The Borderlands series has captivated gamers with its unique blend of post-apocalyptic settings, engaging characters, and, most importantly, its looter-shooter gameplay mechanic. Players are drawn to the constant hunt for better gear, the variety of playable characters with unique abilities, and the rich narrative that unfolds across the series. For those who have exhausted the possibilities of Pandora and its surrounding galaxies, there are several other games that offer similar experiences, blending action, role-playing elements, and the thrill of the hunt for legendary loot. Here, we'll explore seven games like Borderlands that are sure to satisfy your cravings for more.
Games with Similar Looter-Shooter Mechanics
At the heart of the Borderlands experience is the looter-shooter mechanic, which combines first-person shooter gameplay with role-playing game (RPG) elements, particularly the loot system. Games that mimic this formula offer players a chance to explore vast environments, engage in intense combat, and collect a wide array of weapons and equipment.
Warframe
Warframe is a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter with sci-fi elements. Players control members of the Tenno, a race of ancient warriors, as they fight against various factions. Warframe offers a vast array of playable characters (known as Warframes), each with unique abilities, and a large collection of weapons. The game’s focus on cooperation, its vast open worlds, and the constant addition of new content make it a compelling alternative for fans of Borderlands’ cooperative gameplay and character customization.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter with MMO elements and a strong focus on character customization and loot. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of a Guardian, tasked with protecting the Last City from various alien threats. Destiny 2 offers expansive PvE (player versus environment) content, including raids, dungeons, and a variety of seasonal activities. Its large open worlds, complex narrative, and the ongoing pursuit of better gear align closely with the Borderlands experience, especially for those who enjoy exploring new environments and overcoming challenging content.
| Game Title | Genre | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Warframe | Cooperative Third-Person Shooter | Unique playable characters, vast weapon collection, free-to-play |
| Destiny 2 | First-Person Shooter with MMO Elements | Character customization, expansive loot system, seasonal activities |
Games with Deep Role-Playing Elements
Beyond the action-packed gameplay, fans of Borderlands also appreciate the deep character customization and role-playing elements that allow for diverse playstyles and strategic team compositions. The following games prioritize these aspects, offering players a chance to dive deep into character development and narrative-driven experiences.
The Division 2
The Division 2 is a third-person shooter set in an open-world environment. It focuses on RPG elements, including character progression and loot. Players are agents of The Division, working to rebuild society after a pandemic. The game’s emphasis on character build diversity, its expansive open world, and the complex endgame content make it appealing to those who enjoy the strategic depth of Borderlands’ skill trees and the hunt for specific gear sets.
Outriders
Outriders is a cooperative RPG shooter with a strong narrative focus. Players are part of an expedition to a new planet, where they must fight for survival against a hostile environment and its inhabitants. Outriders offers a deep character customization system and a variety of classes, each with unique abilities. Its blend of exploration, intense combat, and character development, along with a rich storyline, positions it as a compelling choice for fans of Borderlands’ narrative-driven gameplay and character customization.
Key Points
- Games like Warframe and Destiny 2 offer similar looter-shooter experiences with a focus on cooperative play and expansive loot systems.
- The Division 2 and Outriders prioritize RPG elements, including deep character customization and narrative-driven gameplay.
- These games cater to fans of Borderlands by providing a mix of action, exploration, and role-playing elements.
- Each game has its unique setting and gameplay mechanics, ensuring a fresh experience for players looking for something new.
- The constant updates and expansions in these games ensure ongoing engagement and new challenges for players.
Games with Unique Settings and Mechanics
Beyond the traditional looter-shooter formula, some games offer unique twists on the genre, incorporating innovative mechanics, settings, or gameplay styles that can appeal to fans of Borderlands looking for something different yet familiar.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a tactical third-person shooter set in an open-world environment. Players are part of an elite Special Forces team tasked with taking down a drug cartel in Bolivia. The game focuses on strategic team play, vehicle combat, and a variety of playable characters with unique skills. Its open-world setting, emphasis on tactical gameplay, and the importance of teamwork make it an interesting alternative for those who enjoy the cooperative aspects of Borderlands but are looking for a more realistic, tactical experience.
Anthem
Anthem is a cooperative third-person shooter with a focus on flying mech suits known as Javelins. Players explore a vast open world, completing missions and fighting against a variety of enemies. Anthem offers a rich narrative and a strong emphasis on character customization and loot. Its unique blend of mech combat, exploration, and RPG elements, along with its sci-fi setting, provides a fresh take on the looter-shooter genre that fans of Borderlands might appreciate for its innovation and depth.
What makes Warframe and Destiny 2 similar to Borderlands?
+Both Warframe and Destiny 2 offer looter-shooter gameplay, expansive open worlds, and a focus on character customization and cooperation, which are core elements of the Borderlands series.
How do The Division 2 and Outriders differ from traditional looter-shooters?
+The Division 2 and Outriders prioritize RPG elements, including deep character customization, narrative focus, and strategic gameplay, offering a more personalized and story-driven experience compared to some other looter-shooters.
What unique features do Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands and Anthem bring to the table?
+Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands offers a tactical, realistic approach with an emphasis on teamwork and strategy, while Anthem introduces flying mech suits and a unique blend of exploration and combat, providing distinct gameplay experiences within the action-RPG genre.
In conclusion, for fans of the Borderlands series, there are numerous games that offer similar blends of action, exploration, and role-playing elements. Whether you’re looking for deep character customization, expansive open worlds, or unique gameplay mechanics, games like Warframe, Destiny 2, The Division 2, Outriders, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands, and Anthem are sure to provide hours of engaging gameplay and satisfy your cravings for more looter-shooter action.
