The mechanics of the NPCs have been extensively revised for Borderlands 3. They differ significantly from the NPCs in Borderlands 2. Why this is the case was explained by developer Matt Cox in an interview with our author Leya.
What role do NPCs play? In Borderlands 3, there are different types of NPCs. There are characters from whom you receive missions or with whom you can only have dialogues. They often drive the story forward. Likewise, there are of course enemies in Borderlands 3 that you fight against.
Then there are the so-called Combat NPCs. These can also provide you with missions, but can additionally accompany you on certain missions. They fight by your side.
NPCs have been specially adapted for single-player
This is why NPCs are now so important: The Combat NPCs have been adapted for Borderlands 3 so that they can revive you in combat. They are now also stronger in battles. The NPCs have been equipped with more useful skills and weapons.
Why were the NPCs adapted? Borderlands is designed for a coop experience among friends. However, it also has an exciting and gripping story.
There are players who prefer to play the story campaign alone as a single-player. With this thought in mind, the Combat NPCs were accordingly adapted.
Where does this information come from? On May 1, Gearbox invited various media representatives to Los Angeles to try out Borderlands 3 for the first time. We from MeinMMO were also invited. On site, I spoke with Matt Cox, the Lead Boss Designer of Borderlands 3. He is simultaneously responsible for all NPCs in Borderlands 3. Matt explained why he introduced this new feature:
Reviving by NPCs is one of the features that I introduced relatively early. I didn’t expect it to become as big as it is now. If you die, Lorelei can revive you, and if Lorelei dies, you can do the same.
I always play alone when I first play the story campaign. I wanted people who play alone not to feel alone. That’s why we gave Combat NPCs more abilities now. When Lorelei or Zero fight by your side, you are not alone.
Matt Cox, Lead Boss Designer of Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 is now more enjoyable to play alone
In recent weeks, I have played a lot of Borderlands 2 again. I was mostly out on my own, which is much less fun for me than in coop. When the synergies of the different character classes come together in Borderlands, it brings me the most joy.
This is my impression of the adjustment of the NPCs: While we were trying out Borderlands 3, it was only possible to play in single-player. Right from the start, I noticed that I enjoyed Borderlands 3 alone much more than I had previously with the second installment.
Why that was the case became clear to me only after the conversation with developer Matt Cox. The fact that NPCs can now revive you makes a huge difference to the solo gameplay experience. Additionally, NPCs and your own character now act “smarter” towards each other. This is part of the 7 changes that make Borderlands 3 directly better than its predecessors.
Do the adjustments affect coop? How useful this new feature will be in coop play remains to be seen. But I can also imagine that the revised Combat NPCs are a pleasant addition and simply an extra buddy.
Here you can find a report of the gameplay event in Borderlands 3. A video with gameplay material is also included.
The Lead Boss Designer Matt Cox of course also told me more about the bosses in Borderlands 3:
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