Shortly before the release of Borderlands 3, Gearbox Software released new DLC for Borderlands 2. Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary bridged the gap between the two games and introduced a new weapon rarity, effervescent but more commonly known as rainbow weapons. These proved to be incredibly popular in the community, with many expecting to see these added in Borderlands 3.
Prior to the threequel's release, these weapons were confirmed not to be in the game at launch. While disappointing, it was not entirely surprising, as these weapons ranked even higher than the pearlescent weapons. These were added to both games after launch, so it stands to reason that Borderlands 3 would follow suit, adding both pearlescent and rainbow weapons after launch. However, a wrench has been thrown in that as Head of DLC production Anthony Nicholson recently stated that there were not plans for these Borderlands 3 loot features to return.
Considering that the first portion of the Borderlands 3 season pass has now concluded with the addition of Mad Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, players should be learning what will come next in a few weeks' time. Gearbox, however, has plans for 4 major story DLCs, more Takedowns, and likely more events similar to Bloody Harvest, meaning it's possible that a a Valentine's Day event and a new Takedown will come before the next major story DLC. This pattern, assuming that it is a pattern, could be a double-edged sword when it comes to the fate of rainbow weapons.
It means that Gearbox is in the know of what's to come but hasn't committed to announcing a full release schedule. As such, it's possible that Gearbox does not have plans to add certain features, but they could be worked in naturally as time allows. This would seem less likely if these weapon rarities were the only variables in this schedule, but many are also wondering how Gearbox will handle the level cap.
Level cap increases in Borderlands 2 came late, but there are notable differences between it and Borderlands 3. The second entry in the franchise had less emphasis on endgame content (at least in comparison) and had more variability with DLC characters, so while Borderlands 3 has Mayhem Mode to accomplish essentially the same thing, it stands to reason that it wouldn't follow a similar release schedule.
As such, expecting a similar release schedule for pearlescent and rainbow weapons doesn't really seem viable. In the original Borderlands, pearlescent weapons were added with the third DLC, The Secret Armory of General Knoxx. In the second, they were added after the third DLC with the Ultimate Vault Hunter upgrade pack. But if there's no plan for pearlescent weapons, then it's possible that they come later -- or even sooner, depending on how not having plans translates to DLC releases.
Rainbow weapons came 7 years after the release of Borderlands 2, and were likely a way to encourage players to dig for new weapons alongside the new DLC. It's possible then that these weapons never grow beyond this transitional stage, yet if players make their desire for it known, it's hard to rule out. However, if not the rainbow weapons, it would be strange for Borderlands 3 to omit pearlescent altogether given they've appeared in the past two games.
Borderlands 3 players are still in the dark when it comes to planned DLC content for the game, so it's not that different for the unplanned but potential DLC content. It's unlikely that firm answers to Borderlands 3 level cap increases and post-launch weapon rarities are answered anytime soon, meaning players should not hold their breath, but not having plans to add it isn't necessarily the same as confirming that it will never happen. In that, fans will just need hope, and to wait and see where the guns in Borderlands 3 go next.
Borderlands 3 is out now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
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