Borderlands redefined the shooting genre when it was released back in 2009. A fast-paced open-world shooting game with some elements of the RPG genre, Borderlands was truly the start of something new. However, Gearbox Software took the franchise to a whole new level when they released Borderlands 2. Regarded as one of the best open-world shooting games of all time, Borderlands 2 became a massive hit. Its wild storyline, peculiar characters, and catchy phrases made the game a fan favorite.
Gearbox Software’s latest entry Borderlands 3 is no slouch either. The initial sales of the game were the highest out of any other Borderlands game, and it is just as quirky as any of its predecessors. While both Borderlands 2 and 3 pack a punch, here are five ways Borderlands 2 was the best and five ways Borderlands 3 was somehow better.
10 Borderlands 2: An Impeccable Storyline
Borderlands 2 is one of the greatest games when it comes to sheer storyline and character progression. It’s brutal and dark but hilarious and emotionally engaging in surprising ways. Its captivating story is addictive and needless to say, will keep one hooked for hours. There are lots of sidequests that will take hours to complete, but the benefits of completing this game are well worth the time. On the other hand, Borderlands 3 storyline doesn’t seem as brilliant as the aforementioned one. Even though it’s not bad by any means, it’s just not as catchy as Borderlands 2.
9 Borderlands 3: Better Graphics
This is no brainer that Borderlands 3 has significantly better graphics and smoother gameplay compared to Borderlands 2. The game feels much compact and is perfectly made to deliver a good gaming experience. Even though Borderlands 2 was a masterstroke by Gearbox Software, there were glaring weaknesses in the game, mainly its rugged gameplay and graphics. This issue was perfectly addressed by Gearbox in Borderlands 3 and there is no denying that the game feels much better in terms of gameplay and graphics when compared to Borderlands 2.
8 ​​​Borderlands 2: A Perfect Opening To The Game
From the get-go, Borderlands 2 feels engaging. The game begins with an introduction to the ongoing events in the Borderland universe and a short recap of what happened in the first installment of the game. The introduction of the cutscene is brilliant, and it also answers some of the unanswered questions that arose at the end of Borderlands 1. Straight from the very beginning, the player gets immersed in the story. Not only does the introduction properly tap into the past story, but it also summarizes the previous story that helps new players understand what events led up to what’s currently happening.
7 Borderlands 3:Â Big Arsenal Of Guns
The gunplay is the best it’s ever been! It not only feels great to shoot, but the guns themselves feel like real guns again like in Borderlands 1, rather than all the toy gun looks from Borderlands 2. Weapon manufacturer gimmicks are much more toned down in the negative aspects and are helpful, feeling like more of a bonus than a detriment.
Unlike Borderlands 2, where a lot of guns feel like a knockoff of some other gun in the same game, Borderlands 3 boasts a variety of guns that all possess a unique identity. The movement mechanism has been significantly better too.
6 Borderlands 2: Handsome Jack’s Charisma
Considered to be one of the most iconic video game antagonists of all time, Handsome Jack takes Borderlands 2 to a whole new level. He is mean and menacing but always makes everyone laugh with his hilarious punch lines. Unlike Calypso Twins, the main villains of Borderlands 3, Handsome Jack has a very strong personality and has a reason behind his wrongdoings. Contrary to Handsome Jack, Calypso Twins feel very bland and their personalities are always annoying, never threatening. Handsome Jack’s character and development alone make Borderlands 2 twice as interesting and enjoyable as it already is.
5 Borderlands 3: Fluid Combat Mechanics
Another thing Borderlands 3 has going for itself is the combat mechanics in the game. It is way more refined compared to Borderlands 2 and actually feels satisfying. Gearbox has also added features of vaulting and grabbing ledges to jump even higher than before, which makes the overall combat experience more enjoyable. The combat system nicely complements the utter chaos happening in the game. This ultimately means that players now have even more ways to deal with pesky enemies and bosses.
4 ​Borderlands 2: A Strong Character Line-up
Each one of the characters in Borderlands 2 brings a unique flavor to the table. While many of them are seemingly superficial on the surface, all the characters have more complex backstories than one would expect. Each of the characters possesses unique attributes, and playing different characters will yield different experiences. They are also fully customizable, which only adds more to the game.
Borderlands 2 comprises a fantastic cast of NPCs as well, everyone loves Tiny Tina and Mr. Torgue.
3 Borderlands 3: Vehicle Customization
Apart from driving recklessly and destroying everything on sight, players can also customize their vehicles, something that was missing in Borderlands 2. Players can also hijack enemy vehicles or steal the parts and use them on some other vehicles. There are several combinations players can run on their vehicles, and the car combat is super fun. The detailing on vehicles has been significantly improved in Borderlands 3, which makes the whole Vehicle customization even more interesting. It’s also relaxing to just drive around the Borderlands universe after hours of shooting enemies.
2 Borderlands 2: A Huge Replay Value
Borderlands 2 thrives when it comes to replay value. With millions of different guns, a lot of different characters, and a unique experience with all the various classes, this game has hours of fun built straight in. Borderlands 2 feels rewarding each time one plays the games differently. The interactions in the game change every time you play it differently, and there is something for everyone. You never run out of things to do in Borderlands 2, and even after spending hours in the game, there is always something you can grind for. There is no one perfect way to play Borderlands 2, and the game progresses depending upon the player’s style and the characters' traits.
1 Borderlands 3: Instanced Loot System
One of the major complaints that players had with Borderlands 2 was with its loot system. Strangers in one’s party could steal all the loot, and in many cases, players were left empty-handed. Gearbox reworked the loot system for Borderlands 3, where everyone gets the loot based on their levels. Everyone in a party will get their share of the loot, and unless someone shares the loot manually, there is no possibility of losing the loot to someone else.