Discover when you can play multiplayer in Borderlands 3 with our comprehensive guide. Learn the requirements, steps, and tips to dive into cooperative gameplay.
You can play multiplayer in Borderlands 3 right after completing the initial tutorial and reaching Sanctuary, where the multiplayer options become fully available.
Borderlands 3 is known for its chaotic, loot-filled action and, perhaps more importantly, its cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or diving into the fray with random players, the multiplayer mode adds a whole new layer of excitement to the experience. But when can you play multiplayer in Borderlands 3? For newcomers or those unfamiliar with the game’s mechanics, this question might not have an immediately obvious answer. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about when and how you can start playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3, ensuring you can team up and take down enemies together as soon as possible.
Introduction
Borderlands 3 is designed to be enjoyed both solo and with others, making it one of the best co-op games available. The series has always emphasized cooperative gameplay, allowing players to experience the story, loot, and mayhem together. However, like many games, there are specific requirements and steps you need to follow before you can jump into multiplayer. Whether you’re eager to start playing with friends or simply want to know more about how the multiplayer mechanics work, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from starting the game to joining or hosting multiplayer sessions.
Getting Started: When Multiplayer Becomes Available
In Borderlands 3, the ability to play multiplayer doesn’t require a long wait, but you do need to reach a certain point in the game before it becomes available.
The Initial Tutorial Phase
When you first start Borderlands 3, you’ll go through an initial tutorial phase that introduces you to the basic mechanics of the game.
- Character Selection: Before you can play multiplayer in Borderlands 3, you’ll first need to select your character from the four available Vault Hunters. Each character has unique abilities and skill trees, which will affect your multiplayer experience.
- Basic Training: The tutorial phase also includes basic combat training, where you’ll learn how to shoot, loot, and interact with the game’s world. This part of the game is essential for new players to get accustomed to the controls and mechanics.
Reaching Sanctuary
The real turning point for multiplayer access in Borderlands 3 occurs when you reach Sanctuary, the main hub of the game.
- First Major Mission: After completing the first major mission on Pandora and reaching the spaceship known as Sanctuary III, multiplayer options become fully available. This usually happens within the first hour or two of gameplay, depending on your pace.
- Unlocking the Social Menu: Once you’re on Sanctuary, you’ll have access to the Social menu, where you can invite friends, join games, and adjust multiplayer settings. This is where the full multiplayer experience in Borderlands 3 begins.
How to Start Playing Multiplayer
Now that you know when you can start playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3, let’s explore how to set up a multiplayer session, whether you’re playing with friends or joining random players.
Hosting a Multiplayer Game
If you’re looking to host a multiplayer game, Borderlands 3 makes it easy to set up a session and invite your friends.
- Access the Social Menu: From the main menu or in-game, open the Social menu. Here, you can see your friends list, manage invites, and set your game to either public or private.
- Invite Friends: To play multiplayer in Borderlands 3 with friends, simply select the friends you want to invite from your friends list and send them an invitation. Once they accept, they’ll join your game session.
Joining a Multiplayer Game
If you’d rather join a game hosted by someone else, whether it’s a friend or a random player, you have several options.
- Join Friends’ Games: From the Social menu, you can view which friends are currently online and playing Borderlands 3. If they have their game set to “Friends Only” or “Public,” you can join their session directly.
- Matchmaking: Borderlands 3 also offers a matchmaking system that allows you to join games with random players. This is a great way to experience multiplayer if your friends aren’t online or if you’re looking to meet new people in the game.
Multiplayer Modes and Settings
Borderlands 3 offers several multiplayer modes and settings that can be adjusted to customize your cooperative experience. Understanding these options is key to getting the most out of multiplayer.
Cooperative vs. Co-Opetition
One of the unique features of Borderlands 3’s multiplayer mode is the ability to choose between two different loot-sharing systems: Cooperative and Co-Opetition.
- Cooperative Mode: In Cooperative mode, loot is instanced for each player, meaning everyone gets their own loot drops. This mode is ideal if you want to avoid conflicts over loot and ensure that everyone gets something valuable.
- Co-Opetition Mode: In Co-Opetition mode, loot is shared among all players, and whoever picks it up first gets it. This mode can add a competitive edge to the game, making it more challenging and potentially more fun for those who enjoy a bit of rivalry.
Adjusting Difficulty
Playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3 doesn’t just mean more players—it can also mean tougher enemies and better rewards.
- Scaling Difficulty: Borderlands 3 automatically scales the difficulty based on the number of players in the game. The more players you have, the tougher the enemies will be, but the rewards will also be greater.
- Mayhem Mode: Once you’ve completed the main story, you can activate Mayhem Mode, which adds various difficulty modifiers to the game. This mode is perfect for experienced players looking for a challenge, and it offers even better loot.
Benefits of Playing Multiplayer in Borderlands 3
Playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3 offers several advantages that can enhance your overall gaming experience. Here’s why you might prefer playing with others rather than going solo.
Enhanced Gameplay Experience
Borderlands 3 is designed with multiplayer in mind, and playing with others can significantly enhance your experience.
- Team Strategies: In multiplayer, you can coordinate with your teammates to create effective strategies, such as combining abilities and focusing on different roles during combat.
- Shared Progression: Multiplayer allows you to progress through the game’s story and side missions with friends, making the experience more enjoyable and less daunting.
Better Loot and Rewards
Playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3 can also lead to better loot, thanks to the game’s scaling mechanics.
- Increased Loot Drops: The more players in a game, the more loot will drop, giving everyone a better chance of finding rare and legendary items.
- Co-op Challenges: Multiplayer sessions often include co-op challenges that reward players with additional loot, experience points, and achievements.
Troubleshooting Multiplayer Issues
While playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3 is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Connection Problems
Connection issues can prevent you from joining or hosting multiplayer games. Here’s how to resolve them.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and strong. If you’re experiencing lag or disconnects, try switching to a wired connection or resetting your router.
- Server Issues: Sometimes, the Borderlands 3 servers might be down or experiencing high traffic. Check online for any server status updates or maintenance announcements.
Invite and Joining Issues
If you’re having trouble inviting friends or joining their games, there could be several reasons for this.
- Friend List Issues: Ensure that your friend list is up-to-date and that both you and your friends are online. Sometimes, restarting the game or platform can resolve friend list issues.
- Game Version Mismatch: Make sure that all players are running the same version of the game. If one player hasn’t updated their game, it could prevent them from joining the multiplayer session.
Preparing for Multiplayer Success
To make the most of your multiplayer experience in Borderlands 3, there are a few things you can do to prepare and ensure a smooth gaming session.
Optimize Your Loadout
Before jumping into multiplayer, take some time to optimize your character’s loadout.
- Balanced Loadout: Make sure your loadout is balanced and complements your teammates’ abilities. For example, if you’re playing as a healer, make sure you have the right skills and gear to support your team.
- Upgrade Gear: Visit vendors and loot chests to upgrade your weapons, shields, and other gear before starting a multiplayer session. This will help you keep up with the tougher enemies you’ll face in co-op mode.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial in multiplayer games, especially in a fast-paced game like Borderlands 3.
- Use Voice Chat: If possible, use voice chat to coordinate with your team. This makes it easier to strategize, call out enemy locations, and share loot.
- Set Clear Objectives: Before starting a mission, discuss your objectives with your team. Decide whether you want to focus on the main story, side quests, or simply explore and loot.
Conclusion
Playing multiplayer in Borderlands 3 is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game, allowing you to team up with friends or random players to tackle the game’s challenges together. From the moment you complete the initial tutorial and reach Sanctuary, you can dive into the multiplayer action, exploring Pandora and beyond as part of a team. Whether you’re hosting your own game, joining a friend, or jumping into matchmaking,
multiplayer offers enhanced gameplay, better loot, and an overall richer experience. If you’ve had any memorable multiplayer moments or have tips to share, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When can you play multiplayer in Borderlands 3?
You can play multiplayer in Borderlands 3 after completing the initial tutorial and reaching Sanctuary. At this point, the Social menu becomes available, allowing you to invite friends or join other players.
Q2: How do I invite friends to my game in Borderlands 3?
To invite friends, open the Social menu, select your friends from the friends list, and send them an invite. They can join your game once they accept the invitation.
Q3: Can I play Borderlands 3 multiplayer with random players?
Yes, you can join random players using the matchmaking system in the Social menu. This allows you to join public games or find other players to team up with.
Q4: What’s the difference between Cooperative and Co-Opetition modes in Borderlands 3 multiplayer?
In Cooperative mode, loot is instanced for each player, meaning everyone gets their own loot drops. In Co-Opetition mode, loot is shared among all players, and whoever picks it up first gets it.
Q5: What should I do if I’m experiencing connection issues in Borderlands 3 multiplayer?
If you’re having connection problems, check your internet connection, switch to a wired connection if possible, and look for any server status updates from Gearbox or the game platform you’re using.