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Discovering the underrated weapons in borderlands

Frustration Grows Over Borderlands Weapons | Community Calls for Change

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Mar 17, 2026, 06:36 PM

Updated

Mar 18, 2026, 01:39 PM

2 minutes of duration

An illustration showcasing various weapons from Borderlands, highlighting unique designs and features that players feel need improvements.
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Borderlands fans are pushing back against ineffective weapons in the franchise, igniting heated discussions across forums. Recent comments express deep dissatisfaction with various weapons, both classics and new additions that fail to meet expectations, especially in late-game scenarios.

Highlights of Player Feedback

The One Pump Chump shotgun tops the list of complaints, known for losing its edge in later stages of the game. Players recall better times with weapons in earlier titles. A user stated, "I wish they never nerfed the flakker," pointing to nostalgia for powerful weapons of the past.

The Shotgun Dilemma

Unique shotguns aren't faring well either. "Sledge's shotgun is mid," one player noted, as it struggles against better weapons like double Anarchy and various assault rifles. Another player lamented the Infinity pistol, highlighting issues with its spread variability: "Maybe the Infinity. Love that weapon but I always get a variant with insane spread."

Players also mentioned others like the Unforgiven, expressing regret over its lack of power despite attractive animations and concepts. "The premise of the all-or-nothing crit gun is great," one fan remarked, wishing it had more impact in gameplay.

Damage Mechanics Under Scrutiny

The discourse isn't limited to weapon models aloneโ€”damage mechanics are also a concern. Several players delivered critiques on how damage over time (DoT) effects fare in the current game. One user expressed that the innovative elements seen in earlier iterations have fizzled out, noting, "The infection was such a cool gimmick but bogged down by how bad dot damage is in Borderlands 2."

Emergent Themes from Discussions

While the community's feedback runs deep, three main themes can be discerned:

  • Disappointment with Classic Weapons: Some fans believe the nostalgic favorites deserve better updates.

  • Struggles with Shotgun Performance: Community feedback shows common frustration that unique shotguns donโ€™t compete against other weapon classes.

  • Desire for Balanced Design: Many are advocating for more effective weapons, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

"Great in 1, good in 2, didnโ€™t exist in pre-sequel, mediocre in 4," one player summarized, reflecting on the gradual decline of weapon effectiveness.

Community Sentiment

Emotions are running high as players feel let down by the gameโ€™s current weapon mechanics. "The Bitch! (Smack 'em) is completely useless in BL3," one player lamented about a previously-loved weapon that underperforms now. Mixed feelings echo throughout the discussions, underscoring a community craving improvement.

Potential Steps Forward

As the discourse continues, players hope for a developer response to these valid concerns. Suggestions are circulating that could lead to significant gameplay adjustments. Many fans believe returns are on the horizon, estimating a 60% chance for a balancing update soon, which might enhance the Maliwan brand and revive the One Pump Chump shotgun.

Call for Action!

This mounting clamor from fans could be pivotal for the future of Borderlands. Historically, community feedback has led to transformative gameplay alterations. The question looms: will developers hear those calls for change? Only time will tell if the weapon dynamics in Borderlands will improve.