The Ultimate Weapon Guide for Borderlands 3: Finding the Best Gear

Borderlands 3, the action-packed looter shooter from Gearbox Software, offers an expansive universe filled with countless guns, each with its own unique properties and capabilities. With so many options, finding the perfect weapon can seem overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the chaos of the Borderlands, our ultimate guide will navigate you through the myriad of firearms, ensuring you're well-equipped for any challenge that comes your way.

Understanding Weapon Tiers

The first step in mastering Borderlands 3's arsenal is to comprehend the game's weapon tier system. Weapons are categorized into different rarities, each denoted by a specific color. From least to most rare, they are: White (Common), Green (Uncommon), Blue (Rare), Purple (Epic), and Orange (Legendary). Legendary weapons, with their unique effects and abilities, are the most sought-after by players. However, don't underestimate the power of lower-tier guns, especially in the early stages of your adventure.

Finding Legendary Weapons

Legendary weapons are the pinnacle of what Borderlands 3 has to offer. These items often have game-changing effects and unique aesthetics. But how exactly do you get your hands on these coveted items? Here are a few methods:

• World Drops: Any enemy in the game has a small chance to drop a Legendary weapon. This method is purely based on luck, but it means that grinding through hordes of enemies could eventually reward you with a powerful piece of gear.
• Specific Bosses: Certain bosses are known to have higher chances of dropping specific Legendary weapons. A bit of research can tell you which bosses to farm for the weapon you desire.
• Chests: High-value chests, especially those found after defeating bosses or completing difficult missions, have a higher chance of containing Legendary gear.
• Quest Rewards: Some missions, particularly those that are more challenging or are part of the main storyline, reward players with Legendary weapons upon completion.

Patience and persistence are key when it comes to farming for Legendary weapons. Keep grinding, and eventually, the game will reward your efforts.

Unique Quest Weapons

Besides Legendary weapons, Borderlands 3 introduces Unique weapons. Often overlooked, these guns come with special quirks that cannot be found anywhere else. While not always as powerful as Legendaries, they provide fun and unusual playstyles. These weapons are typically rewards for completing specific quests or challenges. Make sure to pay attention to quest rewards and you might find yourself with a Unique weapon that perfectly suits your playstyle.

Maximizing Gear with Anointed Bonuses

Anointed gear represents another layer of depth in Borderlands 3's loot system. These weapons and items come with perks that provide significant bonuses under certain conditions, such as action skill use. Anointed bonuses can be found on gear of any rarity, but they are more common on weapons that are Epic or Legendary. Combining the right Anointed weapon with your character’s build can drastically increase your damage output or survivability.

Look out for Anointed gear that complements your playstyle. For instance, if you often use your action skills, search for Anointed perks that trigger on action skill start or end.

Elemental Damage and Enemy Weaknesses

Understanding elemental damage is crucial in Borderlands 3. The game includes several damage types: Incendiary, Shock, Corrosive, Cryo, and Radiation. Each element is particularly effective against certain types of enemies:

• Incendiary: Best against flesh targets (red health bar).
• Shock: Most effective against shields (blue health bar).
• Corrosive: Excellent for dismantling armored foes (yellow health bar).
• Cryo: Can slow down or freeze enemies, making it useful in various situations.
• Radiation: Causes enemies to explode on death, dealing damage to nearby foes. It's effective in crowd control.

Choosing the right elemental damage for the situation can turn the tide of battle. Mix and match your weapons to ensure you're prepared for any enemy type.

Weapon Manufacturers and Their Perks

Borderlands 3 features several weapon manufacturers, each bringing its unique flavor to the weapons they produce. Familiarize yourself with these brands and their inherent perks:

• Atlas: Known for Smart Bullets, which can track targets.
• Jakobs: If it took more than one shot, you weren't using a Jakobs. Known for high damage and crit bonuses.
• Torgue: Explosions? Explosions! Torgue weapons typically feature explosive rounds.
• Maliwan: Offers weapons that can charge up elemental damage for devastating effects.
• Vladof: Features weapons with extremely high fire rates and under-barrel attachments.

Each manufacturer caters to different playstyles. Whether you prefer precision shots or causing chaos with explosions, there's a brand that aligns with your preferred way of wreaking havoc.

Participating in Events and DLC

Borderlands 3 frequently hosts limited-time events and has released multiple DLCs, all offering unique and powerful weapons. Participating in these events and exploring DLC content can reward you with exclusive gear that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Keep an eye on the game's news to take advantage of these opportunities.

Experimenting and Personal Playstyle

Ultimately, the best weapon in Borderlands 3 is the one that fits your playstyle. The game encourages experimentation, and with millions of possible gun combinations, there’s always something new to try. Don't be afraid to mix things up and test out different combinations of weapons, gear, and character builds. You might stumble upon a setup that feels tailor-made for you.

Conclusion

Borderlands 3's weapon system is vast and intricate, offering endless possibilities for customization and strategy. By understanding weapon rarities, elemental damage types, and manufacturer perks, you'll be better equipped to navigate the sea of guns and find the perfect arsenal for your Vault Hunter. Remember, persistence in farming, experimenting with different weapons, and knowing your enemies' weaknesses are key to becoming a legendary Vault Hunter. Happy looting!