One major complaint that fans often have with loot-focused games such as Destiny or The Division is the lack of matchmaking in endgame activities. Many players find it incredibly hard to get a group of 4-8 together for a lengthy amount of time, leaving many disappointed that they’re unable to obtain the games coolest looking and best loot. Borderlands 3 appears to be solving that problem entirely and allowing players to matchmake in endgame activities on a per mode basis.
Last week, Gearbox Software announced new details for Borderlands 3’s endgame activities during Gamescom, offering players a first look at what can be expected once the main quest has been completed. Throughout the month of August, Borderlands 3 is the IGN First game and more information has been announced in a recent Q&A with a handfull of Gearbox developers.
Borderlands 3 will see the return of the popular wave-based mode Circle of Slaughter, as well as introducing two new features called Proving Grounds and Guardian Ranks. Proving Grounds are new secret locations accessed by deciphering alien messages, that offer the chance to obtain the games best loot after a certain set of challenges are complete. Guardian Ranks are similar to the Badass Rank system from Borderlands 2, where players can complete a list of challenges to improve their stats.
When IGN readers asked about the possibility of matchmaking in the new Proving Grounds mode, Gearbox Executive Producer Chris Brock confirmed that players will be able to matchmake on a “per mode” basis. “If you want to specifically search for a Proving Grounds or Circle of Slaughter game, you can do that.”
Allowing matchmaking for endgame content means that players are going to have a much easier time reaching the level cap, which gives Gearbox and Borderlands 3 an instant edge over the competition. When the core gameplay loop is entirely focussed around loot and leveling up, it’s important that content remains accessible for player retention. Otherwise, many players will walk away from the game entirely.
The release of Borderlands 3 is exactly two weeks away, meaning eager fans won’t have much longer to wait before they get their hand on the game. Unsure of which edition to pick up? Check out our complete guide to Borderlands 3 retail editions and preorder bonus content.
Borderlands 3 releases for PC, PS4, and Xbox One on September 13. A Google Stadia version is also in development.
Source: IGN
