Gearbox’s Borderlands 3 wouldn’t be a looter shooter without an end-game and it seems the developer is buffing it significantly from predecessors. First, there’s Guardian Rank which consists incremental buffs that are earned through XP, divided into three trees – Enforcer, Survivor and Hunter. It’s only available once the campaign is finished and functions much like Badass Ranks from Borderlands 2.
However, while you can increase Critical Damage, Gun Damage, Max Health and so on with each Guardian Token unlocked, the number of Tokens invested contributes to specific Guardian Rewards. Invest enough in Enforcer and you can unlock Inner Fury which increases gun damage in Fight For Your Life mode. You also get different weapon and Vault Hunter skins to show off your progress.
True Vault Hunter Mode is making a return, allowing players to replay the campaign with tougher enemies and better loot. It’s essentially New Game Plus – your stats and equipment remain the same but mission progress is unique. However, the real new addition is Mayhem Mode. It has three difficulty levels – Mayhem 1, Mayhem 2 and Mayhem 3 – and grants increased HP, armor and shields to enemies. In return, you get more experience, Eridium, cash and loot. Anointed enemies will also appear which drop Anointed Gear – these will buff your Vault Hunter’s Action Skills.
If that weren’t enough, there are different Mayhem Mods applied to planets visited. For example: Savage sees enemies dealing more weapon damage. You’re a Wizard reduces normal bullet damage but increases elemental damage. Mayhem 2 and 3 will have their own respective mods as well, and you won’t be able to access Mayhem Mode in True Vault Hunter Mode until the campaign has been beaten again.
That’s not including the Proving Grounds and Circle of Slaughter activities for end-game. Borderlands 3 is out on September 13th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.