Battleborn

Gearbox Software

Rank: #5 / 11
Released: 2016
Studio: Gearbox Software
Genre: multiplayer online battle arena, first-person shooter

At a glance

Battleborn is a first-person hero shooter from Gearbox Software, combining team-based online matches with a PvE story mode. Its free trial offers 5v5 multiplayer without time limits or level caps, with a weekly rotation drawn from a cast of 30 heroes. Players can permanently unlock and customize favorites through in-game purchases, or upgrade to access the full game’s 25 original launch heroes and story mode. A Season Pass unlocks five post-launch heroes and story operations. Trial progression—including player profiles, hero statistics, and masteries—carries over to the full game or Season Pass. The game supports up to 10 players online and includes three competitive modes: Incursion, Meltdown, and Capture. In Incursion, teams defend their base and attack the opposing one with AI minions. Meltdown scores teams for guiding minions into an incinerator. Capture is described as a fast-paced death match. Battleborn is listed for Windows, with single-player, co-op, PvP, controller support, Steam Cloud, achievements, and trading cards.

Who it is for

It suits players looking for team-based 5v5 hero battles, or those interested in a PvE story alongside multiplayer. The free trial lets players try rotating heroes and carry their progress forward if they upgrade.

What is good

Free trial has no time limits or level caps
Weekly rotation includes heroes from a 30-character cast
Three distinct competitive multiplayer modes
Trial progression carries over to upgrades

What to know first

Windows is the only listed platform
Access to the full game and Season Pass requires upgrading

Verdict

Battleborn offers a free way into its rotating-hero 5v5 matches, with progression that carries over to upgrades. Its listed modes mix base defense, minion scoring, and death-match play.