Borderlands 3 Mayhem Mode: A Beginner’s Guide

Borderlands 3 introduces a unique difficulty scaling system called Mayhem Mode, which unlocks after completing your first playthrough. While the game gives a brief introduction to Mayhem Mode, it doesn’t go into detail about when and how to use it effectively. This guide aims to clear up any confusion and provide beginners with a solid foundation on how to integrate Mayhem Mode into their Borderlands 3 experience.

What Is Mayhem Mode?

Mayhem Mode is a post-game difficulty modifier that allows players to increase the challenge of enemies in exchange for better loot, increased experience, and more cash and iridium. It is designed to provide a more rewarding experience for those who want to keep playing after the main story is completed.

Upon finishing the campaign, players can activate Mayhem Mode via a special console located on Sanctuary III. This console allows you to toggle Mayhem Mode on or off and adjust the difficulty level. There are three initial Mayhem levels—Mayhem 1, Mayhem 2, and Mayhem 3—each with increasingly difficult enemies but greater rewards.

It’s important to note that Mayhem Mode is available in both Normal Mode and True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM). However, if you start a fresh TVHM playthrough, you must progress to the point where Sanctuary III is unlocked before you can activate Mayhem Mode again.

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Why Use Mayhem Mode?

The primary reason to engage in Mayhem Mode is the significantly increased loot quality. Each level provides better drops, more experience, and increased in-game currency, but in return, enemies become tougher, smarter, and more resistant to damage. Here’s a breakdown of what each level offers:

Mayhem 1

100% Better Loot Quality – This alone makes it worth using Mayhem Mode. You will quickly notice an increase in useful weapons, shields, and class mods.
10% More Experience – A small boost to help level up a bit faster.
30% More Iridium & Cash – Great for affording SDU upgrades and buying cosmetics.
Increased Enemy Health (15%) & Shields/Armor (25%) – Enemies are slightly tougher, but for most players, this is manageable.
Two Randomized Mayhem Modifiers – These can alter gameplay significantly and should be monitored.

How It Feels: Mayhem 1 improves the game’s overall loot economy, making it easier to obtain better gear without significantly increasing the difficulty. For most players, this should be the new baseline difficulty after completing the campaign.

Mayhem 2

300% Better Loot Quality – Every badass enemy is practically guaranteed to drop something valuable.
20% More Experience – A nice bonus for those grinding XP.
60% More Iridium & Cash – More resources for upgrades, cosmetics, and special vendor purchases.
Enemies Have 75% More Health & 100% More Shields/Armor – A noticeable jump in difficulty.
Three Randomized Mayhem Modifiers – Some of these can be brutal.

How It Feels: The difficulty starts to ramp up here. Enemies are more bullet-spongy, and the additional modifiers can create tricky combat situations. However, there is a trick—if you don’t like your current modifiers, you can toggle Mayhem Mode off and on to reset them. This can help secure more favorable conditions.

Mayhem 3

500% Better Loot Quality – If you’re farming for legendary gear, this is where you want to be.
50% More Experience – Perfect for pushing those final level-ups.
100% More Iridium & Cash – An excellent way to stockpile rare resources.
Enemies Have 150% More Health & 200% More Shields/Armor – This is a huge jump in enemy durability.
Four Randomized Mayhem Modifiers – The most unpredictable experience in the game.

How It Feels: Mayhem 3 is brutal. Unless you have a well-optimized build, it can be overwhelming, especially for players under level 50. This level is designed for endgame farming and min-maxing builds rather than casual playthroughs.

Mayhem Modifiers and How to Handle Them

Modifiers are randomly assigned effects that change gameplay mechanics. These can either help or hinder you. Here are some common types:

Enemy Buff Modifiers – These make enemies tougher in various ways, such as reducing damage taken from certain elements or increasing their accuracy.
Give and Take Modifiers – These offer a trade-off, such as reducing gun damage but increasing grenade and action skill effectiveness.
Extreme Difficulty Modifiers – Higher Mayhem levels introduce dangerous effects, such as enemies reflecting bullets or taking reduced critical hit damage.

A key strategy is to check your modifiers at the start of a session. If they make your playstyle significantly harder, consider toggling Mayhem Mode off and on to reset them.

When and How to Use Mayhem Mode Effectively

Mayhem 1: Use it immediately after finishing the campaign as your default difficulty. The slight increase in enemy durability is worth the vastly improved loot quality.
Mayhem 2: Consider activating this mode once you have decent gear and feel comfortable with the combat mechanics. The increased challenge adds depth to the gameplay.
Mayhem 3: Only attempt this when you have a well-optimized build, strong gear, and are prepared for extreme difficulty.

Farming Strategy: If you’re grinding for loot, Mayhem Mode is a must. Boss fights and high-value enemy encounters benefit greatly from the increased loot quality. Pairing this with TVHM can maximize your rewards.

Co-op Play: If Mayhem 3 feels overwhelming, consider playing with a team. Coordinating builds and strategies can make a significant difference in handling the extreme difficulty.

Final Thoughts on Mayhem Mode

Mayhem Mode is an essential part of Borderlands 3’s endgame, offering a way to continue progressing with better loot and greater challenges. For most players, Mayhem 1 should be the new standard difficulty after finishing the main story. Mayhem 2 introduces a real challenge, while Mayhem 3 is best suited for dedicated players with optimized builds.

If you’re looking to farm legendary weapons, gather iridium, or push your character to their limits, Mayhem Mode is the way to go. Just be mindful of the modifiers, adjust accordingly, and enjoy the increased rewards that come with the added challenge.

Let us know in the comments how your Mayhem experience has been. Have you found a favorite farming spot? Do you have a preferred Mayhem level? Share your thoughts below!