In Borderlands 3, you have the choice between different element types. We will show you which element you need in which situation.
These are the elements: Many weapons in Borderlands 3 not only have “normal” kinetic damage from bullets. A large portion of the weapons is also equipped with one or more elements. These elements are:
- Fire
- Shock
- Corrosion
- Cryo
- Radiation
Depending on the type of enemy you face, you can gain an advantage with the right element. Particularly against powerful bosses like Katagawa Ball, the right element is important.
These are the effects: All elements have special strengths and weaknesses. On “Mentalmars“, the elements and their effects are presented in a clear table. “Kinetic” represents normal damage from bullets or melee damage without elements.
Source: Mentalmars
Other values after the story: As you can see in the table, elements work a bit differently in the “True Vault Hunter Mode“. Choosing the right element is rewarded a bit more, while the wrong choice is punished harder.
This is how elements work in Borderlands 3
This is how Fire works: Fire damage is mainly needed when you encounter “flesh” enemies – that is, anything that does not wear armor or a shield. This is usually represented by a red health bar. For example, psychos, tinks, skags, or other creatures are allergic to fire.
Moreover, enemies that you have set on fire with fire damage lose additional health points over a short period. So they can still fall over even if you are no longer engaged with them. However, fire is not very effective against shields and armor.
This is how Shock works: When you attack your enemies with electrically charged weapons, especially enemies with shields look weak. Shield indicators are displayed in blue in the game.
A nice side effect: If enemies stand in puddles, you can even deal some area damage with shock weapons. However, shock is not that effective against flesh and armor.
This is how Corrosion works: Following the rock-paper-scissors principle, corrosion also has a special strength. It is particularly effective against armored enemies or robots – that is, everything you can turn into scrap metal.
Logically, corrosion works not that well against flesh and shields.
This is how Cryo works: Cryo damage is not that effective against shields, but it has another advantage. Weapons with cryo damage can slow down your enemies and even freeze them.
If you manage to turn the enemy into an ice block, he primarily can no longer shoot at you. Even better: Your melee damage is particularly strong against frozen enemies.
This is how Radiation works: Radioactive weapons also have a special effect. Radiated enemies damage other enemies standing nearby.
If the health bar of a radiated enemy is empty, he explodes – dealing extra damage. Notably: In True Vault Hunter Mode, radiation increases its effectiveness against shields compared to the normal story.
If you choose the right elements, most enemies should pose little danger to you. You can find more tips here:
