Users wrote

The Pre-Sequel is praised for its strong story and memorable characters, especially Handsome Jack’s origin and Claptrap’s antics. Reviewers highlight the space setting with low gravity, oxygen mechanics, lasers, and cryo as refreshing gameplay twists. The game shines in co-op and preserves Borderlands’ signature humor and vibe, though it has notable flaws. Common criticisms focus on large, empty moon maps, thin endgame content, technical issues, and the perception that it plays more like a substantial DLC than a full sequel.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Fresh space-themed mechanics and combat variety (15 mentions) - The moon setting introduces low gravity, oxygen management, lasers, and cryo weapons, which many reviews treat as a refreshing departure from the Pandora formula. These elements alter movement, combat pacing, and tactical options, and are often cited as keeping the gameplay engaging. Players appreciate the way these systems blend with the Borderlands gunplay to create new build opportunities. The overall impact is a noticeably fresh feel compared to Borderlands 2.
• Compelling story and memorable characters (12 mentions) - Reviewers praise The Pre-Sequel’s story and character moments, notably Handsome Jack’s backstory and Claptrap’s chaos. The writing and humor are frequently highlighted as strong, with several comments calling the campaign one of the better entries in the series. Players also note how the Claptrap DLC adds a standout, entertaining subplot that enriches the experience. Overall, the narrative depth and distinctive character interactions are a core strength.
• Co-op experiences are strong and enjoyable (9 mentions) - Many players report that The Pre-Sequel is particularly fun when played with others, emphasizing chaos, teamwork, and shared humor. The cooperative dynamic is repeatedly described as a highlight, enhancing the enjoyment of shooting, looting, and experimenting with builds. While solo play is possible, reviewers consistently point to co-op as a key reason to play. The social aspect adds a layer of replayability that is frequently praised.
• Humor and voice acting preserve Borderlands charm (8 mentions) - The game’s signature humor, including Australian flavor and sharp voice acting, is frequently cited as a positive force. Players note the witty dialog and character banter that keep the tone light and entertaining even amidst the game’s more demanding moments. The writing style and delivery contribute to a distinct Borderlands atmosphere that fans recognize and enjoy.
• Claptrap DLC is a standout (7 mentions) - Claptrap’s standalone DLC is repeatedly singled out as a high point, delivering inventive level design, humor, and a memorable boss encounter. Reviewers mention that Claptastic Voyage shows how well the game can balance story, humor, and engaging gameplay within a DLC. This expansion is often cited as one of the best Borderlands DLC experiences and helps elevate the overall package.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Moon maps feel large, empty, with backtracking (14 mentions) - A common complaint is that Elpis can feel vast and sparsely populated, leading to long travel times and tedious navigation. Reviewers describe the maps as padded with filler quests that slow progression and make exploration feel aimless. The lack of visual variety and directional clarity can drain momentum during play. This design choice is frequently cited as a major pacing issue.
• Not as good as Borderlands 2; feels like a DLC (12 mentions) - Many fans feel The Pre-Sequel falls short of Borderlands 2, describing it as a large expansion or spin-off rather than a fully satisfying sequel. Comparisons often note similar mechanics but thinner content, which influences overall reception. The perception of derivative content is a common theme in multiple reviews.
• Limited endgame content and repetitive side quests (11 mentions) - Many reviews note that post-campaign content is lighter than in Borderlands 2, with side quests feeling repetitive or mandatory to advance. The lack of substantial endgame activity reduces long-term engagement for some players. This has led to a perception that the game functions more as a large expansion than a full sequel. The pacing of mission progression can also contribute to fatigue.
• Technical issues and performance problems (7 mentions) - Several players report crashes, bugs, and optimization challenges, including launch problems on some hardware. Game performance complaints, such as stuttering or frame drops, appear in multiple reviews. These issues detract from the experience, especially for players with modern systems. While not universal, they are a notable negative in a number of opinions.
• Grinding and achievement grind can be tedious (6 mentions) - A number of reviews describe the grind for achievements and loot as tedious, with slow progression and repetitive tasks. This can make the game feel longer than its actual content and impact overall satisfaction. The grind is often mentioned in the context of long playthroughs and late-game farming.