March 16th, 2016 
Mark Borderlands developer Gearbox Software’s upcoming Xbox One, PS4, and PC shooter Battleborn will offer cosmetic microtransactions, the developer has confirmed. Gearbox made the announcement as part of a wider discussion about Battleborn’s post-launch plans, which sound quite extensive. This is no surprise, though, given how Borderlands titles are typically supported with heaps and heaps of DLC.
Alani
On the subject of microtransactions for cosmetic items, Gearbox said in a statement these are aimed at players who want to express themselves and make their hero characters stand out.
“That’s why Battleborn has a huge variety of skins and taunts that come with the game at launch, and we will continue to release even more cosmetic customizations post-launch, some of which we will sell in-game,” the developer explained. “This kind of optional cosmetic content has absolutely no effect on the gameplay, and helps us keep all the additional heroes, modes, maps, and other features that extend the core gameplay experience, free for everyone.”
As for Battleborn’s wider DLC plans, Gearbox plans to deliver five new playable characters after launch, bringing the game’s total roster of heroes to 30. All of these characters will be available for free.
The first is Alani, a member of the Eldrid faction who was raised as a healer but was forced to become a warrior.
“As a warrior from a planet with vast seas, Alani’s attacks and abilities revolve around her power to control water to dish out pain, or heal her fellow Battleborn,” Gearbox said.
PlayStation 4 owners who play the upcoming Battleborn beta will receive instant access to Alani once she becomes available Further details about this character, including her release date, will be announced later.
Additionally, new competitive multiplayer modes, maps, balance updates, and community features will be added to Battleborn for free over time, though no specifics have been shared just yet.
In terms of paid content, there will be five add-ons released after launch. These will be priced at $5 each and include things like new PvE content, as well as skins and taunts. You can buy them individually or together through the $20 Season Pass, which saves you $5 if you’re sure you want all five.
Further, a $75 Digital Deluxe version of Battleborn will be available at launch, featuring the game, the Season Pass, and some “additional cosmetic customizations.” For more on Battleborn’s post-launch plans, you can check out these blog posts:
GameSpot recently played four hours of Battleborn and editor Mike Mahardy shared his thoughts in the preview piece, “How Battleborn’s RPG Mechanics Extend Its Replayability.”
“Battleborn’s RPG elements hint at a longevity sometimes absent from multiplayer shooters,” he wrote. “The extensive web of unlocks, items, improvements, and challenges are enticing, and could be the thing to set Battleborn apart in the multiplayer shooter landscape.”
A beta will be held before launch, debuting first on PS4, but a start-date has not been announced. In other news, Battleborn has now “gone gold,” meaning development on the base game is finished.
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