also features local split-screen co-op on consoles. Cross-platform play is supported across PC (Steam/Epic), Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac.
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help_outline What is Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3?Mayhem Mode is an end-game feature that significantly increases game difficulty by applying random modifiers to enemies and gameplay, while also increasing loot quality and XP gain. There are multiple Mayhem levels (1-11 with Mayhem 2.0 update).
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help_outline How many planets can you visit in Borderlands 3?Players can travel to multiple planets beyond Pandora, including Promethea, Athenas, Eden-6, and Nekrotafeyo, using the Sanctuary III starship as a mobile base.
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help_outline What kind of DLC does Borderlands 3 have?Borderlands 3 has two Season Passes. Season Pass 1 includes four major story campaign add-ons. Season Pass 2 includes the Designer's Cut (Arms Race mode, 4th skill tree for each Vault Hunter) and the Director's Cut (new raid boss, Ava's murder mystery quests, behind-the-scenes content, Vault Cards).