Borderlands 3 put out a new trailer today hyping up its next-gen upgrades. Borderlands 3 owners will be able to upgrade their game to the next-gen version for free once the hardware launches this week.
Gearbox Software's popular looter-shooter franchise is being methodical in its release strategy regarding the new consoles. Available as a launch title, publisher 2K Games is also announcing the release of several new editions on top of a second season pass. The publisher is even giving away a Borderlands 3 custom Claptrap Xbox Series X.
The manic pace of the trailer is in line with Borderlands style. The first 30 seconds or so is a montage of vault-hunting action, intertwined with positive reviews and achievements. The remainder of the trailer focuses almost entirely on Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition.
According to a post on the official Borderlands website, this includes all released content as of November 10: Four campaign add-ons from the first season pass, in addition to Season Pass 2 and several cosmetics. Similar to how EA's games are getting PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades, the trailer also states that Borderlands 3 players can upgrade their PS4 or Xbox One version to the next-gen system of the same brand for free.
Gearbox and 2K are investing in Borderlands 3 for the long run. There are now four different versions of the game: Standard, Next-Level, Super Deluxe, and Ultimate editions. All are upgradeable to the next-gen version, though only Ultimate comes with Season Pass 2. The game is releasing its new season pass in two parts: the Designer's Cut and Director's Cut. The first half, the Designer's Cut, is available now. The DLC is adding new skill trees for several characters, which should please long-time fans and provide for a change-up in strategy. The second half, the Director's Cut, is set to release in Spring 2021.
There's likely to be a spike in Borderlands 3 players given the release of both the new content and consoles. One thing likely to draw gamers to the next-gen version is its four-player split-screen, and boost in visual fidelity on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game runs 4K resolution at 60FPS, albeit only in single player and online co-op. However, players have recently noticed troubling details about Borderlands 3's next-gen performance.
Regardless of possible performance issues, Borderlands 3 retains a solid base of over 11 million players according to this trailer. For gamers who have fallen off the Borderlands bandwagon but are still looking for a good looter-shooter to pass the time, the pre-load for Destiny 2: Beyond Light also begins tonight.
Borderlands 3 is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades will be available as the consoles launch.
