News

12:00 AM on 9/18/2012 by Nick Puleo

Borderlands 2 is no doubt one of this fall's biggest co-op games.  We've compiled a handy FAQ as a compendium to our database entries.  This is everything you need to know about Borderlands 2's cooperative experience spelled out in plain English.

1. How many players can play Borderlands 2 locally (couch co-op)?
2. How many players can play Borderlands 2 via system link or LAN?
3. How many players can play Borderlands 2 online?
4. Is a Gold Membership required for the second player in combo co-op on the 360?
5. How many players are supported in combo co-op?
6. What direction is the screen split in couch co-op?
7. Does the PC version support split screen play?
8. How do you begin a co-op session?
9. Can I drop out from a split screen co-op game?
10. What are the network options of Borderlands 2?
11. How does experience and money work for co-op in Borderland 2?
12. How does dropped loot and ammo work for co-op play in Borderlands 2?
13. How do quest rewards work in co-op play? Do all players receive the same award?
14. How does quest progression work if the host player is further along than my character?
15. How does game progress work?
16. What does Borderlands 2's season pass get you?

How many players can play Borderlands 2 locally (couch co-op)?

Two players can play split screen co-op on one system.

How many players can play Borderlands 2 via system link or LAN?

Four players can play via LAN or system link.

How many players can play Borderlands 2 online?

Four players can play online together.

Is a Gold Membership required for the second player in combo co-op on the 360?

Yes. If a second player drops in for local co-op play they must sign into a gamertag if they want to save any progress. If Player 2 signs in as a guest, they will not save any progress (the game warns you of this). If a second player signs in with a Silver Membership they will be able to save their character's stats and progress but the game can only be played offline.

How many players are supported in combo co-op?

Four players are supported in both LAN and online play. You can play any combination of players and systems including two split screen players with another two split screen players. (Four players on two systems)

What direction is the screen split in couch co-op?

You can choose to split the screen either vertically or horizontally and can change the orientation on the fly.

Does the PC version of Borderlands 2 support split screen play?

No, as of now there is no official way to play couch co-op on the PC.

How do you begin a co-op session?

Easy drop in/ drop out from the main menu, or at any point in the game.

Can I drop out from a split screen co-op game?

Yes. Players can drop out on the fly in any split screen game, including an online combo co-op session.

Can I drop in to a split screen co-op game?

Yes. Players can join another player at any time simply by pressing start on controller two. A valid Xbox Live Gold Profile is required on 360 if you are playing online.

What are the network options of Borderlands 2?

Friends Only, Invite Only, Open, LAN

How does experience and money work for co-op in Borderlands 2?

All experience and money are shared.

How does dropped loot and ammo work for co-op play in Borderlands 2?

Loot drops are not individualized. Don’t be a hoarder! Ammo is shared. Pick it up! Grenades and Rockets are not shared.

How do quest rewards work in co-op play? Do all players receive the same reward?

Reward items for completing quests are given to each player. So if a reward offers a shotgun, and only one player turns it in, everyone else will have a similar shotgun added to their inventory.

How does quest progression work if the host player is further along than my character?

Lower level characters will automatically have their missions marked as completed during the session in which there is a vast level difference between players. You will keep currency, XP, and any loot you earned or picked up in the session, but the actual completion of the story mission must be done again in your single player game. Special note: When a player returns to their own game world they will be given the option to "Fast Forward" through any story missions they may have completed once they have progressed to the proper time in their own story line. 

How does game progress work?

Game progress is shared between all co-op characters in a session so long as each character has progressed to the current story mission. If guest players are on the same story mission as the host, story progress will be saved in the guests' and host's campaign. Story progress will not be saved for characters who have not yet reached the host's campaign mission. Basically, you can't skip missions by playing co-op.  You can still participate in the mission and get experience and loot, but if you go back to your single player game - you'll still need to complete it again. The player with the least story progression should host the session, that way they won't miss out on any story elements.

Do enemies scale based on the number of players?

Enemy levels are based on a number of factors including the area and host player level. When more players enter the game the enemies become more difficult. They also drop better loot!

What does Borderlands 2's season pass get you?

The Borderlands 2 season pass costs $30 and will allow you to download four sets of DLC as they are released from the time the game is released until June of 2013.

Next Story: Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition Delayed, PAX 2012 Impressions 

Author

Nick Puleo
Owner and Managing Editor

Follow @NickPuleo EMAIL