Borderlands 3 Switch Explosive Builds Guide For New Players

Are you new to Borderlands 3 on the Nintendo Switch and have a penchant for explosive gameplay? You've come to the right place! This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of Borderlands 3 as a newcomer on the Switch, focusing on characters, builds, and strategies that maximize the boom factor. Whether you're a seasoned Vault Hunter on other platforms or a complete newbie to the Borderlands universe, we'll explore the best ways to create a character that thrives on causing chaos and unleashing massive explosions. Get ready to dive into the action, because Borderlands 3 on the Switch is about to get a whole lot louder!

Choosing Your Explosive Vault Hunter

In Borderlands 3, each of the four Vault Hunters offers a unique playstyle and skill trees that can be tailored to various builds. If your goal is to create a character that specializes in explosions, there are a couple of stand-out choices that you should seriously consider. Let's take a closer look at these explosive experts:

Moze: The Gunner

Moze is arguably the queen of explosions in Borderlands 3. Her skill trees are brimming with perks that enhance grenade damage, splash damage, and overall explosive potential. Moze's action skill, Iron Bear, is a massive mech suit that can be equipped with a variety of explosive weapons, making her an absolute powerhouse on the battlefield. If you want to rain down destruction from above, Moze is your go-to Vault Hunter.

Her "Demolition Woman" skill tree is the core of any explosive Moze build. This tree is packed with skills that directly increase grenade damage, splash damage radius, and the number of grenades you can carry. Key skills in this tree include:

• Means of Destruction: This skill gives Moze a chance to regenerate grenades whenever she deals splash damage. This is crucial for maintaining a constant barrage of explosives.
• Pull the Holy Pin: This skill adds a chance for Moze's grenades to score a critical hit, dealing significantly more damage.
• Short Fuse: This capstone skill causes Moze's gun damage to occasionally trigger a secondary explosion, adding even more boom to her arsenal.

The "Bottomless Mags" skill tree is also beneficial, as it allows Moze to sustain her weapon fire for longer periods, which pairs well with weapons that have high splash damage. The "Shield of Retribution" tree offers defensive capabilities and some additional damage boosts, but the Demolition Woman tree should be your primary focus for an explosive build.

Torgue Weapons and Moze

No explosive Moze build is complete without a healthy dose of Torgue weaponry. Torgue weapons are known for their high damage output and explosive projectiles. Look for Torgue shotguns, pistols, and rocket launchers that have the "sticky" prefix. These weapons fire projectiles that stick to enemies before detonating, dealing massive splash damage. With Moze's skills enhancing splash damage and grenade regeneration, you'll be able to clear entire rooms with a single volley of sticky explosives.

Tips for Playing Explosive Moze on Switch

Playing Moze on the Switch is a blast, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Motion Controls: Experiment with the Switch's motion controls for aiming grenades. This can give you a more precise and intuitive way to launch explosives.
• Performance: Borderlands 3 on the Switch can experience some performance dips, especially when there's a lot of action on screen. Adjust your graphics settings if needed to maintain a smooth frame rate.
• Iron Bear: Don't forget to utilize Iron Bear! This mech suit can be a lifesaver in tough situations, and its explosive armaments can turn the tide of battle.

Demolition Woman Skill Tree Deep Dive

To truly understand the explosive potential of Moze, let's delve deeper into the Demolition Woman skill tree. This tree is the cornerstone of any Moze build that prioritizes explosions, and for good reason. It's a treasure trove of perks designed to amplify grenade damage, splash damage, and overall destructive capabilities. Understanding the nuances of each skill can make a significant difference in your ability to obliterate enemies and dominate the battlefield.

Tier 1 Skills

The first tier of the Demolition Woman tree sets the stage for the explosive mayhem to come. These skills provide the foundational buffs that will support your later choices. Key among these is “Fire in the Skag Den,” which grants bonus fire damage to Moze and her Iron Bear based on the grenade mod equipped. This skill synergizes beautifully with grenade mods that deal fire damage, further amplifying your explosive output. Another essential skill in this tier is “Means of Destruction.” As mentioned earlier, this skill gives Moze a chance to regenerate grenades whenever she deals splash damage. This is an absolute must-have for any explosive build, as it ensures you'll have a steady supply of grenades to hurl at your enemies. The combination of fire damage buffs and grenade regeneration makes this tier a crucial starting point for any aspiring explosive Moze player.

Tier 2 Skills

Moving into the second tier, the skills begin to offer more specialized benefits. “Grizzly” is a passive skill that increases Iron Bear's fuel, allowing you to stay in the mech suit longer and deal more damage. This is particularly useful for prolonged engagements or boss battles where Iron Bear can truly shine. However, the standout skill in this tier is undoubtedly “Pull the Holy Pin.” This skill adds a chance for Moze’s grenades to score a critical hit, dealing significantly more damage. The potential for critical hits on grenades adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to your gameplay, as you watch explosions deal even more devastating damage. The combination of increased Iron Bear fuel and critical hit potential for grenades makes this tier a powerful addition to your explosive Moze build.

Tier 3 Skills

The third tier of the Demolition Woman tree introduces skills that dramatically alter Moze's playstyle and increase her survivability. “Stainless Steel Bear” is a passive skill that increases Iron Bear’s armor and maximum health, making it more resilient in combat. This skill is particularly valuable when facing tougher enemies or in Mayhem Mode, where survivability is paramount. However, the star of this tier is “Torgue Cross-Promotion.” This skill increases Moze’s splash damage radius, allowing her explosions to cover a wider area and hit more enemies. This is a game-changer for crowd control, as a single grenade can now clear entire groups of enemies with ease. The combination of increased Iron Bear durability and an expanded splash damage radius makes this tier a crucial stepping stone towards becoming an unstoppable explosive force.

Tier 4 Skills

As you progress further down the Demolition Woman tree, the skills become even more potent. The fourth tier offers choices that significantly enhance Moze's offensive capabilities. One notable skill is “Why Can’t I Carry All These Grenades?” which increases Moze’s maximum grenade capacity. This skill is straightforward but incredibly effective, as it allows you to carry more grenades and sustain your explosive onslaught for longer periods. However, the true gem of this tier is “Vladof Ingenuity.” This skill grants Moze increased shield capacity, making her more durable against enemy fire. While it may not directly enhance her explosive abilities, increased survivability is essential for staying in the fight and continuing to deal damage. The combination of increased grenade capacity and shield capacity makes this tier a well-rounded addition to your explosive Moze build.

Tier 5 Skills

Reaching the penultimate tier of the Demolition Woman tree, you'll find skills that offer substantial boosts to your explosive power. One of these is “Fire in the Skag Den,” which, as mentioned earlier, adds bonus fire damage to Moze's grenades. This skill synergizes exceptionally well with other fire-based buffs and can turn your grenades into scorching projectiles of destruction. However, the most impactful skill in this tier is “Short Fuse.” This capstone skill causes Moze’s gun damage to occasionally trigger a secondary explosion. This is the ultimate skill for an explosive build, as it adds an extra layer of chaos and destruction to your attacks. With Short Fuse, even your non-explosive weapons can contribute to the mayhem, turning Moze into a walking arsenal of explosions.

Maximizing Your Explosive Potential

To truly master the art of explosive Moze gameplay, it's essential to consider various factors beyond just skill tree choices. Your gear, playstyle, and tactical decisions all play a crucial role in maximizing your destructive potential. By carefully selecting the right equipment and adopting effective strategies, you can transform Moze into an unstoppable force of nature.

Choosing the Right Gear

The weapons and gear you equip can significantly impact your explosive capabilities. Torgue weapons, known for their high damage and explosive projectiles, are a natural fit for Moze. Look for shotguns, pistols, and rocket launchers with the “sticky” prefix. These weapons fire projectiles that adhere to enemies before detonating, dealing massive splash damage. Grenade mods are equally important, and you should prioritize those that deal fire damage or have unique explosive effects. Artifacts and class mods can also provide valuable bonuses to splash damage, grenade damage, and other key stats. Experiment with different combinations to find the gear that best complements your playstyle.

Mastering Tactical Grenade Usage

Grenades are Moze’s bread and butter, and mastering their tactical use is essential for maximizing your explosive potential. Practice throwing grenades strategically to maximize their impact. Aim for groups of enemies or chokepoints to deal the most damage. Use grenades to flush enemies out of cover or to set up combos with your weapons. Remember that Moze has skills that regenerate grenades when she deals splash damage, so don’t be afraid to spam them. Learning to effectively manage your grenade supply and use them tactically can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Utilizing Iron Bear Effectively

Iron Bear is Moze’s action skill, and it can be a game-changer in tough situations. This massive mech suit is equipped with powerful weaponry and can provide a significant boost to your survivability. Experiment with different Iron Bear armaments to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some popular options include the grenade launcher, the railgun, and the minigun. Use Iron Bear strategically to deal massive damage to bosses or to clear out large groups of enemies. Remember that Iron Bear has a limited fuel supply, so use it wisely. Upgrading Iron Bear’s fuel capacity through skill tree choices can extend its uptime and make it even more effective.

Adapting to Different Combat Scenarios

Borderlands 3 throws a variety of combat scenarios at you, and it’s essential to adapt your playstyle accordingly. In close-quarters combat, focus on using shotguns and grenades to deal massive damage to nearby enemies. In open areas, use rocket launchers and long-range weapons to pick off enemies from a distance. When facing armored enemies, use weapons that deal corrosive damage to strip away their armor. When dealing with shielded enemies, use shock weapons to quickly deplete their shields. Being able to recognize different enemy types and adapt your tactics accordingly will make you a more effective Vault Hunter.

Playing Co-op with Explosive Moze

Explosive Moze is a formidable force in solo play, but she truly shines in co-op. Teaming up with other players allows you to synergize your skills and tactics, creating an even more devastating force. Coordinate with your teammates to cover different combat roles and maximize your team’s damage output. Explosive Moze can excel at crowd control, clearing out groups of enemies and allowing her teammates to focus on tougher targets. In co-op, communication is key. Talk to your teammates about your strategies and adjust your playstyle to complement theirs.

Other Vault Hunter Options

While Moze is the top pick for explosive builds, other Vault Hunters can also pack a punch with the right setup:

• Krieg (DLC): Krieg, the Psycho, is a DLC character known for his explosive personality and melee-focused gameplay. His skill trees have several perks that enhance explosive damage and fire damage, making him a viable option for explosive builds.

• Zane: Zane's "Hitman" skill tree has skills that boost cryo damage, which can be used in conjunction with cryo grenades for crowd control and damage.

• FL4K: While FL4K is primarily a hunter and pet-focused character, they can still utilize explosive weapons effectively, especially when paired with their pets for added damage output.

Essential Gear for Explosive Builds

No matter which Vault Hunter you choose, having the right gear is crucial for maximizing your explosive potential. Here are some key weapon types and items to look out for:

Torgue Weapons

Torgue is a manufacturer in Borderlands 3 known for its explosive weaponry. Torgue weapons often fire projectiles that explode on impact or stick to enemies before detonating. Look for Torgue shotguns, pistols, and rocket launchers with high damage and splash radius.

Grenade Mods

Grenade mods are a vital part of any explosive build. Look for mods that deal high damage, have a large explosion radius, and have beneficial secondary effects. Some popular grenade mods for explosive builds include:

• Quasar: A singularity grenade that pulls enemies together before exploding, making it perfect for crowd control.

• Recurring Hex: A grenade that splits into multiple projectiles, dealing damage over a wide area.

• Tina's Hippity Hopper: Bouncing grenade with huge damage.

Shields and Class Mods

Shields and class mods can provide valuable defensive and offensive buffs. Look for shields that offer high capacity and damage resistance. Class mods can enhance specific skills and provide additional bonuses to weapon damage, grenade damage, and other stats.

Leveling Up and Skill Point Allocation

As you progress through Borderlands 3, you'll earn experience points and level up. Each level grants you skill points that can be spent on your character's skill trees. When building an explosive character, it's important to allocate your skill points strategically. Here are some general guidelines:

• Focus on your chosen Vault Hunter's explosive-related skill tree: For Moze, this is the "Demolition Woman" tree. For Krieg, focus on the skills that boost explosive and fire damage.

• Prioritize skills that increase damage output and survivability: Skills that boost weapon damage, grenade damage, splash damage, and shield capacity are all valuable.

• Don't neglect utility skills: Skills that improve movement speed, reload speed, and action skill cooldown can also be beneficial.

Mastering Explosive Combat on the Switch

Playing Borderlands 3 on the Nintendo Switch presents unique challenges and opportunities. The Switch's smaller screen and Joy-Con controllers can take some getting used to, but with practice, you can become a master of explosive combat on the go. Here are some tips for maximizing your performance on the Switch:

Adjusting Controls and Sensitivity

The first step to mastering explosive combat on the Switch is to adjust your control settings. Experiment with different sensitivity levels for aiming and movement until you find a setup that feels comfortable and responsive. You may also want to remap some of the controls to better suit your playstyle.

Utilizing Motion Controls

The Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers have built-in motion sensors that can be used for aiming. Motion controls can provide a more precise and intuitive aiming experience, especially for aiming grenades and lining up shots with explosive weapons. Experiment with motion controls to see if they enhance your gameplay.

Optimizing Performance

Borderlands 3 on the Switch can experience some performance dips, especially during intense combat scenarios. To optimize performance, try adjusting your graphics settings. Lowering the resolution and turning off some visual effects can help maintain a smooth frame rate.

Practicing Grenade Throws

Grenades are a crucial part of explosive combat, so it's important to practice your grenade throws. Spend some time in less hectic areas practicing throwing grenades at different distances and angles. Learn how to bounce grenades off walls and floors to hit enemies in cover.

Using Cover Effectively

Borderlands 3 features a cover system that allows you to duck behind objects to avoid enemy fire. Utilizing cover effectively is essential for survivability, especially in challenging combat encounters. Take advantage of cover to reload your weapons, regenerate your shields, and plan your next move.

Learning Enemy Weaknesses

Different enemy types in Borderlands 3 have different weaknesses. Some enemies are vulnerable to fire damage, while others are weak to shock or corrosive damage. Learning enemy weaknesses and using the appropriate weapon types can significantly increase your damage output.

Conclusion: Embrace the Boom!

Borderlands 3 on the Nintendo Switch offers a thrilling experience for players who love explosive gameplay. Whether you choose Moze or another Vault Hunter, mastering explosive combat requires a combination of skill tree choices, gear selection, and tactical gameplay. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of mayhem. So, grab your favorite Torgue weapon, load up on grenades, and embrace the boom!