5 Hardest Borderlands Games, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve dived headfirst into the chaotic world of Pandora and its neighboring planets more times than I can count. So, when it comes to ranking the Borderlands games based on their difficulty level, well, let me tell you a tale.

When the initial “Borderlands” game hit the market in 2009, it shattered the mold for first-person shooters (FPS) in numerous ways. In an era where virtually every shooter resembled a “Call of Duty” spinoff emphasizing authentic warfare depiction, “Borderlands” opted to stand apart. This bold move proved successful, as its distinctive cel-shaded visuals, ribald humor, and looter-shooter mechanics captivated a devoted fanbase.

Much like deciding which is the best Borderlands game, choosing the hardest entry in the franchise is largely a matter of opinion. The series has evolved a lot over the years, and each game features different mechanics, character classes, and progression systems. Later games have also put greater emphasis on super-difficult post-game content and modes. For this list, we’re ranking the games based mainly on the experience of playing through the main storyline, and side quests, while taking into account the differences between playing solo and with friends.

5 Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

The Most Solo-Friendly Entry

Though Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands seems like a spin-off inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, it showcases many characteristics typical of the Borderlands series. The game has been generally praised by both fans and critics, but there are areas where its potential sequel could make improvements, particularly in terms of difficulty. To cater more to solo players and enhance storytelling, developers reduced the game’s challenge level, making some sections overly easy.

In the magical world of the game, traditional grenades were replaced with spells for a more fantastical experience. Some of these spells can be incredibly potent, even in non-magic-oriented character builds. Furthermore, the combat focus on melee attacks allows players to simply beat up enemies with ease. While this reduced challenge makes Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands accessible for beginners, experienced gamers may not find much difficulty until they reach endgame content such as the Chaos Chambers.

4 Borderlands

Back To Basics

Although it may not be as highly ranked as some of its successors, the initial ‘Borderlands’ game – hailed as one of the best “apunkalypse” titles – remains challenging. Unlike subsequent releases, it lacks AI-assisted teammates and offers a more fundamental gunplay experience that demands greater skill. The original game also features fewer hand-holding mechanisms compared to later versions, making it potentially harder for players. However, its simplified design might actually make it less demanding than the sequels for some gamers.

Initially, the game offers a simpler experience with fewer elements to manage. Players don’t have to focus on crafting an optimized character or dealing with increasingly complex systems. Instead, they simply choose the weapon with the highest stats and eliminate targets as instructed by the game. This is facilitated by limited enemy diversity and less aggressive AI compared to later games. The game also lacks the level scaling and advanced difficulty modes found in its sequels. As a result, if players consistently complete side missions and quests, they can easily surpass the necessary level. Once over-leveled, they can easily handle most of the game content, excluding team-oriented challenges like Crawmerax, making the rest of the game relatively effortless.

3 Borderlands 3

It’s Complicated

Assessing the difficulty level of ‘Borderlands 3’ can be tricky due to its dynamic gameplay. Initially, playing through the main storyline and side missions isn’t particularly challenging. The game provides numerous instances where allies aid the player, and introduces alternative fire modes and character abilities that enhance power compared to previous games. Furthermore, ‘Borderlands 3’ is more liberal in doling out rare loot, and it’s simpler to create a strong build for your character.

The sheer abundance of content also means it is easier than ever before to out-level the story missions and feel overpowered. However, some of this is canceled out by the improved enemy AI and more dynamic combat encounters. The game also has some of Borderlands’ best boss fights, and bosses like Rampager and Tyreen demand quick reflexes and precise shooting to take down. Of course, the elephant in the room is Mayhem Mode. We said earlier that we wouldn’t talk about post-game modes too much, but Mayhem Mode is too big a part of Borderlands 3 to ignore. It ups the difficulty significantly by enhancing enemy strength and adding random modifiers. Without the proper preparation and a ton of grinding, the higher levels feel downright insurmountable. Oddly, this means Borderlands 3 can simultaneously seem like one of the easiest and hardest Borderlands games, landing it mid-ranking.

2 Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Limited Oxygen And Low Gravity Mix Up Combat

In the game titled “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel“, there are a few unique elements that set it apart from other games in the series, making it slightly more challenging. Key among these innovations are its low-gravity settings and oxygen management system, which introduce an extra level of intricacy to both combat and exploration. These altered physics can influence both movement and aiming, making it trickier to score crucial hits and evade certain enemy attacks. Although the oxygen system was never excessively demanding, it introduced an additional factor to consider during intense battles, particularly prolonged firefights.

In addition to its usual elements, this game includes challenging boss battles that can overwhelm players who aren’t adequately leveled, such as Zarpedon. As you progress through later levels in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, you’ll notice a significant increase in difficulty, making it necessary for many players, particularly those playing alone, to grind side missions for experience points. Completing this game might not be a leisurely stroll.

1 Borderlands 2

Come Prepared

A significant number of Borderlands enthusiasts argue that the series reached its zenith with Borderlands 2. Compared to the initial release, its narrative took a substantial leap forward, and it incorporated numerous gameplay enhancements, skillfully evading the issues that beset Borderlands 3. It stands as one of the finest looter-shooters ever crafted, maintaining its allure even after more than a decade since its launch. However, it’s important to note that the game isn’t without flaws. Its level of difficulty can present challenges, particularly for solo players.

Initially, the opponents in this game intensify their aggression as the player advances, ensuring they seldom feel overpowered. This issue is exacerbated by certain types of enemies being excessively durable, while others, like the constructor, are consistently problematic. Frequently, encounters bombard the player with numerous powerful adversaries, making it challenging for solo players to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The game’s bosses in ‘Borderlands 2’ are particularly tough, boasting massive health pools, punishing attacks, and a frustrating tendency to summon additional enemies. On top of that, the game offers extensive options for character customization through its skills trees and classes, which is beneficial but can be confusing. The synergies aren’t always obvious, and constructing an efficient character can be daunting. Inadequately designed builds, especially with certain classes, can leave players struggling towards the end of the game and in challenging areas of the DLCs, particularly Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. Although difficulty may vary among players, these elements make ‘Borderlands 2’ stand out as the most demanding game here, even before considering Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode.

2024-08-14 07:33