Borderlands 3 is getting multiple modes to enjoy, once you have beaten it

Proving that mayhem is best delivered over months and months, Gearbox announced at PAX West, that those who complete the story of Borderlands 3, which will take a while, with the multiple planets it offers, will get more content once they are done.

The game will get three new modes, that unlock once the game has been completed, giving you another reason to jump back in again. The modes are called True Vault Hunter Mode, Guardian Rank (which is an updated to the Borderlands 2 mode Badass Rank) , and Mayhem Mode, which is an all new mode, that changes up the gameplay. Here are the details you need to know, starting with Guardian Rank.

Beating the campaign unlocks a crucial component of Borderlands 3's endgame: Guardian Rank. If you're familiar with previous Borderlands' Badass Rank system, the basic idea is the same: you can unlock incremental stat improvements that apply to all your Vault Hunters. But Guardian Rank reinvents this mechanic by providing the opportunity for some powerful buffs atop all the smaller bonuses. The Guardian Rank bar sits above your usual XP bar on all your Vault Hunters and is leveled up via experience points; every bar you fill unlocks a Guardian Token, which you can spend to unlock bonus stats across three distinct trees. Spending a Guardian Token lets you choose one option from a total of six randomly selected stats, two from each tree, from a total list of 17 helpful varieties, you can see them on the blog post.

For those looking for the Borderlands take on New Game+ then you will like True Vault Hunter Mode. As you'd expect from a challenge befitting a True Vault Hunter, the enemies will be tougher and the loot will be better compared to your Normal mode conquests. Your character's mission progress is unique to Normal or True Vault Hunter playthroughs, but your Vault Hunters' stats and equipment are shared across both modes.

The final new mode announced is Mayhem Mode and it has the power to change the entire universe of Borderlands 3. Upon completing the story campaign, you'll activate a mysterious terminal aboard Sanctuary III that can enable three difficulty levels: Mayhem 1, Mayhem 2, or Mayhem 3. Taking on one of these Mayhem Modes ups the ante on risks and rewards across all worlds: enemies get increased health, shields, and armor, while you get bonus cash, Eridium, experience gains, and chances for better loot. Jumping straight into Mayhem 3 is basically a death sentence; instead, you should start at Mayhem 1 and work your way up to higher difficulties once you've acquired enough upgraded gear. Mayhem Mode has more badasses and Anointed enemies; basically, things are going to be tougher all around. To offset that difficulty, enemies can drop Anointed gear which grants buffs to your Action Skills, including some that are specific to just one Vault Hunter class.

Phew, that was a lot, but there is even more, with DLC news and VR updates. The game is out in just under 2 weeks and is coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC via the Epic Game Store.