Borderlands 3: Super Deluxe vs Ultimate Edition – Which Wins?
Ready to dive back into the chaotic world of Pandora? Borderlands 3 offers a treasure trove of content, but choosing the right edition can be a daunting task. The Super Deluxe and Ultimate Editions both promise a wealth of mayhem, but which one reigns supreme for your vault-hunting needs?
This comparison delves deep into the nitty-gritty details, breaking down what each edition offers. We’ll explore the included content, from the base game to the various DLCs and cosmetic packs. Our goal is to help you decide if the Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition or the Ultimate Edition is the perfect fit for your gaming style and budget.
Get ready to unleash your inner Vault Hunter as we dissect the differences and help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the best Borderlands 3 experience.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | borderlands 3 super deluxe edition | ultimate edition |
|---|---|---|
| Base Game | Yes | Yes |
| Season Pass | Yes | Yes |
| Season Pass 2 | No | Yes |
| Designer’s Cut DLC | Yes | Yes |
| Director’s Cut DLC | Yes | Yes |
| Butt Stallion Pack | Yes | Yes |
| Multiverse Cosmetic Packs | No | Yes |
| Final Form Cosmetic Packs | No | Yes |
| Bonus Cosmetics | Yes | Yes, more |
| Arms Race Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Vault Hunter Multiverse Cosmetic Packs | No | Yes |
| Additional Cosmetic Packs | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Base Game
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: Includes the base Borderlands 3 game, offering the core story campaign, characters, and gameplay mechanics. This provides the fundamental experience but lacks the additional content found in the expansions.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes the base Borderlands 3 game, just like the Super Deluxe Edition. This ensures access to the core game experience, allowing you to enjoy the main story and characters.
- Winner: Tie
Season Pass 1 Content
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: This edition includes Season Pass 1, granting access to the first four campaign add-ons: Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock, Bounty of Blood, and Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck. This significantly expands the game’s content.
- Ultimate Edition: This edition also includes Season Pass 1, providing the same four campaign add-ons as the Super Deluxe Edition, ensuring access to the additional story content and new environments.
- Winner: Tie
Season Pass 2 Content
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: Does NOT include Season Pass 2. This means you will miss out on the content included in this pass, which is a major drawback if you want all the DLC.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes Season Pass 2, granting access to the Designer’s Cut, Director’s Cut, and all the content that comes with them. This includes additional skill trees, raid bosses, and more.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Cosmetic Packs
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: May include some cosmetic packs, but the exact number and content can vary depending on the specific version and retailer. It’s best to check the specific edition details.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes the Multiverse Final Form cosmetic packs, which are exclusive cosmetic packs. This gives a lot of options for character customization.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Additional Campaign Content
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: Includes the first four campaign add-ons. You will get to experience new stories, locations, and challenges, expanding the game’s lifespan.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes all campaign add-ons, including the content of Season Pass 1 and Season Pass 2. This offers the most complete Borderlands 3 experience with all the available story expansions.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Vault Hunter Cosmetic Packs
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: May include some Vault Hunter cosmetic packs, but the specifics can vary. Check the edition details for the specific packs included.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes the Multiverse cosmetic packs, adding a significant amount of customization options for each Vault Hunter, offering unique looks and styles.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Weapon Skins and Trinkets
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: May include weapon skins and trinkets, offering some customization options for your weapons and characters.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes weapon skins and trinkets, providing more cosmetic options to personalize your gear.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Overall Value
- Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition: Offers a good value proposition, including the base game and Season Pass 1. It provides a substantial amount of content at a lower price point than the Ultimate Edition.
- Ultimate Edition: Provides the most comprehensive Borderlands 3 experience, including all available DLC and cosmetic packs. This is the best value for players who want everything, but it is the most expensive option.
- Winner: Ultimate Edition
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Most Content | ultimate edition |
| Best Value (for all content) | ultimate edition |
| Best Value (for base game + Season Pass 1) | borderlands 3 super deluxe edition |
What They Have in Common:
- Base Game: Both editions include the base game, offering the core Borderlands 3 experience.
- Season Pass: Both editions provide access to the Season Pass, which includes campaign add-ons and other content.
- Butt Stallion Pack: Both editions include the Butt Stallion Pack, offering cosmetic items.
- Designer’s Cut Dlc: Both editions include the Designer’s Cut DLC.
- Director’s Cut Dlc: Both editions include the Director’s Cut DLC.
Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition vs Ultimate Edition Buying Guide
Content Differences
The core content difference lies in the Season Pass and its associated add-ons. The Super Deluxe Edition includes the Season Pass, granting access to four campaign add-ons featuring new stories, characters, and environments. This edition offers a significant expansion of the base game’s narrative and gameplay. The Ultimate Edition, on the other hand, includes both the Season Pass and the Designer’s Cut and Director’s Cut add-ons, providing even more content, including additional skill trees, raid bosses, and cosmetic packs. Consider your appetite for post-launch content when deciding, as the Ultimate Edition offers the most comprehensive experience.
Price Comparison
The price discrepancy between the two editions reflects the added content in the Ultimate Edition. The Ultimate Edition, naturally, costs more than the Super Deluxe Edition. It is essential to compare prices from various retailers and consider any sales or promotions that might be available. Evaluate your budget and the value you place on the extra content offered by the Ultimate Edition. If the price difference is significant, and you’re unsure about the additional content, the Super Deluxe Edition might be a more budget-friendly option initially.
Season Pass Overview
The Season Pass, included in the Super Deluxe Edition, unlocks four campaign add-ons. These add-ons provide substantial new content, typically adding hours of gameplay, new missions, and unique rewards. Each add-on introduces new locations, enemies, and challenges, expanding the Borderlands 3 universe. Purchasing the Super Deluxe Edition guarantees access to these crucial story expansions. Consider the value of these story-driven DLCs when making your decision, as they are a significant part of the overall experience.
Designer’s Cut & Director’s Cut Details
The Designer’s Cut and Director’s Cut are exclusive to the Ultimate Edition. The Designer’s Cut introduces new skill trees for each Vault Hunter, offering fresh gameplay options and build possibilities. The Director’s Cut features raid bosses, Vault Cards, and additional cosmetic items. These additions significantly extend the endgame content and offer more replayability. Players looking for the most complete and challenging Borderlands 3 experience should prioritize the Ultimate Edition for these add-ons.
Cosmetic Items and Bonus Content
Both editions often include cosmetic items, such as weapon skins, trinkets, and Vault Hunter skins. These cosmetic items allow players to personalize their characters and gear. The Ultimate Edition frequently includes a wider selection of cosmetic items, providing more customization options. Consider the value you place on cosmetic items when making your decision. While they don’t affect gameplay, they can enhance your enjoyment of the game. Check the specific content details for each edition to determine the cosmetic offerings.
Long-Term Value and Replayability
The Ultimate Edition offers the best long-term value due to its comprehensive content. With the inclusion of the Season Pass and the Designer’s and Director’s Cuts, the Ultimate Edition provides the most replayability. The additional skill trees, raid bosses, and endgame content in the Ultimate Edition keep players engaged for longer. If you plan to invest significant time in Borderlands 3, the Ultimate Edition is the more worthwhile investment. It ensures you have access to all the post-launch content and a richer overall experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy borderlands 3 super deluxe edition If…
- You want a complete Borderlands 3 experience without all the additional cosmetic packs.
- You are looking for a cheaper option.
- You are not interested in the additional content included in Season Pass 2.
Buy ultimate edition If…
- You want the most comprehensive Borderlands 3 experience with all available content.
- You want access to all cosmetic packs, including the Multiverse and Final Form packs.
- You want access to Season Pass 2.
- You want all the DLC and bonus content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Super Deluxe Edition and the Ultimate Edition?
The primary difference lies in the included content. The Super Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the Season Pass (four campaign add-ons). The Ultimate Edition includes the base game, the Season Pass, and the Designer’s Cut & Director’s Cut add-ons, which provide additional skill trees, raid bosses, and more content.
Does the Super Deluxe Edition include all DLC?
No, the Super Deluxe Edition does not include all the DLC. It includes the Season Pass, which grants access to the four campaign add-ons, but it does not include the content from the Designer’s Cut and Director’s Cut, which are exclusive to the Ultimate Edition.
Which edition offers the most cosmetic items?
The Ultimate Edition generally offers the most cosmetic items. It often includes a larger collection of weapon skins, character skins, trinkets, and other cosmetic customization options. Check the specific details of each edition to confirm the exact cosmetic content included.
Is the Ultimate Edition worth the extra cost?
The Ultimate Edition is worth the extra cost if you want the most complete Borderlands 3 experience. It offers a significant amount of additional content, including new skill trees, raid bosses, and endgame activities, which extends the game’s lifespan and replayability significantly.
Can I upgrade from the Super Deluxe Edition to the Ultimate Edition?
Yes, you can often upgrade from the Super Deluxe Edition to the Ultimate Edition by purchasing the additional content separately. However, purchasing the Ultimate Edition upfront is usually more cost-effective than buying the individual add-ons later, especially if you plan to play all the content.
What platforms are these editions available on?
Both the Super Deluxe Edition and the Ultimate Edition are typically available on all major platforms, including PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Availability may vary by region and retailer.
Which edition is best for new players?
For new players, the Ultimate Edition provides the most complete and comprehensive Borderlands 3 experience. It grants access to all of the released content, including the base game and all major DLCs. This allows players to experience the full scope of the game from the start.
Final Verdict
The Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition offers the most comprehensive and complete experience, providing access to all major content releases. While the Super Deluxe Edition delivers a fantastic experience with the Season Pass, the Ultimate Edition’s inclusion of the Designer’s Cut and Director’s Cut adds considerable value, extending the game’s lifespan and replayability.
Winner: Ultimate Edition