The Borderlands series is known for its blend of action, RPG elements, and humor, attracting players who want both an engaging story and expansive gameplay. For those curious about the time investment, the main story of a typical Borderlands game takes around 20 to 30 hours to complete, depending on the title and the player’s pace.
Beyond the main campaigns, the series offers extensive side quests, DLCs, and additional content that can significantly extend playtime. Completionists or those who enjoy exploring everything the game has to offer should expect anywhere from 50 to over 130 hours in total.
Understanding the typical playtime helps players decide how to prioritize their gaming sessions, whether they focus solely on the story or dive deeper into the broader world and challenges.
Key Takeways
- Most Borderlands games’ main stories take about 20 to 30 hours to complete.
- Additional quests and DLCs can increase total playtime significantly.
- Playtime varies based on player style and how much content is explored.
Main Story Completion Time
The time it takes to complete the main story in Borderlands titles varies depending on the game and player style. Campaign length is generally measured by focusing on primary objectives without extensive side content. Several factors influence this duration, including mission structure and pacing.
Average Hours to Complete the Campaign
For Borderlands 4, the main story campaign takes approximately 20 to 25 hours to complete when focusing solely on the primary missions. Earlier entries like the original Borderlands and Borderlands 3 align closely, with completion times near 22 hours and 23.5 hours, respectively.
This estimate reflects a typical Vault Hunter’s journey through key story arcs, moving from initial outbreaks to confronting major antagonists like the Timekeeper. Players dedicated to only the campaign content will find this range a reliable benchmark across recent series installments.
Factors Affecting Main Story Duration
Several elements impact how long a player might take to finish the main story in Borderlands games. Player experience level, combat style, and difficulty settings all play roles. For example, new players may spend more time on exploration and combat, while veterans might streamline mission completion.
Additionally, campaign branching, especially in Borderlands 4 during the mid-game, allows players to tackle different lieutenants of the Timekeeper in varying orders, which can alter pacing. Pausing to engage in optional objectives within missions can also extend time spent on the campaign.
Main Mission Structure and Key Objectives
Borderlands 4’s campaign consists of 21 main missions, divided into four primary regions: Fadefields, Terminus Range, Carcadia Burn, and Dominion. Progression requires players to complete region-specific story arcs before unlocking subsequent zones.
Key objectives typically involve puzzles, combat encounters, and boss fights, such as the confrontations against lieutenants serving the Timekeeper. Missions vary in length but generally follow a linear path with checkpoints, making it easier for Vault Hunters to track progress and objectives through clear markers and story summaries.
Additional Content and Extended Playtime
Borderlands games offer extensive content beyond the main story, significantly increasing playtime. Optional missions, collectibles, and multiplayer modes provide layers of challenge and exploration that shape how long it takes to fully experience each title.
Side Quests and Optional Objectives
Side quests are integral to Borderlands, often providing unique stories, valuable loot, and character development. They can extend gameplay by hours; for instance, completing all side missions in Borderlands 1 may add up to 17 additional hours. Many side quests offer rewards such as rare weapons and experience points, which aid character progression and prepare players for tougher challenges.
Some expansions and DLCs introduce substantial side content. Borderlands 2, for example, features DLCs that add dozens of hours for those seeking completion. Players focused on side objectives typically expect their total playtime to double or even triple compared to just main story completion.
Exploring Kairos and Finding Collectibles
The world of Kairos in Borderlands 4 is rich with hidden collectibles and secret areas encouraging exploration. Collecting these items often unlocks achievements, lore, and in-game advantages such as weapon upgrades or unique cosmetics.
Dedicating time to thorough exploration can dramatically increase playtime. Players aiming for a 100% completion rate should expect to invest additional hours seeking out all collectibles, sometimes rivaling the length of the main campaign itself. Careful map navigation and understanding environmental clues are key to uncovering these secrets.
Multiplayer Impact on Game Length
Playing Borderlands games in multiplayer alters the pace and duration of the experience. Co-op gameplay often reduces the time needed to beat story missions due to combined firepower but can increase overall playtime by encouraging cooperative exploration and replaying content.
The dynamics of multiplayer also introduce variability. Experienced groups may clear content faster, while casual players might spend more time strategizing or leveling up. In Borderlands 4, multiplayer is expected to support extensive post-campaign activities that could prolong engagement well beyond the single-player story length.
