VGSources / Games / Gearbox Software
multiplayer online battle arena
Battleborn
By Gearbox Software, released 1 Jan 2016
- Microsoft Windows
- first-person shooter
What it is
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.
What players like, and what they don't
- 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
- Windows is the only listed platform
- Access to the full game and Season Pass requires upgrading
Who it suits
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.
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.





