There is a long road to max level in Borderlands 3, and it will take a lot of time and effort to get there. The good news is the game is packed with ways to reach it. In fact, there are enough ways to earn experience to possibly overwhelm players, but the activities they choose to engage in might not be the best use of their time. For those whose goal is to reach level 50 in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, here are some tips on how to do just that.
Finish the Campaign
Make sure to complete the main campaign is number one on the list. There will be a ton of experience to gain from doing so, but it will also prepare players for the harder challenges to come. Additionally, new abilities and gear slots will unlock, all of which will be crucial in the continued goal of reaching level 50. That's right, simply completing the campaign will not earn a player max level. It is just the beginning.
Collect Collectibles
There is a lot of ground to cover in Borderlands 3 and completionists will want to explore every nook and cranny. This can be rewarding, but patience can be even more so. Along the journey, there are Claptrap and vehicle parts to collect, broadcast towers to sabotage, and Eridian Writing to discover, each rewarding a good amount of experience. But collectibles like the Eridian Writing can't even be done without obtaining an item from way later in the game. This is why it is best to wait it out and only mildly explore the map until you are finish with the campaign. Additional enemies and items will be added to zones as player progress, so it is worth backtracking. There are more efficient ways to farm Eridium later on as well.
Save Some Sidequests
There are definitely players out there that are scoffing at the mere suggestion, but they need to sit tight and resist finishing every sidequest they come across. This is because sidequests reward weapons with stats that match a player's current level. Waiting until level 40+ means they are getting more bang for their buck. Do a few sidequests, but save the majority and you'll be glad you did. Nothing worse than getting a weapon that instantly becomes useless. Don't worry about losing out on monetary rewards, there are other ways to make money fast in Borderlands 3.
Artifacts Can Provide A Boost
Players won't have to worry about artifacts for a while, but once they unlock the ability to equip them, they can be a real help in finishing those last few levels. Some artifacts provide bonus experience modifiers, which are a boon for the grind.
Have A High-Level Friend Help Out
Jumping into some co-op with a player who has been at the game longer can open up opportunities to gain lots of experience. If the difference in levels is high enough, newbies can expect to be leveling up rapid-fire. Why not help out a friend while you show each other your fancy weapon skins? Just don't journey too deep with high-level buddies or risk spoiling some of the later content.
Post-Campaign Content
Once the campaign is complete, things really start to heat up. There are trials available that should be undertaken while backtracking and clearing out leftover side quests and collectibles. They provide better rewards for players who finishing them quickly, and each trial will be throwing out a variety of challenges against different enemy factions. There is a lot of loot and experience to be gained, so find them and conquer them. If any of this content proves too trying, don't forget about matchmaking for endgame activities. Buddy up and take on these trials together.
Another major way to gain experience is through Mayhem Mode, which is available after the campaign is complete and can be turned on at a player's discretion. There are three levels to Mayhem Mode, and each makes certain crucial adjustments that affect gameplay. For instance, level 1 will increase enemy health, shields and armor, while reducing normal bullet and attack damage. However, the payout for activities is increased by a whopping 200%. Each level increases these modifiers, with level 3 being absolutely brutal but also rewarding the most. The more risk, the more rewards.
These tips should help any Vault Hunter reach level 50 in the fastest way possible. It is all about prioritizing activities and avoid distractions. Good luck!
Borderlands 3 will be available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, with a Stadia version also in development.
Source: PC Gamer