[HTML1]

While the development team at Gearbox Software has ideas for Borderlands 3, as evidenced by the ending of Borderlands 2, they've not yet begun work on the threequel and instead are focused on providing additional content to the already lengthy campaign of the latest release. This content is something they began work on a while before the game's launch, and players can opt in to get all of the upcoming expansions for $30 via the Borderlands 2 season pass.

Gamers who pre-ordered Borderlands 2 not only received some in-game weapon and item bonuses, but they also get the first piece of the game's DLC, content that includes a brand new playable character.

The fifth playable class for Borderlands 2 was revealed in Boston during PAX East and aptly dubbed the "Mechromancer." The DLC was later given an October 16th release date but as we learned this morning, that's not longer the case.

We already knew the new cyborg character's name was Gaige and that her special ability involved a hovering robot sidekick named Deathtrap. Where Axton the Commando can deploy gun turrets, Gaige's robot can move around, attacking enemies with lasers, explosions, melee attacks, etc. and can even restore the shields of allies, depending on what skills the player unlocks.

The first in-game screenshot was revealed by the Twitter account of the in-game character last week with the following caption:

"Hey everybody! Gaige here. Mechromancer. I mance mechros. Here's a picture of Deathtrap and I looking like BA's."

Like the four characters that shipped with the game, the interactive Mechromancer skill tree is now viewable on the official site where players can simulate the distribution of skill points to find the right path of progression. During the actual game, players can use in-game cash to redistribute their skills so don't be shy about trying new things out.

The Mechromancer DLC is available today, a full week early, free for players who pre-ordered. If you bought it launch day or later, you'll have to be the very expensive price of $9.99 USD / 800 Microsoft points to get the playable character. Sorry.

Borderlands 2 is available for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

-

Follow Rob on Twitter @rob_keyes.

Sources: Gauge, Gearbox Software