Borderlands 3 is at its best when its first-person shooting and ever-changing weapons take center stage. Its story and characters are more divisive: a 2019 TIME review praised the combat and weapon spectacle but criticized the writing. That makes it a stronger fit for players drawn to the loot loop and co-op mayhem than for anyone looking primarily for a compelling narrative.
What kind of game is Borderlands 3?
Borderlands 3 is a first-person loot-shooter with role-playing elements. The core appeal is a cycle of fighting enemies, collecting weapons and customizing a character, with humor and cooperative multiplayer built into the experience. 2K’s launch announcement emphasized shooting, customization, characters and co-op; TIME likewise described it as a loot-shooter with RPG elements.
![Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510vIObt2KL._SL160_.jpg)
The game’s defining pleasure is the sheer personality of its weapons: combat is built around trying new guns and seeing how their quirks change a fight. For a player who enjoys that steady stream of gear and action, the loop has a clear hook. The narrative is less dependable as a reason to keep playing.
How good are the combat and story?
Shooting and loot
In its 2019 review, TIME singled out the shooting and bizarre weapon spectacle as strengths. That is one critic’s assessment, not a universal verdict, but it captures the game’s central trade-off: the moment-to-moment action can carry the experience even when other parts do not land as well.
#1 Best Overall
Writing and characters
The same TIME review judged the writing and characters harshly. Players who need sharp dialogue or memorable storytelling to enjoy a shooter may find that a meaningful drawback. Those more interested in combat, gear and playing alongside friends may be less affected by it.
Is Borderlands 3 better solo or in co-op?
Cooperative play is part of the game’s design and official feature framing, but that alone does not establish that every player will prefer co-op. The official next-generation announcement specified online co-op and local split-screen options; it did not make a comparative claim about whether solo or co-op is the better way to play. Choose based on whether you want to share the action with other players, and check the listing for your edition and platform for its available modes.
Rank #2
- Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
- Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
- Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
Which platforms and editions are available?
The game launched worldwide in September 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC through the Epic Games Store. Later releases added other platform editions. The official 2K store currently lists platform editions, and 2K announced the Nintendo Switch Ultimate Edition in 2023.
Nintendo Switch Ultimate Edition
2K announced the Switch Ultimate Edition as a physical or digital purchase containing the base game, all six content add-ons and the bonus cosmetic collection. Contents can differ by platform and region, so verify the specific package before buying—especially if you are comparing a standard edition with an Ultimate Edition.
Rank #3
- Fully optimized for next-gen consoles!
- Experience the game in gorgeous 4K resolution at 60 fps in single-player and online co-op (Only Available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X).
- Add more couch co-op mayhem with support for three- and four-player splitscreen for local multiplayer (Only available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S).
- Copies of Borderlands 3 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will include a digital upgrade to the next-gen version of the game (within same console family) at no additional fees.
- For physical discs, this feature is only valid on next-gen console models with disc drives.
PS4 and Xbox One copies on newer consoles
2K’s store describes free upgrades within the same console family for PS4 and Xbox One copies. A physical copy requires a next-generation console with a disc drive to use the upgrade. Confirm the current platform listing and compatibility details for your copy before relying on an upgrade.
What should you expect from the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions?
In its 2020 next-generation announcement, 2K specified a target of 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on PS5 and Xbox Series X for single-player and online co-op. It also announced three- and four-player local split-screen on next-generation consoles. These are publisher-announced specifications, not independent performance measurements or a guarantee about every mode, patch or display setup. PlayStation’s listing also notes a PS5 feature caveat, so check the current listing for the relevant version before purchase.
Rank #4
- Officially licensed Borderlands products inspired by the iconic Mister Torgue, featuring tabletop game expansions, collectibles, and themed accessories
- Expand your Borderlands tabletop experience with exciting gameplay content, unique characters, or collectible items designed to complement Mister Torgue's Arena of Badassery
- Great for collectors, tabletop gamers, and Borderlands fans looking to enhance their game nights or display officially licensed memorabilia
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with compatible Borderlands tabletop products while celebrating the explosive personality and style of Mister Torgue
- Features high-quality components and officially licensed designs that capture the humor, action, and unmistakable atmosphere of the Borderlands universe
Should you play Borderlands 3?
Consider Borderlands 3 if inventive-feeling gunplay, collecting weapons and cooperative action are the features you value most. Be more cautious if the story, dialogue and characters are your main draw; at least one contemporary review found those elements weaker than the combat. Before buying, match the edition to your platform, check its included add-ons and confirm any upgrade requirements for physical copies.
Sources: 2K’s 2019 launch announcement; TIME’s 2019 review; 2K’s Borderlands 3 store listing; 2K’s Nintendo Switch Ultimate Edition announcement; 2K’s next-generation announcement; PlayStation’s Borderlands 3 listing.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
