With physical copies of Battleborn on their way to retailers in anticipation of the game’s official release on May 3, 2K Games and Gearbox Software have announced their plans with regards to Battleborn‘s post-launch content.
During our recent Battleborn preview at the 2K studios in Novato, CA, we were assured many times that the hero line-up would not be subjected to pay walls or paid unlocks. In keeping with that assertion, the first free content updates will include five new characters for the roster, bringing the total to 30. The first to be released will be Alani, a healer-warrior combination fighter who also as a courtesy to PlayStation 4 Open Beta players will also be available immediately afterward her debut, instead of requiring she be unlocked through regular gameplay. 2K Games says this is just the beginning for their free content updates, which in the future will include competitive multiplayer modes, maps, balance updates, and unspecified community features.
As for paid content, 2K is wisely sticking to DLC models that are already well received in the console games community, focusing mostly on aesthetic content and story missions in the form of five upcoming content packs. Each content pack will cost $4.99 and add exclusive hero skins and taunts plus one Story Operation, which can be played solo, split-screen, or online co-op multiplayer.
The content packs will be bundled together in a Season Pass priced at $19.99, five dollars off the total of buying them individually. You can also purchase the Season Pass as part of the Battleborn Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game, Season Pass, and some additional cosmetic customization options exclusive to the packaged deal.
2K Games says that none of the post-launch content has been created yet but that ideas are coming together as preparation for development begins. Battleborn, which has already gone gold, launches on May 3 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.