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.
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Gameplay & Mechanics
Companions/Followers
None (Ethan Winters - Gameplay): For the vast majority of his playable sections, Ethan Winters fights alone. He does not have persistent AI companions that follow him or can be commanded in combat during his main story segments.
Hound Wolf Squad Members (Chris Redfield's Section - Temporary AI): During Chris Redfield's playable segment, he is accompanied by members of his Hound Wolf Squad (e.g., Canine, Lobo, Night Howl, Umber Eyes). They are AI-controlled and provide significant combat support with military-grade weaponry and tactics during these specific missions.
Human (BSAA Elite Soldiers)
Mia Winters & Rosemary Winters (Narrative Context): While central to Ethan's motivations, Mia and Rosemary do not act as gameplay companions for Ethan. Rosemary is an infant, and Mia's active role is primarily at the beginning and end of the game.
Human
Michael (Shadows of Rose DLC - Temporary Guide/Entity): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose is guided by a mysterious entity calling itself 'Michael,' which communicates through text appearing on surfaces. It provides hints and narrative direction but is not a physical companion.
Mysterious Entity (Megamycete Construct)
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
Key Collectibles
Files (Notes, Diaries, Documents, Reports): Numerous readable documents found throughout all areas. They provide rich backstory on the village's history, the Four Lords, Mother Miranda's experiments, the BSAA's involvement, Ethan and Mia's past, and general lore about the Resident Evil universe. Essential for understanding the full narrative.
Goats of Warding: 20 small, wooden goat effigies hidden in various locations across the village and its surrounding areas. They make a distinct clicking sound when nearby. Destroying all of them unlocks an achievement/trophy and Challenge Points for the Extra Content Shop.
Treasures (Crystal Fragments, Wooden Animals, Combineable Treasures, etc.): Valuable items that can be found hidden in the environment, dropped by certain enemies, or in locked areas. These can be sold to The Duke for Lei (in-game currency). Some treasures consist of multiple parts that can be combined to create a more valuable item (e.g., Dimitrescu's Necklace, Moreau's Hidden Weapon).
Weapon Parts (Attachments): Found in specific locations, often in locked cases or hidden areas, or purchased from The Duke. These attachments (e.g., scopes, stocks, extended magazines, compensators) can be equipped to weapons at The Duke's Emporium to improve their stats or functionality.
Cooked Meals Ingredients (Fish, Poultry, Meat - Quality Tiers): Animals like fish, chickens, pigs, and goats can be hunted in the village and surrounding areas. They drop different qualities of meat. These ingredients are given to The Duke to cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
Outhouse Puzzles (Hidden Items): Many outhouses in the village have a small item hidden inside, often requiring a lockpick or a specific angle to see and shoot down. These usually contain ammo or minor resources.
Labyrinth Puzzles & Balls: Each of the Four Lords' main areas (and the village) contains a Labyrinth Puzzle model. Ethan must find a corresponding metal ball (e.g., Crimson Skull, Black Goat) and guide it through the miniature labyrinth to obtain a valuable Crystal Treasure.
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).
Standard sidearms for general combat. Range from basic pistols to powerful magnums. Upgradable for damage, fire rate, capacity, etc. Some have unique properties or attachments.
Effective at close range, dealing high damage to unarmored or multiple enemies. Includes pump-action, tactical, and semi-automatic variants. Upgradable.
The FZ F2 is a bolt-action sniper rifle for long-range precision. During Chris Redfield's section, assault rifles like the Dragoon are used. Upgradable with scopes, stocks, etc.
Fires explosive rounds for area damage or flashbang rounds to stun enemies. Limited ammunition.
Knife: Melee (Utility/Last Resort)
Ethan's standard melee weapon. Used for breaking crates, finishing downed enemies, or as a last resort in combat. Not very effective against most enemies on its own.
Mines & Pipe Bombs: Craftable Explosives
Craftable throwable or deployable explosives. Pipe bombs are basic grenades, while mines can be set as traps.
Special/Story Weapons (e.g., specific weapons during boss fights or unique sections): Contextual / Unique
Certain sections or boss encounters may provide Ethan (or other playable characters like Chris) with unique or powerful weapons temporarily.
Chris Redfield's Arsenal (Target Locator, WCX Assault Rifle, Karambit Knife - Playable Section): Military Grade Weaponry
During Chris's playable segment, he has access to more advanced military weaponry, including an assault rifle with various attachments and a target locator for airstrikes.
Rose Winters' Powers (Shadows of Rose DLC - Not traditional weapons): Bio-Organic Abilities
In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose uses powers derived from the Mold to destroy Mold Cores, stun enemies, and clear obstacles, rather than conventional firearms for most of the DLC.
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.
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.
Armor / Gear Sets
No Equipable Armor System (Ethan Winters): Ethan Winters does not have an equipable armor system where players can find or upgrade different pieces of armor for direct stat boosts. His survivability is based on his base health (which can be permanently increased by eating specific cooked meals from The Duke's Kitchen), player skill in combat (blocking, dodging), and the use of healing items (First Aid Meds). Clothing changes are story-dictated and purely cosmetic.
Defensive Upgrades (The Duke's Kitchen): By providing The Duke with specific quantities of Fish, Poultry, and Meat obtained from hunting animals in the village, Ethan can have meals cooked that provide permanent upgrades to his maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed. This is the primary way to increase his resilience.
Blocking Mechanic: Ethan can block incoming attacks with his arms or equipped weapon, significantly reducing damage taken. A well-timed block can sometimes stagger enemies. This is a core defensive skill.
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.
Outfits/Customization
Ethan Winters' Attire: Ethan wears a consistent outfit throughout the main game (winter jacket, pants, etc.), which becomes progressively more tattered and bloodied as he endures hardships. There are no direct clothing customization options for Ethan in the story mode beyond these contextual changes. The Third-Person Mode added in the Winters' Expansion shows his full character model.
Chris Redfield's Attire: During his playable segment, Chris wears his signature Hound Wolf Squad tactical gear. This is fixed for his section.
Rose Winters' Attire (Shadows of Rose DLC): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, teenage Rose wears a distinct outfit. Her appearance is fixed for her storyline.
Character Costumes (The Mercenaries Additional Orders / Unlockables): The Mercenaries mode and potentially other unlockable content (like through completing challenges or as part of Deluxe/Gold editions) may offer alternate cosmetic costumes for playable characters in those specific modes (e.g., different outfits for Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg in Mercenaries).
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.
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World & Exploration
Playable Vehicles
Tractor (Briefly, Cutscene/Scripted): Agricultural Land Vehicle
Ethan briefly uses a tractor during an escape sequence early in the game, but it is a scripted event rather than a freely controllable vehicle.
Boat (Moreau's Reservoir): Small Motorboat / Watercraft
Used by Ethan to navigate the flooded areas of Moreau's Reservoir while being pursued by the transformed Salvatore Moreau. Control is primarily for navigation and evasion during this specific segment.
Makeshift Tank / Vehicle (Heisenberg's Factory - Boss Fight): Improvised Combat Vehicle
During the boss fight against Karl Heisenberg, Ethan pilots a makeshift, heavily armed vehicle created by Chris Redfield to counter Heisenberg's metallic form. Control is specific to this boss encounter.
Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Sprinting, Crouching): Player Locomotion
Primary mode of movement. Ethan can walk, run (limited by stamina that isn't explicitly shown but implied by breathlessness), sprint for short bursts, and crouch for stealth or navigating low passages.
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.
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.
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.
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Story & Characters
Main Characters
Ethan Winters: Protagonist
The returning protagonist from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. A civilian desperately searching for his kidnapped infant daughter, Rosemary, which leads him to a mysterious and hostile village in Eastern Europe. He endures immense physical and psychological trauma throughout his ordeal.
Mia Winters: Supporting Character / Ethan's Wife
Ethan's wife and Rosemary's mother. Her apparent death at the beginning of the game sets Ethan on his quest. Her past connections to The Connections and bioweapons are relevant.
Rosemary 'Rose' Winters: Key Character / Ethan's Daughter / Playable in 'Shadows of Rose' DLC
Ethan and Mia's infant daughter, who possesses unique abilities due to her parents' exposure to the Mold. She is kidnapped by Chris Redfield, and her rescue is Ethan's primary motivation. Playable as a teenager in the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC.
Chris Redfield: Supporting Character / Antagonist Figure (Initially) / BSAA Operative
A recurring hero from the Resident Evil series. He appears to act antagonistically at the start of Village, but his true motives and mission are gradually revealed. Leads the Hound Wolf Squad. Playable in a short segment of the main game and as a character in The Mercenaries.
The Duke: Ally / Merchant
An enigmatic and surprisingly jovial, obese merchant who appears in various locations throughout the village. He sells weapons, ammunition, crafting recipes, weapon upgrades, and cooks meals for Ethan that provide permanent stat boosts. Offers cryptic advice and assistance.
Mother Miranda: Main Antagonist / Village Cult Leader
The supreme leader of the village and the Four Lords. A powerful bioweapon researcher who seeks to use Rosemary to resurrect her own deceased daughter, Eva. She is the source of the Mold and the mutations in the region.
Lady Alcina Dimitrescu: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
The towering, aristocratic mistress of Castle Dimitrescu. A vampiric figure with immense strength and retractable claws, she rules her domain with her three daughters. Became a viral sensation due to her height and design.
Karl Heisenberg: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords / Potential Rebel
A charismatic and rebellious lord with the power to manipulate metal (ferrokinesis). He operates a factory producing cybernetic soldiers (Soldats). He has his own agenda and offers Ethan a chance to join him against Miranda.
Donna Beneviento & Angie: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
A reclusive doll maker who communicates through her sentient puppet, Angie. Her domain, House Beneviento, focuses on psychological horror, hallucinations, and puzzles rather than direct combat.
Salvatore Moreau: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
A grotesque, fish-like mutant lord with low self-esteem, desperate for Miranda's approval. He controls a reservoir and can transform into a colossal aquatic monster.
Elena & Leonardo Lupu: Supporting Characters / Villagers
Survivors Ethan encounters in the village. Elena tries to help Ethan but faces tragic circumstances with her father, Leonardo.
The Hag (Old Crone): Supporting Character / Narrator Figure
An elderly, mysterious villager who appears at various points, offering cryptic warnings, lore, and seemingly observing Ethan's journey.
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.
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.
Example Missions
Main Story Campaign (Ethan's Search for Rose)
A series of interconnected chapters following Ethan Winters' desperate journey through the titular village and the domains of the Four Lords (Castle Dimitrescu, House Beneviento, Moreau's Reservoir, Heisenberg's Factory) to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rosemary, and confront Mother Miranda. Involves exploration, puzzle-solving, intense combat encounters, and boss battles.
Chris Redfield's Section
A segment of the main campaign where players take control of Chris Redfield as he leads his Hound Wolf Squad on a mission related to Mother Miranda and the Megamycete, showcasing more action-oriented gameplay with military weaponry.
Puzzle Solving (Key Items, Environmental Puzzles)
Throughout the game, Ethan must find key items (e.g., specific keys, crests, tools like the Well Wheel or Crank) and solve environmental puzzles to progress, unlock new areas, or access valuable loot. This includes tasks like finding mask fragments in Castle Dimitrescu or navigating the non-combat horror sequences in House Beneviento.
Boss Battles (Four Lords, Miranda, Mini-Bosses)
Confront and defeat the unique and often multi-phase bosses that guard the end of each major area or serve as significant story encounters. This includes fighting each of the Four Lords in their transformed states and ultimately Mother Miranda.
Optional Exploration & Treasure Hunting
Explore optional paths, hidden rooms, and side areas within the main locations to find valuable treasures (which can be sold to The Duke), weapon parts, crafting resources, files, and Goats of Warding. Some treasures require solving small puzzles or finding combineable parts.
The Duke's Kitchen (Hunting & Upgrades)
Hunt animals (fish, poultry, meat) found in the village and surrounding areas. Bring the ingredients to The Duke, who can cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
Shadows of Rose Story Campaign (DLC)
A new narrative campaign played as a teenage Rosemary Winters. She enters the Megamycete's consciousness to find a way to rid herself of her powers, facing surreal environments, new enemies (Face Eaters, Molded), and exploring her connection to the Mold. Played entirely in third-person.
The Mercenaries / The Mercenaries Additional Orders (Game Mode)
An arcade-style score attack mode. Players choose a character (Ethan, Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg) and fight through waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, aiming for high scores by chaining kills and utilizing character-specific abilities and weapons. Unlocks new stages and potentially in-game rewards.
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.
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Multiplayer
Multiplayer Details
The base game of Resident Evil Village is single-player only. 'The Mercenaries' is an arcade-style, single-player score attack mode. The multiplayer game 'Resident Evil RE:Verse' was intended to launch alongside Village as a free pack-in but was delayed and released later as a separate entity.
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Editions & DLC
Available Editions
Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (Trauma Pack with 'Samurai Edge' weapon, Mr. Everywhere weapon charm, found footage filter, save room music, additional difficulty mode 'Village of Shadows'), Collector's Edition (Deluxe content + Chris Redfield statue, SteelBook, artbook, cloth map, Trauma Pack). A 'Gold Edition' was released later, bundling the base game with the 'Winters' Expansion' (Shadows of Rose DLC, Third-Person Mode for main campaign, The Mercenaries Additional Orders).
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Post-Launch Content / DLC
The 'Winters' Expansion' was the major post-launch DLC. It includes: 'Shadows of Rose' (a new story chapter playing as a teenage Rose Winters with unique powers), Third-Person Mode for the main campaign, and 'The Mercenaries Additional Orders' (new characters like Chris, Heisenberg, Lady Dimitrescu, and stages for the arcade mode).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Resident Evil Village a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard? A: Yes, Resident Evil Village directly continues the story of Ethan Winters and his wife Mia, set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7.
Q: Do I need to play Resident Evil 7 before Village? A: It is highly recommended. Village heavily references characters, events, and themes from RE7. While there's a brief recap, playing RE7 first provides crucial context for Ethan's motivations and the overarching story.
Q: Is Resident Evil Village in first-person or third-person? A: The main campaign of Resident Evil Village is played in first-person. However, the 'Winters' Expansion' DLC added an optional Third-Person Mode for the main story, allowing players to experience it from an over-the-shoulder perspective.
Q: Who are the Four Lords? A: The Four Lords are a group of mutated individuals who rule different territories surrounding the village, all serving Mother Miranda. They are Lady Alcina Dimitrescu (vampiric mistress of a castle), Karl Heisenberg (engineer with magnetic powers and a factory), Donna Beneviento (reclusive doll maker controlling hallucinations), and Salvatore Moreau (grotesque fish-like creature controlling a reservoir).
Q: What is The Mercenaries mode? A: The Mercenaries is an arcade-style, score-based bonus mode unlocked after completing the main story. Players choose a character and must defeat waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, chaining combos and utilizing character-specific abilities to achieve high scores and unlock rewards. The 'Additional Orders' DLC added more characters and stages.
Q: What is 'Shadows of Rose'? A: 'Shadows of Rose' is a story DLC included in the 'Winters' Expansion'. It is set 16 years after the main game and follows a teenage Rosemary Winters as she delves into the consciousness of the Megamycete to find a way to remove her unwanted powers. It is played in third-person.
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).
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Technical Details
Graphics & Visual Fidelity
Powered by Capcom's RE Engine, Resident Evil Village boasts stunning visuals with highly detailed environments, lifelike character models (especially the Four Lords), and advanced lighting and shadow effects. The game features distinct visual styles for each lord's domain, from the gothic opulence of Castle Dimitrescu to the grotesque organic horror of Moreau's Reservoir. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity.
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Audio & Soundtrack
Original score composed by Shusaku Uchiyama, Nao Sato, and Marcin Przybyłowicz, featuring a blend of orchestral horror themes, tense ambient tracks, and folk-inspired melodies reflecting the Eastern European setting. Sound design is crucial for horror atmosfére, with distinct enemy vocalizations (Lycans' howls, Dimitrescu's pursuit), environmental creaks, and impactful weapon sounds. The game uses binaural audio for enhanced spatial awareness.
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User Interface (UI/UX)
Features a first-person HUD displaying health (electrocardiogram style), ammo count, and equipped item. Inventory management is grid-based, similar to Resident Evil 4, accessible in real-time (though the game often pauses when accessing the full inventory screen). A map helps with navigation, marking key items, save points (typewriters), and locked doors. Crafting is done via a dedicated menu.
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Accessibility Options
Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist, display adjustments for brightness and contrast, options to reduce camera wobble, and various audio settings. A third-person mode was added in the Winters' Expansion, which can also be an accessibility aid for some players.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile (High TGP) is a good target for 1080p High/Max 60FPS.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 35 GB SSD
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1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~45-60 FPS, Prioritize Performance Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Prioritize Performance Preset / Low-Medium Settings, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for playable framerates.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Newer i5/Ryzen 5 H-series recommended.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is a tight minimum.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: HDD absolute minimum, SSD highly recommended.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-7500 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon RX 560 (4GB VRAM)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500M. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be significantly better for consistent framerates and higher settings.**
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU. Performance depends on specific model's cooling and power limits.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU with 2GB VRAM.
GPU (Laptop): Targets playable framerates at 720p-1080p Low. **2GB VRAM is an absolute minimum and might struggle; 4GB VRAM is strongly recommended for laptops.** Performance varies greatly by TGP.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement (dual-channel highly recommended if using 8GB or more).
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memoryCPU: AMD FX-8350 or Intel Core i5-3570
developer_boardGPU: AMD Radeon HD 7970 (2GB) or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 (2GB)
laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-7300HQ / AMD Ryzen 5 2500U or newer equivalent mobile CPUs with at least 4 cores/threads.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M (2GB/4GB), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile (2GB/4GB); OR AMD Radeon R9 M385X (4GB). A GTX 1650 Laptop (4GB) would be a more comfortable modern minimum.
layersRAM: 6 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 75 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
1440p (QHD/2K) - Recommended (Target: 1440p High settings OR 1080p Ultra settings, ~60 FPS)(High/Ultra Preset.)
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU.
CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a smooth 1080p Ultra or 1440p High experience.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1440p High / 1080p Ultra.
GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Ultra or 1440p High. **Ensure adequate TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 6GB VRAM minimum, 8GB VRAM strongly recommended for laptops at this tier.
RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel strongly recommended for optimal performance.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q (8GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Laptop (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, Medium to High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 5600M (6GB), RX 5700M (8GB), RX 6600M (8GB).
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 75 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
save Overall Storage
Spec: Approx. 35 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Size may increase with DLC. Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and smoother transitions between areas. Type: SSD
Spec: 75 GB available space (SSD Recommended) Note: An SSD is recommended for faster load times and smoother overall gameplay experience. Type: SSD
desktop_windows Operating System
Spec: Windows 10 (64-bit required) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
Spec: Windows 7/10 (latest service pack) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11 with the latest service packs is required.
gamepad DirectX Version
Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required.
N/A
info_outline Other Game Notes
Official PC system requirements from Capcom. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many enemies or detailed environments), and background applications. An SSD is recommended for optimal performance. Ray tracing features are demanding.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Resident Evil Village can be demanding, particularly with ray tracing enabled or at higher resolutions.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.
Game Name: Resident Evil Village
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
build Optimization Details
Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.
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.
laptop Laptop Considerations
G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
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.
info_outline
Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements.
Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc.
Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.