Borderlands 3 heads to Steam in March, and Gaige returns in new DLC

Things look much different from the launch of Borderlands 3 to the way things are now. For starters, there was a flurry of controversy surrounding voice actors and content when the third installment in the Borderlands franchise was poised and primed for launch. But, the story looks much different now, even with new content continuing to pour out from the game’s developer, Gearbox Software. The team took to the stage at PAX East to talk about future DLC plans for the game, as well as its move to Steam next month — along with the return of Gaige.

Sign of things to come

The first bit of big news comes in the form of a Steam launch. Valve’s digital storefront was left out of the initial agreement to launch Borderlands 3 as it was initially an Epic Games Store timed exclusive. The new store also means new things for online players. The multiplayer experience will now support crossplay between those using Steam and the Epic Games Launcher. The promise is that “You’ll be able to add friends to your Friends List, join co-op parties, and play together online regardless of which PC platform each player is using.”

The Steam rollout will officially kick things off on March 13. And, you can now add it to your Steam Wishlist on its official page within the store.

Put some tentacles in your DLC

The next downloadable content pack for Borderlands 3 is titled, Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock. Whew, that was even tiresome to type. Anyways, the DLC will follow Alistair Hammerlock and Wainwright Jakobs and their journey into marriageable bliss. You’ll head to Xylourgos to celebrate the matrimony. The icy landscape of the planet doesn’t mean it’s bereft of life, though. In fact, your initial meeting place is home to the remains of massive, dead Vault Monster.

Much like the rest of the world of Borderlands 3, there are those out there not happy about the new power couple. The worshipers of said (dead) giant, Vault Monster don’t want people trampling their sacred grounds. Enter: Gaige. She makes her return to the series with the assist, along with her sidekick Deathtrap in tow.

There are perks for those brave enough to bear the cold and run through the content. For example, there will be new “Legendaries and some supremely powerful Class Mods.” These will come from wiping out the “mutated occultists” along with completing the various new side missions when it launches on March 26.

Freebies to come

Gearbox Software and 2K Games are providing more than just paid content to support Borderlands 3. This is also a follow up to content that was talked about back in February of this year. Coming in April, Mayhem Mode 2.0 and Revenge of the Cartels will bring two seasonal events. Mayhem Mode 2.0 promises to change the end-game content by changing what is affected by Mayhem modifiers. And, in the Revenge of the Cartels, you’ll hunt and takeout those nasty runners for rewards specific to the event.

Following in the month of May, Takedown makes its return. The Guardian Takedown will offer some of the “most challenging content in the game,” we’re told. Sounds like you better be ready to wipe the sweat of your brow–and input device. The content will offer new gear, bosses, and additional cosmetic items.

For the truest tests of wit, skill, and reflexes, you can run through this in the True Takedown Mode. The mode brings a new difficulty spike to the game, ramping up for what would be a party of four Vault Hunters who are completely leveled up. Instead of taking on enemies in a squad of four, you are left with nothing but your bootstraps and guns.

Last but not least

There is still more story to tell in Borderlands 3. With the first campaign addition released back in November 2019, Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, there’s a new one in the works for the summer. Gearbox is teasing something to do with, uh dinosaurs? Outlaws? I mean, I guess. There are additional plans for the third and fourth installments to the game’s main story, however, more info is promised to come at a later date.

Borderlands 3 hunts on Steam on March 13. Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock will be available later on March 26.