Learn how to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free with our detailed guide. Explore various methods, tips, and strategies to access additional content without spending a dime.
To get Borderlands 3 DLC for free, you can take advantage of promotional events, free weekend trials, and giveaways from platforms like the Epic Games Store, or consider sharing DLC with friends who own the content.
Borderlands 3, with its explosive action, rich storytelling, and endless loot, has captured the hearts of many gamers. But as with many modern games, much of the post-launch content, including expansions and story-driven DLCs, comes with a price tag. If you’re an avid Borderlands fan, you might be wondering if there’s a way to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free. Fortunately, there are several legitimate methods to access this content without spending any money. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies to help you enjoy Borderlands 3’s DLC for free, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the action-packed adventures Pandora has to offer.
Introduction
The Borderlands series is renowned for its expansive worlds, quirky characters, and loot-driven gameplay. Borderlands 3 took these elements to the next level, offering a rich base game complemented by numerous DLCs that expand the story, introduce new characters, and add fresh gameplay mechanics. While these DLCs add significant value, purchasing all of them can be expensive. This guide is here to help you discover how to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free through various legitimate means. We’ll cover everything from free trials to special promotions, ensuring that you can experience all that the game has to offer without breaking the bank.
Taking Advantage of Free Promotions and Trials
One of the most straightforward ways to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free is by taking advantage of promotional events and free trials offered by the game developers or distribution platforms.
Free Weekend Trials
Occasionally, Gearbox Software and the platforms that distribute Borderlands 3, like the Epic Games Store and Steam, offer free weekend trials where players can access the game’s DLCs at no cost.
- How It Works: During these free weekends, the game and its DLCs are temporarily available to all players. This allows you to play through the additional content without purchasing it.
- What to Look For: Keep an eye on announcements from Gearbox Software or the platform where you own Borderlands 3. These free weekends are often part of larger promotional events and can be a great way to experience DLC content.
Epic Games Store Giveaways
The Epic Games Store is known for its frequent game giveaways, which sometimes include free DLCs or special editions of games that come bundled with additional content.
- How to Get Free DLC: If you’re using the Epic Games Store, regularly check their free game offerings. While it’s more common for them to offer full games, there’s always a chance they might include DLC as part of a promotional bundle.
- Setting Notifications: To ensure you don’t miss out, consider enabling notifications for free game announcements from Epic Games. This way, you’ll be among the first to know if Borderlands 3 DLC becomes available for free.
Leveraging Game Sharing with Friends
Another effective method to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free is through game sharing. Many platforms allow you to share your game library with friends, and this can include DLC content.
Game Sharing on Consoles
If you’re playing Borderlands 3 on a console, game sharing can be an easy way to access DLC content owned by a friend.
- How It Works: On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you can share your game library with a friend, allowing both of you to access each other’s games and DLCs. Once your friend has shared their library with you, you can download and play their DLC content.
- Setting It Up: The process for setting up game sharing varies by platform. Typically, it involves logging into your friend’s account on your console and setting it as your primary account, which then grants you access to their purchased content.
Family Sharing on Steam
Steam offers a similar feature called Family Sharing, which can be used to access a friend’s Borderlands 3 DLC.
- How Family Sharing Works: By enabling Family Sharing on Steam, you can share your game library with up to five other accounts. If a friend owns the Borderlands 3 DLC, you can access it through their library.
- Limitations: It’s important to note that only one user can access a shared library at a time. This means you’ll need to coordinate with your friend to avoid conflicts over game time.
Participating in Community Events and Giveaways
Community events and giveaways hosted by Borderlands 3’s developers, content creators, or gaming communities can also provide opportunities to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free.
Official Gearbox Events
Gearbox Software, the developer of Borderlands 3, often hosts community events where players can win various prizes, including DLCs.
- Social Media and Streams: Follow Gearbox Software on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They frequently host giveaways, especially around the release of new content or during gaming conventions.
- Twitch Streams: Gearbox and other content creators often host Twitch streams where they give away codes for free DLCs. Participating in these streams can increase your chances of snagging a free copy.
Gaming Forums and Discord Servers
Participating in gaming forums and Discord servers dedicated to Borderlands 3 can connect you with opportunities to get free DLC.
- Forum Giveaways: Sites like Reddit or specialized gaming forums often have members who host giveaways or share spare DLC codes. Joining these communities and staying active can lead to free content.
- Discord Communities: Many Borderlands 3 players and content creators host Discord servers where they regularly give away game codes, including DLCs. Engaging with these communities can be a valuable way to stay in the loop about free content opportunities.
Monitoring Special Sales and Discounts
While not technically free, significant discounts on Borderlands 3 DLCs can make them nearly free, especially during major sales events.
Seasonal Sales
Seasonal sales, such as those during Black Friday, Christmas, or the Steam Summer Sale, often include deep discounts on Borderlands 3 DLC.
- How to Maximize Discounts: During these sales, it’s not uncommon to find Borderlands 3 DLCs discounted by 50% or more. Pairing these discounts with platform-specific sales or using reward points can bring the cost down to virtually nothing.
- Using Discount Vouchers: Sometimes, platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the PlayStation Store offer additional discount vouchers that can be applied to already-discounted items, making the DLCs even cheaper.
Bundle Offers
Another way to reduce the cost of Borderlands 3 DLCs is by purchasing them as part of a bundle, where they are often included at a lower price.
- Game of the Year Editions: Borderlands 3 has been released in various editions, such as the Game of the Year edition, which includes all the DLCs at a significantly reduced price. These editions often go on sale, providing a way to access the DLCs for a fraction of their original cost.
- Humble Bundle: Platforms like Humble Bundle occasionally feature Borderlands 3 or its DLCs as part of a larger game bundle, offering the content at a steep discount or even as a bonus for contributing a certain amount.
Exploring Alternative Legal Methods
There are a few alternative methods to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free, though they might require a bit more effort or time investment.
Earning DLC Through Surveys and Rewards Programs
Some platforms and services allow you to earn points or rewards by completing surveys, watching videos, or participating in promotions, which can then be redeemed for free DLCs.
- Microsoft Rewards: If you’re on Xbox, Microsoft Rewards is a program that lets you earn points by completing various tasks. These points can be redeemed for gift cards, which you can use to purchase Borderlands 3 DLC.
- Swagbucks and Similar Sites: Swagbucks and similar reward sites offer points for completing surveys or watching ads, which can then be redeemed for gift cards to major gaming platforms. While it takes time, it’s a legitimate way to earn free content.
Free Trials and Refund Policies
Some platforms offer free trials or refund policies that can be creatively used to access Borderlands 3 DLC.
- Steam Refund Policy: Steam’s refund policy allows you to refund a game or DLC within two hours of playtime or within 14 days of purchase. If you’re unsure about a DLC, you can try it out and refund it if it’s not what you expected.
- Game Pass and Subscription Services: Sometimes, subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Now offer access to Borderlands 3 and its DLCs as part of the subscription. If you time it right, you can complete the DLC during a free trial period.
Conclusion
While purchasing DLC is the most straightforward way to access additional content in Borderlands 3, there are several legitimate methods to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free. By taking advantage of free trials, community events, game sharing, and special promotions, you can experience all the additional content the game has to offer without spending a dime. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Vault Hunter, these strategies can help you make the most of your Borderlands 3 experience. If you’ve discovered any other ways to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free, or if you have questions about the methods discussed, feel free to leave a comment below. Your insights and experiences could help fellow players unlock new adventures on Pandora!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I get Borderlands 3 DLC for free?
You can get Borderlands 3 DLC for free by taking advantage of promotional events, free weekend trials, giveaways, game sharing with friends, and participating in community events hosted by Gearbox Software or content creators.
Q2: Are there any risks involved in getting free DLC through third-party sites?
Yes, there can be risks when using third-party sites, such as scams or downloading malware. Always use legitimate and trusted platforms like the Epic Games Store, Steam, or official promotions from Gearbox Software.
Q3: Can I share Borderlands 3 DLC with friends on consoles?
Yes, game sharing on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox allows you to share DLC with friends, enabling both of you to access the content even if only one of you has purchased it.
Q4: Do seasonal sales offer significant discounts on Borderlands 3 DLC?
Yes, seasonal sales like Black Friday, Christmas, or the Steam Summer Sale often feature deep discounts on Borderlands 3 DLC, allowing you to purchase them at a much lower price.
Q5: Is it possible to get Borderlands 3 DLC for free through reward programs?
Yes, some platforms like Microsoft Rewards or Swagbucks offer points or rewards that can be redeemed for gift cards, which you can then use to purchase Borderlands 3 DLC for free.