Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the intricacies of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, it's important to understand the basic gameplay mechanics that define this title.
Gameplay Mechanics
1. Low Gravity: One of the key features of The Pre-Sequel is the low-gravity environment. This affects movement, jumping, and combat. Players can perform higher jumps and execute unique combat maneuvers, such as slam attacks.
2. Oxygen Management: On Pandora’s moon, players must manage their oxygen levels. Oxygen can be replenished by using oxygen canisters found throughout the game world. Players can also upgrade their oxygen supply through various skills and equipment.
3. Cryo Damage: This game introduces a new elemental damage type - Cryo. Cryo damage can freeze enemies, making them vulnerable to shattering attacks. Understanding how to utilize this mechanic is crucial in both combat and strategy.
Character Selection
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel features four new characters, each with unique abilities that cater to different play styles. Knowing how to leverage these abilities can greatly enhance your gameplay experience.
Character Overview
1. Athena: The Gladiator
- Action Skill: Kinetic Aspis allows Athena to absorb damage with her shield and release it back at enemies.
- Playstyle: Good for players who enjoy tanking and dealing damage simultaneously.
2. Wilhelm: The Enforcer
- Action Skill: Drones that assist in combat, providing both damage and support.
- Playstyle: Best for players who prefer a balanced approach, with a focus on technology and support.
3. Nisha: The Lawbringer
- Action Skill: Showdown grants her a significant damage boost and auto-aim for a limited time.
- Playstyle: Ideal for aggressive players looking to maximize damage output.
4. Claptrap: The Fragtrap
- Action Skill: Randomly activates one of several effects, ranging from health restoration to increased damage.
- Playstyle: A wildcard character that can adapt to various situations, keeping gameplay fresh and unpredictable.
Weapons and Gear
Weapons are a core component of the Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel experience. Understanding the types of weapons available and how to effectively use them can give players an edge.
Types of Weapons
1. Pistols: Fast firing, useful for quick engagements.
2. Assault Rifles: Versatile, with a balance of damage and range.
3. Shotguns: High damage at close range, effective for aggressive playstyles.
4. Sniper Rifles: Perfect for long-range engagements, allowing players to pick off enemies from a distance.
5. Special Weapons: These include unique items like laser weapons and the infamous “SWORDSPLOSION” gun, which explodes on impact.
Gear and Modifications
- Class Mods: Boost particular skills and abilities, allowing for specialization.
- Shields: Crucial for defense, with various types offering different advantages, such as increased health or elemental resistance.
- Oxygen Gear: Increases your oxygen capacity or grants bonuses while using your oxygen supply.
Quests and Missions
The Pre-Sequel features a variety of missions that can be approached in different ways. Understanding how to navigate these quests can enhance your gaming experience.
Main Missions vs. Side Missions
- Main Missions: These are critical to progressing through the story and often involve key characters and plot points.
- Side Missions: While optional, side missions can provide valuable loot, experience points, and unique challenges. They often offer insights into the game's lore and world.
Tips for Completing Missions
1. Explore Thoroughly: Always take the time to explore your surroundings for hidden loot and side quests.
2. Utilize Fast Travel: The fast travel system can save you time, especially when backtracking for side missions.
3. Co-op Play: Teaming up with friends can make completing missions easier and more enjoyable.
Leveling and Skill Trees
Mastering character progression through leveling and skill trees is essential for maximizing your potential in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Leveling Up
- Players can level up to a maximum of 50, gaining skill points with each level. These points can be allocated into skill trees to enhance abilities and unlock new skills.
Skill Trees
Each character has three distinct skill trees, allowing players to specialize in different aspects of their character. For instance:
- Athena's Skill Trees:
- Shielding: Focuses on enhancing her shield and defensive capabilities.
- DPS: Increases damage output and melee effectiveness.
- Utility: Offers enhancements to her oxygen supply and mobility.
Understanding each character’s skill trees and how they complement your playstyle can lead to a more enjoyable experience.
Endgame Content
Once you complete the story, there are many activities to keep you engaged in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel:
True Vault Hunter Mode
This mode allows players to replay the game at a higher difficulty, with tougher enemies and better rewards. It’s a great way to refine your skills and experiment with different character builds.
Headhunter Packs
These downloadable content packs provide additional missions and challenges, often with unique bosses and loot.
Conclusion
In summary, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Game Guide is designed to give players a thorough understanding of the game’s mechanics, characters, and strategies. Whether you’re exploring the moon of Pandora, battling enemies with unique weapons, or engaging in co-op play with friends, the experience is enriched by understanding these elements. By mastering the gameplay, character abilities, and mission strategies, players can fully enjoy the chaotic and humorous world that the Borderlands franchise is known for. Happy looting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best character builds in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Some of the best character builds include the Cryo-focused build for Athena, the Laser Discs build for Nisha, and the Daze and Damage build for Jack. Each build focuses on maximizing the unique skills of the character while synergizing with the game's mechanics.
How can I farm for legendary weapons in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
You can farm for legendary weapons by defeating bosses like the Warrior, or by farming specific locations like the 'Torgue's Campaign of Carnage' area. Also, ensure to play on higher difficulty levels to increase legendary drop rates.
What are the best tips for solo play in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Focus on a character build that enhances survivability, such as Athena with her defensive skills or Claptrap for his unpredictability. Utilize the environment for cover, and don't hesitate to switch to co-op mode if needed for tougher encounters.
What are the significant changes in gameplay mechanics compared to previous Borderlands titles?
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel introduces low-gravity mechanics, allowing players to perform double jumps and slam attacks. The oxygen system also adds a new layer of strategy, requiring players to manage their oxygen supply during combat.
How do I unlock additional character slots in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Additional character slots can be unlocked by purchasing them from the in-game store or by completing certain achievements. The base game provides four slots, but you can expand this limit through expansions or DLC.
What are some effective strategies for boss fights in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
Utilize elemental weapons that exploit boss weaknesses, maintain movement to avoid attacks, and use the environment to your advantage. Teamwork is key in co-op modes, so coordinate with your team to maximize damage output and revives.
Are there any cheats or exploits in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
While there are no official cheats, players have found glitches for farming items or speeding up leveling. However, using exploits may affect your gameplay experience and can lead to bugs or crashes.
What are the best side missions to complete for loot and experience?
Side missions like 'The Beard Makes The Man' and 'A New Direction' provide excellent rewards and experience. Completing these missions also helps unlock new areas and additional lore.
How can I improve my loot chances in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
To improve loot chances, always open loot chests, defeat unique enemies, and farm bosses. Additionally, playing on higher difficulty settings increases the quality and quantity of loot drops.
What are some must-have skills for each character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?
For Athena, prioritize 'Glacial Shield' for defense; for Jack, focus on 'The Better Half' for damage; for Nisha, 'The Law' is essential for critical hits; and for Claptrap, 'The One' can provide powerful random effects.
