If you’re looking for games like Borderlands, get ready to dive into a world of loot-driven mayhem! The “looter shooter” genre has exploded in popularity since the original Borderlands took aim at the gaming scene in 2009 , and countless titles have tried to capture its magic. But what makes a game truly “Borderlands-like”?
It’s more than just guns, though there are certainly plenty of those! It’s about the unique blend of frantic action, RPG elements, and that distinctive cel-shaded art style that sets it apart.
Core Pillars of the Borderlands Experience
There are a few key ingredients that define the Borderlands experience:
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Co-op Chaos: Borderlands thrives on cooperative mayhem. Teaming up with friends to take down hordes of enemies, scavenging for legendary loot, and engaging in hilarious banter is at its heart.
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Gun Porn Galore: From ludicrously overpowered rocket launchers to sniper rifles that melt faces, weapon variety is key. Borderlands games boast absurdly large arsenals with randomized stats, ensuring every playthrough feels fresh.
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RPG Progression: Levelling up your character, customizing skills and builds, and acquiring increasingly powerful gear fuels the addictive loot loop.
Beyond Pandora: Exploring Alternatives
So, what if you’ve exhausted all the Borderlands games (and their Handsome Jack DLCs)? Fear not, fellow Vault Hunters! The gaming landscape has a wealth of titles that scratch that same itch. Here are a few notable contenders:
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Destiny 2: This online-focused shooter from Bungie features sci-fi worlds, challenging raids, and a constant stream of new content updates. Its loot system revolves around acquiring powerful “Exotics” with unique abilities, echoing Borderlands’ legendary weapon hunts.
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Remnant: From the Ashes: This third-person shooter leans heavily into Souls-like difficulty, demanding strategic combat and mastery of diverse builds. Its unforgiving world and procedurally generated dungeons offer a high degree of replayability, much like Borderlands’ countless side quests and challenges.
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Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Gearbox’s foray into fantasy-themed looter shooting borrows heavily from the Borderlands formula but injects it with a zany D&D twist. Expect over-the-top humor, unique classes, and a loot system that will keep you scavenging for hours.
The beauty of the genre is its constant evolution: new games are always emerging, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in co-op action RPGs.
What other elements do you think are essential to a great Borderlands-like game? Do you have any personal favorites we missed? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
One intriguing genre blend gaining traction is pairing looter shooter mechanics with roguelite elements. This fusion creates a dynamic and highly replayable experience, characteristic of games like:
- Risk of Rain 2: This fast-paced, 3D arena shooter features procedurally generated levels, challenging boss battles, and a constantly intensifying difficulty curve. Its emphasis on character synergy and item combinations will feel familiar to Borderlands fans, while the permadeath mechanic adds a layer of high-stakes tension
- Hades: While not strictly a “shooter,” this isometric action RPG from Supergiant Games shares the loot-driven progression loop with Borderlands. As Zagreus, son of Hades, you fight your way out of the Underworld, upgrading your abilities and collecting powerful weapons (called Boons) in each run.
The Power of Community:
A thriving community is often a hallmark of successful looter shooters. Dedicated fanbases create guides, share builds, and organize events, enriching the experience for everyone.
Borderlands boasts one of gaming’s most dedicated communities, fueled by its zany humor, memorable characters, and constant updates.
When looking at other games, it’s worth checking out the size and activity level of their player base. Active forums, Discord servers, and social media groups are good indicators of an engaged community that can enhance your enjoyment.
What are some other elements you think could take looter shooters to the next level?
Do you prioritize story, gameplay, or community when choosing a new game in this genre? Let’s discuss!
Here are some frequently asked questions about Borderlands-like games, based on the information outlined in the article:
What makes a game truly “Borderlands-like”?
Games like Borderlands typically feature frenzied cooperative action, a focus on collecting and upgrading weapons (“gun porn”), RPG elements like character progression and skill trees, and often a humorous tone.
Are there any good alternatives to Borderlands?
Absolutely! Destiny 2 offers sci-fi shooter gameplay with deep loot systems, Remnant: From the Ashes provides challenging Souls-like action with strong RPG elements, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands injects fantasy flair into the looter-shooter formula.
What are some good examples of games that combine looter shooter mechanics with roguelite elements?
Risk of Rain 2 is a fast-paced arena shooter with procedurally generated levels and permadeath, while Hades takes a top-down approach, focusing on challenging combat and powerful weapon upgrades called Boons.
Why are community aspects important in looter shooters?
A dedicated fan base creates guides, shares builds, organizes events, and enriches the overall gaming experience.
Active communities enhance the long-term enjoyment of games like Borderlands.
