While the reveal ofBorderlands 3gameplay seemingly went over well with fans of the looter shooter series, the event was not without its controversies. Specifically, Gearbox Software CEO came under fire for claims that the game would not feature microtransactions, despite a follow-up reveal thatBorderlands 3will include cosmetic items for purchase.
Now, Pitchford has further set the record straight regarding cosmetics inBorderlands 3,and it should ease some concerns among fans. According to the Gearbox CEO,Borderlands 3will offer cosmetic items as drops while playing the game without any extra purchase. Things like skins, heads, and various customization items will be part of theloot that gamers can collectduring regular play.
However, Pitchford does say that if fans want it after launch,Borderlands 3will eventually offer “additional optional cosmetic DLC” like with Borderlands 2. But at this moment there are no plans for cosmetic DLC inBorderlands 3, which makes the whole Pitchford controversy a moot point. He fell under fire for sayingBorderlands 3doesn’t have microtransactions even thoughGearbox confirmed plans for cosmetic DLC(which are microtransactions), but really Pitchford was talking about loot boxes and pay-to-win, gameplay-affecting items.
For longtimeBorderlandsplayers, this news shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. As Pitchford mentioned, this is howBorderlands 2handled cosmetic DLC and there was no issue. However, gaming has changed a lot since 2012, and cosmetic microtransactions have become a way for publishers to nickel and dime players for customization items that don’t affect gameplay. Luckily,Borderlands 3sounds as though it will not go that route and will give players plenty of cosmetic loot from general play.
Alongside that cosmetic loot and eventually DLC,Borderlands 3does plan to offer a robust selection of story DLC in the vein ofBL 2. Of course, Gearbox wasn’t willing to talk about that just yet – they only just revealedgameplay forBorderlands 3– but the developer did want to prepare players for an experience that will receive longterm support.
Borderlands 3releases June 10, 2025 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
