Today, Borderlands 3 revealed to the world its Broken Heart Day event which is set to begin on February 13. Not only did it show off this new seasonal event, though, as it also talked about balance in the game, announced the Borderlands 3 story DLC 2 reveal date, talked about changes coming to Mayhem Mode, revealed a forthcoming level cap increase, and more.
Notably, some of this will be releasing at a later time, while some of this and particularly the level cap increase will be released alongside the Borderlands 3 Broken Hearts Day event. The level cap increase is something fans have anticipated for some time, but it's a particularly strange approach: it is only increaing by 3 levels. Considering how Borderlands 2 jumped from 50 to 61 and then from 61-72, it seems like a strange choice with some strange implications.
Borderlands 3 Broken Hearts Day Event
First, it's worth describing the event accompanying the level cap increase update. It is set to begin February 13, will last for just a week, and features special hearts attached to specific enemies that, when destroyed, trigger a random effect and unlocks rewards for players. After destroying 100 hearts during Borderlands 3's Broken Hearts Day event, players will be rewarded with the Wedding Invitation Jakobs Sniper Rifle.
All in all, it sounds like a fun event, and it'll be interesting to see how it turns out. And while the level cap increase is releasing alongside the Borderlands 3 event, it seems disconnected. Even though players will be grinding enemies in an attempt to get these hearts, that won't make too much of a difference in getting those three levels. After all, the event can be toggled off, so this is all to say that that the 3-level increase doesn't appear to be facilitated by the event through normal means.
Borderlands 3 Level Cap Increase and Balance
Nonetheless, the Borderlands 3 level cap increase will release on February 13 too, so players will likely be trying to get those 3 extra skill points as soon as possible. There's little doubt that those skill points will have some influence on the game, as the skills work a little different this time around, and that is likely one big reason for a 3-level increase. Simply put, managing and balancing gameplay surrounding 3 extra skill points is far easier than 11 levels all at once.
It's also worth mentioning that Borderlands 2's DLC and level caps worked incredibly different. Borderlands 2 released in September of 2012 (not unlike Borderlands 3 in September of 2013), but by its 11 level cap increase in April, it had already received 3 of its story DLCs. In that same time span, it seems Borderlands 3 has had several events but definitely less story DLCs than BL2, meaning expecting that jump isn't really reasonable.
With only one story DLC out, it makes sense that the level cap increase isn't 11 levels, and balancing 3 levels will be simpler than a huge jump in level output well before further content is added to Borderlands 3. It'll likely reach around level 71 as with Borderlands 2, just not at the same pace. After all, if it kept going up by 3s, it would eventually reach 71.
Not to mention, these skill points point players just shy of unlocking 2 capstone abilities, which itself would be difficult to balance and possibly a reason it isn't 5 as many wondered. As such, between balance of three levels alone, the possibility of 2 capstone abilities beyond that, and the differences in the sequel and threequel release patterns, this makes sense...well, in all areas except one.
Level 53 Weapons in Borderlands
With big jumps in level caps, many enjoyed farming the new levels and improving the gear further and further. There was a huge gap that needed to be closed, which called many Vault Hunters to get higher level loot. With 3 levels, that push isn't really there, as there isn't really incentive to push the 3 levels for many players, and this could have a devastating effect depending on how level 50 Borderlands 3 weapons work at level 53.
Excellent level 50 weapons may work decently at level 53, there may be little to notice in its effective difference, or it can completely neutralize them. Borderlands 3 endgame is hard, and having the right gear and set up is important. If it's the former and this level change doesn't really affect that, then mostly no harm, no foul except for diehards who need precisely maxed out and perfect gear. If it's the latter, however, then endgame content will become much harder and require players to grind for a simple 3 levels.
All things considered, it'll be more clear when the Borderlands 3 level cap increase goes into effect, but luckily, fans will know sooner rather than later. The level cap increase is scheduled for Thursday, and as fans dive into maxing that out, it'll be interesting to see how it resolves exactly.
Borderlands 3 is out now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.