What is the Max Level Cap in Borderlands 3 as of 2023?

The maximum level you can reach in Borderlands 3 is currently Level 72 as of 2023. This level cap applies across all platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Google Stadia.

Reaching the max level requires owning all of the Borderlands 3 downloadable content, as the level cap has incrementally increased with each new expansion.

A Look Back at Borderlands 3‘s Level Cap Progression

Borderlands 3 has increased the maximum level via DLC and patches over time. Here is a brief history of the level cap milestones:

As you can see, the level cap has extended from the original 50 all the way up to 72 over the course of Borderlands 3‘s post-launch support.

Notably, you only need the base Borderlands 3 game now to reach level 72 – the level cap increases have been added for all players via patches. But owning the DLCs is required to actually gain the levels from 61 onwards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Max Level 72 Fast

Here is an step-by-step guide to power level your Vault Hunter to the max level cap as quickly as possible:

Play through Main Story

Focus only on completing the main story missions and ignore any side content for your first playthrough. This will get you to around level 30-35 when you finish the campaign.

Enable Mayhem Mode

Immediately enable Mayhem Mode under the game settings. This makes enemies tougher but increases XP gains substantially.

Try to push to Mayhem Level 6 or higher if you can handle it. Mayhem 11 has no negative modifiers and is ideal.

Use Guardian Rank Perks

Fill out your Guardian Rank skill trees and focus on perks that boost XP gains. For example:

• Topped Off (Green Tree): Receive increased XP from combat
• Pack Mule (Blue Tree): Increased XP when defeating badasses
• Strength in Numbers (Red Tree): More XP for each additional player in co-op

Farm XP Boosts

There are certain gear items that can further improve XP gains. Farm for these items early on:

• Pearl of Ineffable Knowledge: Up to 90% XP bonus
• Moxxi‘s Endowment: Increases rare loot and XP gains
• Snowdrift Victory Rush: Increases movement speed and XP gains

Co-op Power Leveling

If possible, play co-op and have a high level friend boost you while on cooperation mode. They can instantly complete missions and bosses for huge XP gains.

Circle of Slaughter

Farm Circle of Slaughter maps which pit you against endless waves of enemies. The XP will start flowing in these arena modes.

Optimizing Your Build for Fast Leveling

There are certain skills and damage types that can accelerate leveling:

• Prioritize skills that improve movement speed like FL4K‘s Hidden Machine and Moze‘s Scorching RPM‘s.
• Zane‘s ability to use two action skills simultaneously is powerful for leveling.
• Amara can boost XP gains directly via her Mystical Assault skill.
• Elemental damage is effective against most enemies, so focus on shock, corrosive or fire weapons.

Leveling from 61 to 72 Efficiently

Once you‘ve completed the base game and first DLC, you‘ll hit level 61. Here are tips to get through the last 11 levels:

• Play the DLCs in order to benefit from level caps increasing.
• Complete all side missions at this point for the XP rewards.
• Farm bosses like Handsome Jackpot‘s Scraptrap Prime and DLC2‘s Eleanor.
• Check vending machines for artifacts with XP stat boosts.
• Join online co-op games via matchmaking to quickly farm bosses and missions.

What to Expect from Future Level Cap Increases

While level 72 is currently the maximum, Gearbox will likely raise the cap again in future DLCs or patches. Based on the precedents set, we can expect to see the level cap jump by 3-5 levels when new content drops.

For example, the fourth campaign DLC could bring the cap up to 75. A fifth campaign adding another 5 levels would put the max up to 80. By the end of Borderlands 3‘s content lifecycle, we might see the cap land around 85.

Gearbox also has cross-play functionality on their roadmap, and increases to the level cap can help bring parity across platforms when playing with friends on different systems.

But for now, Level 72 reigns supreme as the top tier. Enjoy the journey getting there!

Comparison of Level Caps Across Game Modes

The max level cap of 72 applies to both regular campaign playthroughs as well as the True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) playthrough.

So whether you are in your first run through the story or TVHM, you can get any character to 72. The enemies and loot will scale to your level.

However, in Borderlands 3‘s Arms Race mode you start each run at level 1. This mode is focused on getting gear rather than player experience, so your level does not persist across runs.

Endgame Activities for Max Level Characters

Once you‘ve hit the new level 72 cap, here are some rewarding endgame activities to tackle:

Complete the Guardian Rank System

There are multiple Guardian Rank trees to fill out by farming tokens from enemies and bosses. Try to unlock every perk possible.

Farm for the Best Gear and Anointments

Legendary drops scale to your level, so you can farm bosses for ideal gear at 72. Target loot with useful anointments that complement your build.

Beat True Takedown Modes

Test yourself against the lengthy, intense Takedown missions. The True versions are only unlocked after beating them on normal first.

Defeat Invincible Bosses

Farm rare cosmetics and items by taking on powerful invincible foes like the Ruiner, Scourge the Invincible Martyr, and others.

Experiment with New Vault Hunter Builds

Respec your skills and try out new combinations now that you have access to the full skill trees. Explore different playstyles.

Achieve 100% Map Completion

Finish any unfinished zone challenges and crew challenges. Try to 100% each map and get those completionist achievements.

There are plenty more rewarding challenges and experiences awaiting at the max level cap. Enjoy the journey getting there!