Borderlands 3 vs Red Dead Redemption 2

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: Up to 4-player Online Co-op, LAN Co-op, Cross-Platform Multiplayer (most platforms)
• Setting: Multiple Planets (Pandora, Promethea, Eden-6, etc.)
• Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch (Ultimate Edition)
• Unique Feature: Bazillions of procedurally generated guns, four distinct Vault Hunter classes with deep skill trees, signature cel-shaded art style and humor, multi-planet exploration, robust co-op gameplay.

• Perspective: Third-Person (Default), First-Person (Optional)
• Multiplayer: Red Dead Online (Persistent Open World, Co-op Missions, PvP Modes, Roles)
• Setting: Fictionalized American West, 1899 (Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth, New Austin)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
• Unique Feature: Incredible World Detail & Immersion, Deep Character Interactions, Honor System, Realistic Survival Mechanics, Dynamic Wildlife Ecosystem, Dead Eye Targeting System.

• FL4K's Pets (Skag, Spiderant, Jabber): FL4K, the Beastmaster, can choose one of three loyal pets to fight alongside them. Each pet has unique abilities, attacks, and can be upgraded through FL4K's skill trees. Pets can draw aggro, deal damage, and provide buffs. They are a core part of FL4K's gameplay.
  Various alien creatures
• Moze's Iron Bear: Moze, the Gunner, can summon her bipedal Iron Bear mech as an Action Skill. Iron Bear is equipped with customizable heavy weapons on each arm (e.g., miniguns, grenade launchers, railguns, flamethrowers, melee fists) and provides significant firepower and protection for a limited time.
  Mech Suit
• Zane's SNTNL Drone & Digi-Clone: Zane, the Operative, can deploy a SNTNL combat drone that flies around attacking enemies with machine guns or rockets. He can also deploy a Digi-Clone of himself that distracts enemies and fires at them; Zane can swap places with his clone. These are Action Skills with cooldowns.
  Robotic Drone / Holographic Clone
• Co-op Player Characters (Vault Hunters): In co-operative multiplayer, other players join as their chosen Vault Hunters, each with their own unique skills and abilities, acting as active companions.
  Human/Siren/Robot

• Van der Linde Gang Members (Contextual AI): While not directly commandable like 'Guns for Hire' in Far Cry, various members of the Van der Linde gang will accompany Arthur on specific story missions, providing combat support, dialogue, and unique interactions. Their presence and abilities are scripted based on the mission. Key members like Charles, Sadie, John, Lenny, Bill, and Javier frequently ride with Arthur.
  Human
• Your Horse (Primary Mount): Arthur's primary means of transport and a crucial companion. Bonding with a horse (by feeding, patting, brushing) increases its Health and Stamina, unlocks special maneuvers (drifting, piaffe), and makes it less likely to buck Arthur off when scared. Horses can carry pelts, carcasses, and an extra outfit. Different breeds have varying base stats (speed, acceleration, health, stamina).
  Equus caballus (Various Breeds)
• Temporary Dog Companions: In certain situations or with specific camp dogs (like Cain), Arthur can interact with them, and they might follow him for a short period or alert him to nearby points of interest or danger. They are not combat companions in the traditional sense.
  Canis familiaris

• Typhon Logs & Dead Drops: Audio logs left by the first Vault Hunter, Typhon DeLeon, detailing his adventures and discoveries. Finding all three logs in a zone reveals the location of a Typhon Dead Drop, a hidden loot cache.
• Eridian Writings: Ancient alien texts scattered across the planets. After acquiring an Eridian Analyzer, players can decipher these writings to gain XP and Eridium, and uncover more lore about the Eridians and Vaults.
• Dead Claptraps: Parts from deceased Claptrap units that can be salvaged to help Claptrap build a new friend. Each part provides Eridium.
• Crew Challenges (Various Types): A category of collectibles and repeatable activities specific to different NPCs and planets. Includes: - **Legendary Hunts:** (Sir Hammerlock) Defeating unique, powerful creatures. - **Targets of Opportunity:** (Zer0) Assassinating specific high-value targets. - **Crimson Radio:** (Moxxi) Sabotaging Children of the Vault propaganda towers. - **Hijack Target:** (Ellie) Stealing specific vehicle parts to unlock them for the Catch-A-Ride system.
• Red Chests: Special chests containing higher-quality loot, often found in hidden areas or at the end of dungeons/challenges.
• Vault Symbols & Eridium Piles: Hidden Vault symbols that can be found, and destructible Eridium crystal piles that yield Eridium currency (used for cosmetics and end-game purchases).

• Dinosaur Bones: 30 fossilized dinosaur bones hidden across the map. Players find them and mail their coordinates to the paleontologist Deborah MacGuiness to complete a side quest chain and receive unique rewards, including a Jawbone Knife and a Jawbone Trinket.
• Cigarette Cards: 144 collectible cards (12 sets of 12 cards each) found in cigarette packs throughout the world or as individual finds. Collecting full sets and mailing them to Phileas T. Ramsbottom yields monetary rewards and unique items.
• Dreamcatchers: 20 dreamcatchers hanging from trees in specific locations. Finding all of them reveals a depiction of a buffalo on a cave wall and unlocks the Ancient Arrowhead perk, which doubles stamina while using the bow.
• Rock Carvings: 10 intricate carvings on rock faces, part of the 'Geology for Beginners' stranger mission. Mailing their coordinates to Francis Sinclair leads to a mysterious encounter and rewards.
• Legendary Fish: 13 unique, massive fish that can be caught in specific bodies of water using special lures, part of Jeremy Gill's 'A Fisher of Fish' stranger mission. Mailing them back rewards money and unique fishing gear.
• Graves: 9 graves of fallen companions can be found and interacted with after certain points in the story, contributing to 100% completion and offering moments of reflection.
• Points of Interest (Sketches): 50 unique locations, animals, or events that Arthur can observe and sketch in his journal, adding to its detail and contributing to completion.
• Exotic Items (for Algernon Wasp): Various rare bird plumes, orchids, and alligator eggs requested by the eccentric Algernon Wasp in Saint Denis for his 'Duchesses and other Animals' stranger mission series, rewarding unique items like the Exotic Hat.
• Treasure Maps & Hidden Treasures: Series of maps leading to hidden stashes of gold bars or valuable items. Some are part of stranger missions, others are found through exploration.

• Loot & Mayhem
• Dark Humor
• Cults & Propaganda
• Space Exploration & Multiple Planets
• Corporate Greed (Weapon Manufacturers)
• Found Family
• Cel-Shaded Art Style
• Over-the-Top Action
• Satire
• Anarchy

• The End of the Wild West
• Loyalty vs. Morality
• Redemption
• Betrayal
• Outlaw Life
• Civilization vs. Wilderness
• Honor
• Family (Found & Blood)
• Consequences of Actions
• Nature & Survival
• Industrialization

• Procedurally Generated Firearms: Varies (Pistols, SMGs, Shotguns, Assault Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Rocket Launchers, Heavy Weapons)
  The core of Borderlands: 'bazillions' of guns with randomly generated parts, stats, elemental effects (Incendiary, Shock, Corrosive, Cryo, Radiation), and special properties. Guns come in different rarities (Common to Legendary/Pearlescent). Anointed gear grants powerful bonuses tied to Action Skill usage.
• Weapon Manufacturers (Examples): Varies (Determines Gun Characteristics)
  Each manufacturer has unique traits: **Jakobs** (high critical damage, ricocheting bullets, old-west aesthetic), **Maliwan** (elemental damage focus, charge-up times, dual elements), **Tediore** (guns are thrown like grenades when reloaded, then digistruct a new one), **Hyperion** (accuracy increases with sustained fire, deployable weapon shields when aiming), **Torgue** (explosive projectiles, sticky mode), **Dahl** (alternate fire modes - burst, full-auto, semi-auto), **Vladof** (high fire rate, under-barrel attachments like rockets/shotguns), **Atlas** (tracker tags for homing bullets), **COV (Children of the Vault)** ('infinite' ammo with overheat mechanic instead of traditional reloads).
• Grenade Mods: Throwable Explosive/Utility
  Various grenade mods with diverse effects, including singularities, MIRVs (multiple explosions), transfusions (health stealing), elemental damage, and utility effects like teleportation or enemy grouping.
• Shields: Defensive Gear
  Provide a regenerating energy shield that absorbs damage before health is affected. Shields have various capacities, recharge rates, recharge delays, and can have special properties like elemental resistance/nova bursts, damage boosting, or health regeneration.
• Class Mods: Character Augment Gear
  Equippable items specific to each Vault Hunter class. They provide boosts to specific skills (even allowing skills to be over-leveled) and often grant passive stat increases or unique class-specific perks.
• Artifacts: Utility Gear
  Provide powerful passive bonuses, often affecting movement (like enabling slam or slide anointments), elemental damage, melee damage, or providing unique utility effects like health regeneration or loot quality improvements.

• Revolvers: Sidearm (Single/Double Action)
  Iconic Western sidearms like the Cattleman Revolver, Schofield Revolver, Double-Action Revolver. Customizable with grips, barrel lengths, metals, and engravings. Can be dual-wielded.
• Pistols: Sidearm (Semi-Automatic)
  Early semi-automatic pistols such as the Mauser Pistol, Semi-Automatic Pistol, Volcanic Pistol. Offer faster fire rates than revolvers. Customizable and dual-wieldable.
• Repeaters: Rifle (Lever/Bolt Action, Medium Range)
  Versatile rifles like the Lancaster Repeater, Litchfield Repeater, Carbine Repeater. Good balance of damage, range, and fire rate. Mainstays for combat.
• Rifles: Rifle (Bolt/Single Shot, Long Range)
  Includes the Bolt Action Rifle, Springfield Rifle, Rolling Block Rifle (Sniper). Powerful and accurate for long-range engagements and big game hunting.
• Shotguns: Close Quarters (High Damage)
  Pump-Action Shotgun, Semi-Auto Shotgun, Double-Barreled Shotgun, Sawed-Off Shotgun. Devastating at close range, with different ammo types (slugs, incendiary).
• Sniper Rifles: Very Long Range (Scoped)
  Specialized long-range rifles like the Carcano Rifle and Rolling Block Rifle (when scoped). Used for precision kills from extreme distances.
• Bows: Silent Ranged
  A versatile weapon for silent hunting and stealth combat. Can use standard, improved, small game, poison, fire, and dynamite arrows.
• Melee Weapons: Close Quarters (Silent/Brutal)
  Includes various knives (Hunting Knife, Jawbone Knife), hatchets, cleavers, and the Machete. Used for stealth takedowns and brutal close combat.
• Throwables: Tactical/Explosive
  Dynamite (standard, volatile), Fire Bottles (Molotovs), Tomahawks (standard, homing, improved), Throwing Knives (standard, improved, poison).
• Lasso: Utility/Non-Lethal
  Used to hogtie enemies or animals, drag people, or pull objects. Essential for bounty hunting.

• Shields: Primary defensive gear. Shields have varying capacities, recharge rates, recharge delays, and can possess special properties from different manufacturers (e.g., Pangolin - high capacity; Anshin - elemental resistance; Hyperion - amp damage on depletion). Legendary and unique shields offer powerful, build-defining effects.
• Class Mods: Class-specific items that grant points to skills in the Vault Hunter's skill trees (potentially pushing them beyond their normal maximum) and provide additional passive stat bonuses or unique perks that synergize with specific builds.
• Artifacts: Equippable Eridian artifacts that provide significant passive bonuses and unique effects. These can include elemental damage boosts, improved slide/slam mechanics, increased luck, health regeneration effects, or anointments that trigger on action skill use or other conditions.

• Clothing Outfits & Individual Pieces: Arthur Morgan can wear a vast array of clothing items (hats, coats, shirts, vests, pants, boots, gloves, neckwear, suspenders, chaps, spurs). While primarily cosmetic and for role-playing, some outfits or pieces provide minor benefits like temperature resistance (e.g., warmer clothes for cold weather). There isn't a traditional 'armor' system for damage reduction through clothing. Players can save custom outfits.
• Reinforced Equipment (Crafted by Pearson): Using perfect animal pelts and other materials, Pearson at the gang camp can craft reinforced equipment: Bandoliers (increase ammo capacity), Satchels (increase carrying capacity for provisions, tonics, ingredients, materials, valuables, kits), Gun Belts, and Holsters (cosmetic and potentially minor stat boosts like weapon degradation speed). These are crucial for practical upgrades.
• Talismans & Trinkets (Crafted by Fence): Crafted at a Fence using parts from Legendary Animals and unique collectible items. These provide permanent passive buffs to Arthur's core stats (Health, Stamina, Dead Eye), experience gain, weapon degradation, money earned, or other gameplay aspects. They are equipped and offer significant, though often subtle, advantages.
• Tonics (Consumable Buffs): Various craftable or purchasable tonics provide temporary boosts or full restoration to Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye cores and bars. Potent versions offer stronger effects or fortification (slowing core drain). These act as temporary 'armor' or performance enhancers.

• Vault Hunter Heads: Unlockable and purchasable cosmetic heads that change the appearance of the player character's head. A wide variety of styles are available, from serious to outlandish.
• Vault Hunter Skins: Cosmetic skins that alter the color scheme and patterns of the Vault Hunter's default outfit. Can be unlocked through gameplay, purchased, or obtained via special events and DLCs (e.g., Multiverse Final Form & Disciples of the Vault Cosmetic Packs).
• Weapon Skins: Cosmetic skins that can be applied to weapons to change their appearance without affecting stats. Examples include the Butt Stallion weapon skin or Gold Weapon Skins Pack (pre-order/deluxe bonuses).
• Weapon Trinkets: Small cosmetic charms that can be attached to weapons for personalization.
• ECHO Device Skins: Cosmetic skins to change the appearance of the player's ECHO communication device.
• Room Decorations (Sanctuary III): Players can find and place various decorations in their personal quarters aboard the Sanctuary III spaceship.

• Full Outfits: Players can purchase or unlock numerous pre-designed outfits (e.g., 'The Gunslinger', 'The Valentine', 'The Saint Denis'). Arthur also starts with several outfits. Outfits can be stored on his horse.
• Individual Clothing Pieces: Extensive customization is possible by mixing and matching individual items: Hats, Coats (various lengths and materials), Shirts, Vests, Pants, Boots, Gloves, Neckwear (bandanas, ties, neckerchiefs), Suspenders, Chaps, Spurs. Items have different styles, colors, and can be purchased from general stores or tailors, or crafted by the Trapper from Legendary Animal pelts.
• Weapon Equipment: Gun Belts, Off-Hand Holsters, and Bandoliers can be equipped and upgraded. While some offer stat benefits (ammo capacity from bandoliers), many are also cosmetic choices.
• Grooming: Arthur's hair and beard grow dynamically over time. Players can visit barbers to get haircuts, shaves, or style their hair and beard in various ways. Pomade can be applied for a slicked look.
• Temperature System: Clothing choices impact Arthur's resistance to cold and hot weather. Wearing appropriate attire (e.g., heavy coats in snowy mountains, lighter shirts in hot swamps) prevents negative effects on Health Core drain. Outfits can be saved with specific temperature ratings.

Arthur Morgan's core attributes (Health, Stamina, Dead Eye) level up through gameplay actions (e.g., running increases stamina, headshots increase Dead Eye). Gear upgrades (bandoliers, satchels, holsters) are crafted by Pearson at the gang camp using animal pelts and other materials, increasing carrying capacity. Weapons can be customized extensively (barrels, sights, stocks, wraps, engravings) and cleaned to maintain performance. Tonics and provisions provide temporary buffs. Horse bonding is crucial, unlocking new maneuvers and increasing horse stats. Camp upgrades provide benefits like better provisions and fast travel.

The game world is exceptionally large, detailed, and diverse. Regions include the snowy mountains of Ambarino, the heartland plains and forests of New Hanover, the swampy bayous and antebellum towns of Lemoyne, the developing plains and forests of West Elizabeth, and the arid deserts and canyons of New Austin (largely based on the map from the first Red Dead Redemption). Each region has unique ecosystems, wildlife, towns, and points of interest.

• Outrunner: Light Buggy / All-Terrain Vehicle
  A fast and versatile two-seater buggy, a staple of the Borderlands series. Customizable with different chassis, weapons (machine guns, rockets), armor, wheels, and paint jobs via the Catch-A-Ride system.
• Technical: Armed Truck / Utility Vehicle
  A heavier, more durable vehicle often equipped with a rear-mounted turret. Can carry more passengers. Also customizable with various weapons and parts.
• Cyclone: Monowheel Combat Vehicle
  A fast, agile single-wheel vehicle capable of strafing and high speeds. Offers unique offensive capabilities and maneuverability. Customizable with different weapon systems and mods.
• Bandit Technical / COV Vehicles: Faction-Specific Armed Vehicles
  Vehicles used by enemy factions like the Children of the Vault. Often ramshackle, heavily armed, and can be commandeered by the player. Some can be scanned at a Catch-A-Ride to unlock their parts for player vehicle customization.
• Hover-Wheels (DLC - Moxxi's Heist): Specialized Vehicle
  Unique hover-capable wheels found in 'Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot' DLC, allowing vehicles to float over certain surfaces.
• Jetbeast (DLC - Bounty of Blood): Customizable Hoverbike
  A heavily armed and customizable hoverbike introduced in the 'Bounty of Blood' DLC, used for traversing the plains of Gehenna.

• Horses (Various Breeds): Primary Mount / Living Vehicle
  The main mode of transportation. Over 19 breeds available, each with different stats (Health, Stamina, Speed, Acceleration) and handling. Can be bought, stolen, or tamed from the wild. Bonding with a horse improves its stats and unlocks maneuvers. Horses can carry pelts and carcasses.
• Wagons & Coaches: Horse-Drawn Vehicle
  Various types of wagons (small carts, supply wagons, oil tankers) and passenger coaches (stagecoaches, buggies). Can be driven by the player, stolen, or used in missions. Some are armored or have specific functions.
• Trains: Rail Vehicle
  Fully operational steam trains run on a schedule across the map. Players can ride trains as passengers (a form of fast travel), rob them, or even drive them for a short period if hijacked.
• Boats (Canoes, Rowboats, Small Steamboats): Watercraft
  Used for navigating rivers, lakes, and swamps. Includes simple canoes and rowboats for personal transport or fishing, and occasionally small, armed steamboats in specific missions or locations.
• Handcar: Manual Rail Vehicle
  A manually operated rail vehicle found on certain railway lines, can be used for short-distance travel along tracks.

• Deer (Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Buck): Cervidae
  Prey, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Antlers)
• Bison (American Bison): Bovinae
  Large Herbivore, Herd Animal, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Horns)
• Bears (Grizzly Bear, Black Bear): Ursidae
  Hostile Apex Predator, Dangerous, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Claws)
• Wolves (Gray Wolf, Timber Wolf): Canidae
  Hostile Pack Predator, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts)
• Cougars & Panthers (Florida Panther): Felidae
  Hostile Apex Predator (Stealthy), Dangerous, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts)
• Alligators (American Alligator): Alligatoridae
  Hostile Ambush Predator (Waterways/Swamps), Hunting Resource (Meat, Skin, Tooth)
• Snakes (Various species like Rattlesnakes, Water Snakes, Copperheads): Serpentes
  Hostile (Venomous), Hunting Resource (Skin, Meat for poison crafting)
• Birds (Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Vultures, Ducks, Geese, Songbirds, etc.): Aves (Numerous)
  Ambient Wildlife, Hunting Resource (Feathers, Meat, Carcasses for crafting/selling)
• Fish (Numerous species like Largemouth Bass, Sockeye Salmon, Northern Pike, Catfish): Pisces (Numerous)
  Aquatic Wildlife, Fishing Resource (Meat for cooking/selling)
• Horses (Various Breeds: Arabian, Thoroughbred, Mustang, Morgan, etc.): Equus caballus
  Primary Mount, Companion, Wild (can be tamed), Purchasable
• Legendary Animals (Legendary Grizzly Bear, Legendary Buck, Legendary Coyote, etc.): Unique Rare Variants
  Challenging Hunts, Provide unique pelts/parts for crafting special outfits and talismans/trinkets (which grant passive buffs).
• Other common wildlife (Rabbits, Squirrels, Foxes, Coyotes, Badgers, Raccoons, Opossums, Boars, Elk, Moose, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Goats, Muskrats, Beavers, Armadillos, Gila Monsters, Iguanas, Turtles, Frogs, Bats, etc.): Various Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians
  Ambient Wildlife, Hunting Resource (Pelts, Meat, other parts for crafting, provisions, or sale)

• Amara (The Siren): Playable Vault Hunter
  A renowned hero from Partali, Amara is a powerful Siren who can summon ethereal fists to pummel her enemies. Her action skills focus on elemental damage, crowd control, and melee combat (Phasegrasp, Phaseslam, Phasecast).
• FL4K (The Beastmaster): Playable Vault Hunter
  An emergent AI robot on a quest of self-discovery, accompanied by one of three loyal pets (Skag, Spiderant, Jabber) that assist in combat. FL4K excels at critical hits, stealth (Fade Away), and commanding their beasts (Gamma Burst, Rakk Attack!).
• Moze (The Gunner): Playable Vault Hunter
  A former Vladof soldier who can digistruct and pilot her heavily armed Iron Bear mech. Moze's skill trees allow customization of Iron Bear's weaponry (miniguns, grenade launchers, railguns, etc.) and focus on explosives, shields, or infinite ammo.
• Zane Flynt (The Operative): Playable Vault Hunter
  A semi-retired corporate hitman from the Flynt family. Zane utilizes various gadgets like a SNTNL drone, a Digi-Clone, and a deployable Barrier. He is unique in his ability to equip two Action Skills simultaneously by sacrificing his grenade slot.
• Tyreen Calypso: Main Antagonist / Siren
  One of the Calypso Twins and a powerful Siren. She leads the Children of the Vault cult with her brother Troy, seeking to absorb the power of Vaults across the galaxy. Known for her live-streaming persona and ability to leech power.
• Troy Calypso: Main Antagonist / 'God-King'
  Tyreen's twin brother and co-leader of the Children of the Vault. He was born conjoined to Tyreen and possesses some Siren-like powers by siphoning her energy. He is ambitious and seeks to prove himself.
• Lilith (The Firehawk): NPC / Leader of the Crimson Raiders / Siren
  A returning character from previous Borderlands games and a powerful Siren. She leads the Crimson Raiders in their fight against the Calypso Twins and commands the starship Sanctuary III.
• Claptrap (CL4P-TP Steward Bot): NPC / Comic Relief
  The famously annoying but occasionally helpful Claptrap unit, a series staple. Provides introductory guidance and comic relief.
• Patricia Tannis: NPC / Scientist & Eridian Expert
  A brilliant but socially awkward scientist specializing in Eridian technology and Vault lore. She plays a key role in understanding the Vaults and the Calypsos' plans.
• Ellie: NPC / Mechanic
  Moxxi's daughter and a skilled mechanic responsible for the Catch-A-Ride vehicle system on Sanctuary III and various planets.
• Marcus Kincaid: NPC / Arms Dealer
  The owner of Marcus Munitions, the primary weapon vending machines throughout the Borderlands universe.

• Arthur Morgan: Protagonist / Van der Linde Gang Enforcer
  The player-controlled character. A loyal, highly capable senior member of the Van der Linde gang since he was a boy. He is Dutch's right-hand man and enforcer, but begins to question Dutch's leadership and his own morality as the gang's situation becomes more desperate. Known for his rugged pragmatism and internal conflict.
• Dutch van der Linde: Antagonist / Leader of the Van der Linde Gang
  The charismatic, intelligent, and idealistic leader of the gang. He preaches a philosophy of freedom and anti-establishment, but his methods become increasingly violent and his judgment erratic as pressures mount, leading to his descent into paranoia and tyranny.
• John Marston: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member (Protagonist of RDR1)
  A fellow gang member, younger than Arthur, with a wife (Abigail) and son (Jack). His desire to leave the outlaw life for his family creates tension within the gang. His story in RDR2 serves as a prequel to his role in the original Red Dead Redemption.
• Sadie Adler: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member (Later Bounty Hunter)
  A widow whose ranch is attacked by the O'Driscoll Boys. She is rescued by the Van der Linde gang and evolves from a grieving victim into a fierce, independent gunslinger and bounty hunter, becoming one of Arthur's most trusted allies.
• Micah Bell: Antagonist / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A volatile, violent, and self-serving newer member of the gang. He encourages Dutch's worst impulses and is a source of internal conflict and distrust, ultimately playing a major antagonistic role.
• Hosea Matthews: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Consigliere
  Dutch's oldest friend, co-founder of the gang, and its seasoned con artist and strategist. He often serves as a voice of reason and moderation, trying to temper Dutch's recklessness.
• Charles Smith: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A quiet, highly skilled hunter and fighter of mixed African American and Native American heritage. He is honorable, principled, and one of Arthur's most dependable allies.
• Lenny Summers: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A young, educated, and relatively idealistic member of the gang. Provides some lighter moments and represents a younger generation of outlaws.
• Abigail Roberts (Marston): Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  John Marston's wife and mother of Jack. A strong-willed woman who desires a normal life for her family away from the gang.
• Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella, Uncle, Leopold Strauss, Susan Grimshaw, Molly O'Shea, Karen Jones, Mary-Beth Gaskill, Tilly Jackson, Simon Pearson, Josiah Trelawny, Kieran Duffy, Reverend Swanson, Sean MacGuire: Supporting Characters / Van der Linde Gang Members & Associates
  The diverse ensemble cast making up the rest of the Van der Linde gang, each with their own personalities, backstories, and roles within the camp and story.
• Agent Andrew Milton & Agent Edgar Ross: Antagonists / Pinkerton Detectives
  Senior Pinkerton National Detective Agency agents relentlessly pursuing the Van der Linde gang. Milton is the primary pursuer in RDR2, with Ross (antagonist of RDR1) playing a supporting role.
• Colm O'Driscoll: Antagonist / Leader of the O'Driscoll Boys Gang
  The leader of a rival gang and a long-standing nemesis of Dutch van der Linde.

• Main Story Campaign
  A series of narrative quests following the new Vault Hunters as they join the Crimson Raiders to stop the Calypso Twins and their Children of the Vault cult from opening The Great Vault and gaining ultimate power. This journey spans multiple planets.
• Side Missions
  Numerous optional quests found on each planet, offered by various NPCs. These often involve unique stories, characters, and rewards, expanding the lore and providing XP and loot.
• Crew Challenges
  A set of planet-specific collectible and combat challenges issued by various crew members of Sanctuary III (e.g., Sir Hammerlock's Legendary Hunts, Zer0's Targets of Opportunity, Moxxi's Crimson Radio sabotage, Ellie's Hijack Targets, Claptrap's Dead Claptrap parts, Typhon DeLeon's Logs and Dead Drops). Completing these provides Eridium, XP, and contributes to area completion.
• Proving Grounds (Eridian Trials)
  End-game timed dungeon-like instances unlocked by finding Eridian Writings. Players fight through waves of enemies and a final boss within a time limit to earn high-quality loot. Different Proving Grounds offer unique challenges.
• Circles of Slaughter
  Wave-based survival arenas where players fight increasingly difficult hordes of enemies. Completing all rounds yields significant XP and loot. Examples include Cistern of Slaughter, Slaughter Shaft, Slaughterstar 3000.
• DLC Campaign Missions
  Each of the four main story DLCs (Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles, Bounty of Blood, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck) features its own new campaign with unique storylines, locations, enemies, and bosses.
• Arms Race (Designer's Cut DLC)
  A roguelike game mode where players start with no gear in a new zone (Stormblind Complex), scavenge for weapons, and fight to extract high-quality loot before being killed by enemies or an encroaching storm (Murdercane).
• Ava's Murder Mysteries (Director's Cut DLC)
  A series of story-driven side missions where players help Ava investigate potentially paranormal happenings and uncover a conspiracy across multiple planets.
• Hemovorous the Invincible (Director's Cut DLC)
  A challenging end-game raid boss encounter, requiring Eridium to access. Defeating this massive Varkid offers some of the best loot in the game.

• Main Story Chapters (I-VI & Epilogue I-II)
  A series of interconnected story missions that form the main narrative arc, chronicling the Van der Linde gang's struggles, heists, internal conflicts, and Arthur Morgan's personal journey. Each chapter is typically set in a new region or marks a significant shift in the gang's circumstances.
• Stranger Missions (Side Storylines)
  Optional multi-part questlines initiated by unique 'Stranger' characters encountered throughout the world. These often feature distinct stories, memorable characters, and unique rewards (e.g., missions for Hamish Sinclair, Charlotte Balfour, Albert Mason, Francis Sinclair).
• Bounty Hunting Missions
  Pick up bounty posters from sheriff's offices in various towns. Track down and capture (alive for a higher reward) or kill wanted criminals. Some bounties involve unique encounters or storylines.
• Chance Encounters (Random Events)
  Dynamic, unscripted events that occur as Arthur explores the world. These can include ambushes, people needing help (e.g., snake bite victims, stranded travelers), animal attacks, duels, or interactions with other outlaws. Choices made in these encounters can affect Honor.
• Companion Activities & Camp Requests
  Engage in optional activities with gang members at camp, such as playing poker or five finger fillet, going fishing or hunting with them, or fulfilling their item requests (e.g., finding a specific book or herb). These build camaraderie and provide small rewards or insights into characters.
• Debt Collection (Leopold Strauss Missions)
  Missions given by the gang's moneylender, Leopold Strauss, where Arthur must collect outstanding debts from vulnerable individuals, often through intimidation or force. These missions highlight the darker aspects of the gang's activities and impact Arthur's Honor.
• Legendary Animal & Fish Hunts
  Track and hunt unique Legendary Animals or catch Legendary Fish. These are challenging encounters requiring specific approaches. Their pelts/parts are used to craft unique outfits, gear, talismans, and trinkets at the Trapper or Fence.
• Home Robberies, Stagecoach Robberies, Train Robberies (Incidental & Mission-based)
  Opportunities to rob homesteads, stagecoaches, or trains for money and valuables. Some are specific missions, while others can be initiated by the player in the open world. These actions typically result in a bounty and decreased Honor.

Available in Standard Edition, Special Edition (included extra story mode content like a bank robbery mission, gang hideout, gameplay boosts, an outfit, and a thoroughbred horse), and Ultimate Edition (included Special Edition content plus bonus Red Dead Online content like outfits, rank bonuses, a black chestnut thoroughbred, and free access to additional weapons). A Collector's Box (no game included) was also sold with physical collectibles.

The primary post-launch support has been for Red Dead Online, which has received numerous updates adding new roles (Bounty Hunter, Trader, Collector, Moonshiner, Naturalist), missions, cosmetic items, gameplay mechanics, and seasonal events. No single-player story DLC has been released for Red Dead Redemption 2.

• Q: When was Borderlands 3 released?
  A: Borderlands 3 was initially released on September 13, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Epic Games Store), with a Steam release for PC on March 13, 2020. It later came to other platforms like Stadia, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
• Q: Who are the playable characters in Borderlands 3?
  A: There are four playable Vault Hunters: Amara the Siren, FL4K the Beastmaster, Moze the Gunner, and Zane the Operative. Each has three unique skill trees and multiple Action Skills.
• Q: Who are the main villains in Borderlands 3?
  A: The main antagonists are the Calypso Twins, Troy and Tyreen, who lead the Children of the Vault (COV) cult and seek to harness the power of the Great Vault.
• Q: Does Borderlands 3 have multiplayer?
  A: Yes, Borderlands 3 supports up to 4-player online co-operative multiplayer. It also features local split-screen co-op on consoles. Cross-platform play is supported across PC (Steam/Epic), Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac.
• Q: What is Mayhem Mode in Borderlands 3?
  A: Mayhem Mode is an end-game feature that significantly increases game difficulty by applying random modifiers to enemies and gameplay, while also increasing loot quality and XP gain. There are multiple Mayhem levels (1-11 with Mayhem 2.0 update).
• Q: How many planets can you visit in Borderlands 3?
  A: Players can travel to multiple planets beyond Pandora, including Promethea, Athenas, Eden-6, and Nekrotafeyo, using the Sanctuary III starship as a mobile base.
• Q: What kind of DLC does Borderlands 3 have?
  A: Borderlands 3 has two Season Passes. Season Pass 1 includes four major story campaign add-ons. Season Pass 2 includes the Designer's Cut (Arms Race mode, 4th skill tree for each Vault Hunter) and the Director's Cut (new raid boss, Ava's murder mystery quests, behind-the-scenes content, Vault Cards).

• Q: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a prequel or sequel to Red Dead Redemption?
  A: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption. It tells the story of the Van der Linde gang, including a younger John Marston (protagonist of RDR1), before the events of the first game.
• Q: Can I play as John Marston in Red Dead Redemption 2?
  A: You primarily play as Arthur Morgan for most of the main story. However, John Marston becomes playable during the game's extensive epilogue chapters, which bridge the gap to the original Red Dead Redemption.
• Q: How long is Red Dead Redemption 2's story?
  A: The main story campaign is exceptionally long, typically taking players 50-60 hours to complete. Exploring all side content, collectibles, and aiming for 100% completion can easily extend playtime to 150-200+ hours.
• Q: What is the Honor System?
  A: The Honor system tracks Arthur's moral choices and actions throughout the game. Positive actions (helping strangers, sparing enemies) increase honor, while negative actions (killing innocents, robbing) decrease it. Honor level affects dialogue, store discounts, outfit unlocks, how NPCs react to Arthur, and has minor impacts on the story's ending.
• Q: Is Red Dead Online still active?
  A: Yes, Red Dead Online is still active and receives periodic updates, though major content additions have slowed compared to its initial years. It offers a persistent multiplayer world with various activities, roles, and missions.
• Q: Can you play RDR2 in first-person?
  A: Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a fully implemented first-person mode, allowing players to experience the entire game from Arthur's perspective. This can be toggled on and off at any time.

Powered by an advanced version of the RAGE engine, RDR2 is renowned for its groundbreaking graphics and attention to detail. It features stunningly realistic environments, lifelike character and animal animations, advanced lighting (volumetric lighting, global illumination), dynamic weather systems (rain, snow, fog), and incredible texture quality. The level of environmental detail and interaction is exceptionally high.

Original score composed by Woody Jackson, with contributions from various artists. The music is dynamic, reacting to gameplay and location, featuring sweeping orchestral pieces, folk tunes, and atmospheric tracks that perfectly capture the Western setting and emotional tone. Features over 100 anachronistically appropriate licensed songs. Sound design is incredibly detailed, from weapon sounds and horse hooves to ambient wildlife and environmental effects.

Immersive UI with options for a dynamic HUD. Health/Stamina/Dead Eye cores are displayed, along with a radar/mini-map. Weapon wheel for selection. Interaction prompts are contextual. The game features a detailed journal kept by Arthur, cataloging his thoughts, sketches, and discoveries. First-person mode offers a different UI perspective.

Includes options for customizable controls (including sensitivity and dead zones), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), aim assist levels, options to tap or hold for interactions, colorblind modes, audio balancing, and a cinematic camera mode. First-person mode can also be considered an accessibility option for some.

• Official PC system requirements for 'Borderlands 3' (released in 2019). An SSD is recommended for better loading times and texture streaming, especially with higher settings. The game supports DirectX 11 and DirectX 12.
• Laptop Performance Note: Borderlands 3 can be played on a variety of gaming laptops. Laptop GPUs and CPUs perform differently than their desktop counterparts due to Total Graphics Power (TGP) and thermal constraints. The estimations below reflect hardware from around the game's release period or slightly newer equivalents for a good experience. **Always check specific laptop model reviews for performance benchmarks, especially TGP and cooling.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: The TGP of a laptop GPU significantly affects its performance. Higher TGP values for the same GPU model generally lead to better framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is crucial for laptops to sustain performance during long gaming sessions and avoid thermal throttling, which can reduce framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A capable mobile CPU is needed to handle the game's demands, especially in busy areas or during intense combat, without bottlenecking the GPU.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 6GB is absolute minimum, but 16GB in dual-channel configuration is strongly recommended for a much smoother experience and to prevent stuttering, especially when many enemies or effects are on screen.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match your laptop's GPU power to its display resolution (typically 1080p for this era of requirements) and aim for a refresh rate the GPU can consistently support (e.g., 60Hz or higher).
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Using up-to-date GPU drivers and ensuring your OS (Windows) is optimized for gaming can improve stability and performance.
• Optimization Detail: A P I Choice: Offers DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 renderers. DX12 may offer better performance on some newer hardware but DX11 can be more stable on older systems.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Streaming, Material Quality, Shadows, Draw Distance, Volumetric Fog, Screen Space Reflections, and Anti-Aliasing options (FXAA, Temporal AA) are key settings affecting performance.
• Game Name: Borderlands 3

• Official system requirements from Rockstar Games (PC version). Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance due to the game's massive world and detailed textures.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical for this demanding title. **This is one of the most graphically intensive games available, and high-end laptop hardware is required for enjoyable experiences at higher settings.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM significantly benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS. AMD FSR support may vary or require mods depending on game version/updates.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, MSAA (very demanding), Reflection Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Quality, Shadow Quality, TAA Sharpening, and advanced graphics settings like Tree Tessellation and Grass Shadows heavily impact performance. Finding a balance is key.
• Game Name: Red Dead Redemption 2

• A P I Choice: Offers DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 renderers. DX12 may offer better performance on some newer hardware but DX11 can be more stable on older systems.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Streaming, Material Quality, Shadows, Draw Distance, Volumetric Fog, Screen Space Reflections, and Anti-Aliasing options (FXAA, Temporal AA) are key settings affecting performance.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS. AMD FSR support may vary or require mods depending on game version/updates.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, MSAA (very demanding), Reflection Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Quality, Shadow Quality, TAA Sharpening, and advanced graphics settings like Tree Tessellation and Grass Shadows heavily impact performance. Finding a balance is key.

• G P U T G P Impact: The TGP of a laptop GPU significantly affects its performance. Higher TGP values for the same GPU model generally lead to better framerates.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is crucial for laptops to sustain performance during long gaming sessions and avoid thermal throttling, which can reduce framerates.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A capable mobile CPU is needed to handle the game's demands, especially in busy areas or during intense combat, without bottlenecking the GPU.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 6GB is absolute minimum, but 16GB in dual-channel configuration is strongly recommended for a much smoother experience and to prevent stuttering, especially when many enemies or effects are on screen.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match your laptop's GPU power to its display resolution (typically 1080p for this era of requirements) and aim for a refresh rate the GPU can consistently support (e.g., 60Hz or higher).
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Using up-to-date GPU drivers and ensuring your OS (Windows) is optimized for gaming can improve stability and performance.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM significantly benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.