Borderlands 2 Introduces 'Badass Ranks'

On the heels of yesterday's glee-inducing "Wimoweh" Trailer, Gearbox is dishing out some more details on Borderlands 2.

As reported by Polygon, Randy Pitchford recently discussed some of the game's new mechanics at a hands-on preview event.



The original Borderlands had many challenges hidden in the menu screens. Completing these challenges (like headshots, setting enemies on fire, etc.) garnered you an experience bump and helped level your character up faster. This time, however, nailing these challenges will earn you a "Badass Rank". Ranking up will earn you a token that can be spent to improve around fifteen different stat levels ranging from things like decreasing recoil and increasing reload speed. Once you've decided to spend a token, the game will randomly select five of the fifteen different skill sets. In essence, spending a token is like playing slot machines, the game will give you five options (out of fifteen) and you'll be allowed to pick from those five.

Sound a bit too random? Worried that you won't be able to up your favorite skill? Pitchford says that, in the course of a regular playthrough you'll have several hundred Badass Ranks. Unlike the normal level cap (which is maxed out at fifty), there's no limit to the number of Badass Ranks you'll be able to earn.

That's not all, gamers, these Badass Ranks and Perks will transfer to every Borderlands 2 character you create! Purists need not worry, however, as these perks can be disabled if you'd rather play without them on new characters.



The other big news to drop is the presence of Golden Keys.

Borderlands 2 will feature golden chests which can only be opened with a golden key. As you might expect, you won't be finding keys all over the wastelands of Pandora... or even in Wonka Bars. Gamers will be expected to go above and beyond to pick up these rare lock openers. Gearbox has already said that gamers who pre-order the game will receive one, but they may hand out codes for them at special events (like PAX, Comic-Con, etc.) amongst other ways to earn.

Now for the million dollar question: Just what will be in these golden chests?

Unfortunately, Gearbox isn't saying at this time... which means that, whatever it is, it's going to be extra awesome.

Borderlands 2 will be hitting stores in North America on September 18th and internationally on September 21st. Be sure to check out all of our previous coverage here.