Over the past few days, a new rumor has reared its ugly head concerning Borderlands 3, which could be in response to the currently unknown frontier that is BL3 DLC. Following the release of Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, many may have been wondering where the Borderlands 3 2020 DLC roadmap was or what would be coming for the game next. And now, this rumor suggests that it could be a Battle Pass and microtransactions.

Before moving forward, it’s worth mentioning that rumors live and die by their source. It seems this rumor originated, or at least gained traction, from a mention during the Moxsy’s Bar Episode 7 podcast. YouTuber Moxsy claims to have a source close to the game who confirmed that a new Battle Pass and microtransactions would be coming to the game in February. Since this can’t really be verified, it should be taken with a HUGE grain of salt. But perhaps what is most terrifying is that late January-to-February is where Borderlands 3’s development cycle would suggest a new post-launch addition of some kind.

Moxsy and many online seem to be in the same boat: if this is true, it’s a bad idea – for a couple of reasons. Concerning the Battle Pass, it does sound somewhat intriguing, but this is a trend in predominantly and big PVP games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. Having daily and weekly challenges and unlocking new gear, cosmetics, emotes, and perhaps even guns does sound fun, as it seems the challenges would be something akin to “Get X kills with a Jakobs gun,” “Kill X Psychos in X Area, " or even “Kill [Insert Boss Here],” and it would be a good way to add some variability to Borderlands 3’s loot grind. But if it came with a price tag, many would immediately throw it out the window.

Again, it’s a trend in PvP games, but more importantly, it’s a trend in games that are free-to-play. Some paid games do include it, sure, but Battle Passes outside these f2p games are not as popular. Notably, there would be a free version of the Battle Pass, but traditionally, anyone who cares about the Battle Pass would purchase it. There are some who would welcome the addition to the game, while others would hate it for just being a Battle Pass, but this rumor is made all the worse given the mention of microtransactions for Borderlands 3. See Moxsy’s comments on the matter at the 7-minute mark below:

Outside of having to purchase the Battle Pass itself, this rumor indicates that Borderlands 3 would add legitimate microtransactions and premium content that could only be earned with real world cash. This is where many seem to draw the line, as one of the most popular aspects of Borderlands 3 is the fact that it isn’t bogged down with aggressive microtransactions. Furthermore, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford once stated that there would be no microtransactions in Borderlands 3 - no loot boxes, no premium currencies, or anything belonging to the ugly world of the games-as-a-service model.

For many, this was a relief, as traditional post-launch support like Mad Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot is oftentimes well-received as opposed to the uglier side of the microtransaction world. So not only would this standard Season Pass be a thing for Borderlands 3, but adding even more layers in the form of a Battle Pass and optional microtransactions would be crossing a line, for many.

After all, one side effect of a Battle Pass would be a completely different grind that what Borderlands 3 currently has. That’s not to say it’s without flaw, but many are happy with the way it works, even if there are a few things that need to be changed. But adding another layer or grind on top of an already confusing RNG system is something that could turn many a fan away form the game. In the end, it seems that this would do more harm than good, especially if everything said so far proved to be true.

As such, it’s hard to believe that this rumor has much validity, as it would be a huge about-face for Gearbox. It’s not impossible, though, but it definitely seems unlikely. Other rumors indicate that the next wave of Borderlands 3 DLC would be announced at a Borderlands show the week of January 20, so the good news is that fans can hopefully lay this rumor to rest when the next portion of its post-launch content is officially revealed, if Gearbox itself doesn’t comment on it beforehand.

Borderlands 3 is out now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.