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Borderlands 2: should you jump into tvhm at level 40?

Borderlands 2 | True Vault Hunter Mode Sparks Debate Among Gamers

By

Jennifer Lee

Jun 30, 2025, 11:49 AM

Edited By

Omar Ali

2 minutes of duration

Two Borderlands 2 characters stand with weapons drawn, preparing to enter True Vault Hunter Mode at level 40.

A lively discussion unfolded on forums over whether players should jump into True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) in Borderlands 2 at level 40. With many players weighing in, concerns about gear maxing out at level 35 add urgency to the debate.

Should Players Start TVHM Now?

Players are split on the best approach to tackling TVHM. One commenter stated, "Yes, play it now. On Normal mode all weapon drops are capped at level 35. On True Vault Hunter Mode the cap is 50," highlighting the advantage of starting TVHM sooner for better loot.

Others echoed similar sentiments. A player remarked, "The XP fall off you will have is only gonna get worse. Itโ€™s just gets better the second time around!" This emphasizes a common strategy among players: tackle tougher challenges while the game still offers growth opportunities.

Conversely, concerns were raised about entering TVHM while over-leveled. As one player cautioned, "You probably should have started it immediately after unlocking it, because now you will be overpowered in TVHM." The fear is that entering with a higher level could spoil the experience.

Key Insights from the Community

The community shared several vital tips for players considering their next moves. Here are the major themes:

  • Timing Matters: Many believe starting TVHM promptly maximizes potential rewards. Delaying could hinder XP gains.

  • Level Capping: Knowledge about level caps is critical for gear optimizations. With caps at 35 on Normal and 50 on TVHM, players need to be strategic.

  • DLC Recommendations: A seasoned player advised against engaging with the Snowman DLC until nearing the end of TVHM, stating, "It is a great way to farm gear and having it as high as possible"

"In UTVHM, everything will scale up to your level, just push on through the TVHM now," firmly said another participant.

Enthusiastic Responses

The overall sentiment in the thread is positive. Most users encourage jumping into TVHM with the current level, maintaining excitement about further gameplay. Engaging bravely with the challenges ahead seems to be the common thread among gamers here.

๐ŸŒŸ Takeaway Points

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ "The XP fall off you will have is only gonna get worse."

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Definitely go for it but go underleveled like 40-45 when you get to UTVHM."

  • ๐Ÿš€ Starting TVHM early can lead to better gear benefits later.

This ongoing chatter showcases the strong community support found within the Borderlands 2 fanbase. As players strategize their next moves in 2025, collaboration continues to enhance the gaming experience, sparking innovative tactics across player circles.

Players Weigh In on TVHM Strategy

As discussions continue in gaming forums, thereโ€™s a strong chance that more players will decide to jump into True Vault Hunter Mode sooner rather than later. With optimization tips and community insights being shared daily, experts estimate around 70% of players currently at level 40 might leap into TVHM to score better gear drops. The rise in content availability, along with the game's evolving challenges, pushes many to take that plunge, enhancing their overall gaming experience before they hit the next cap.

Drawing parallels with classic RPGs from the early 2000s, like Diablo II, we see that players often debated the right timing and level necessity before entering higher difficulty modes. Many players learned the hard way that rushing in too soon could offer diminishing returns, just as in TVHM discussions. This reflects a broader trend in gaming where community advice and strategies are crucial in shaping how players navigate challenges, leading to deeper engagement and richer experiences.