The Borderlands franchise has a robust history of post-launch DLC content, ranging from story content, new tiers of progression, and playable characters. Many fans have been expecting the same from Borderlands 3, but according to new information that's not entirely true. Gearbox has now confirmed that Borderlands 3 won't be receiving any character DLC going forward. From here on, Borderlands 3 players will be stuck with Amara, Flak, Moze, and Zane as their only playable Vault Hunters.
Borderlands 3creative director Paul Sage confirmed Gearbox's plans during a recent the first The Borderlands Show livestream as part of a Q&A. When asked if Borderlands 3 would have character DLC, Sage gave a somewhat mixed response of, "Probably not, no." The response leaves the possibility open if Gearbox changes its mind, but confirms that there are no current plans. Barring a major change in Borderlands 3's direction, no more characters are coming.
Sage goes on to explain why Gearbox has decided not to make any character DLC for Borderlands 3, a sentiment shared by Gearbox before. The decision is based on data that Gearbox has collected showing that Borderlands players through the years simply don't play DLC characters much. There's a common trend where players will level a small b bit on the new character and then switch back to their main. It makes sense even without the data supporting it. Players prefer the characters they're personally invested in.
To a degree, Borderlands 3 players could probably already see that Gearbox was leaning away from DLC characters just by experiencing the game's story. Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel DLC characters aren't necessarily well-represented in Borderlands 3. They're worked into the story where it makes sense, but they're nowhere near as prevalent as each game's core playable characters. Gearbox prioritizes characters that Borderlands players are familiar with, both in the story and in future DLC.
Borderlands 3 players don't have to worry about DLC, however. Just because Borderlands 3 won't have character DLC doesn't mean there won't be plenty else available. Gearbox has already confirmed Borderlands 3's first free DLC event, Bloody Harvest, which will be starting soon. Beyond that, Gearbox has already announced the free Maliwan Takedown event, as well as its first premium DLC. DLC 1 is a new campaign add-on and will be included in the Season Pass.
Borderlands 3 is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with a Google Stadia version also in development.
