The Borderlands franchise has built a legacy around outrageous guns, memorable characters, and chaotic gameplay. Among the most iconic weapons in the series is the Unkempt Harold, a powerful Torgue-manufactured pistol that gained fame in Borderlands 2 for its devastating explosive projectiles. Many longtime fans wonder whether this fan-favorite weapon appears in Borderlands 3. With the game’s expanded arsenal and inclusion of legacy gear, it’s a valid question. Let’s explore whether the Unkempt Harold is in Borderlands 3, what form it takes, and how players can obtain it if it does appear.
The Legacy of the Unkempt Harold
Why Players Loved It
In Borderlands 2, the Unkempt Harold became a go-to weapon for many Vault Hunters thanks to its massive damage output. When fired, it launched a horizontal spread of seven explosive projectiles, consuming three ammo per shot. Its ability to deal splash damage and scale well into late-game made it perfect for taking down mobs and bosses alike.
Its reliability, damage potential, and synergy with certain character builds made it a standout choice for almost every Vault Hunter in Borderlands 2. Naturally, its popularity led to speculation and hope for a return in Borderlands 3.
Is the Unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3?
Yes, But Not at Launch
The Unkempt Harold was not included in the original release of Borderlands 3. When the game launched in September 2019, fans were quick to notice the absence of some classic weapons. However, Gearbox Software, the developer of the Borderlands series, gradually introduced legacy weapons through updates, events, and downloadable content (DLC).
The Unkempt Harold made its return in thePsycho Krieg and the Fantastic FustercluckDLC, which was released as part of the Borderlands 3 Season Pass in 2020. In this DLC, players could finally find and use an updated version of the weapon that stayed true to its explosive roots while adjusting to the mechanics and scaling of Borderlands 3.
Name and Weapon Type
In Borderlands 3, the weapon still carries the same name Unkempt Harold and continues to be manufactured by Torgue. It remains a pistol and maintains its core gimmick of firing multiple explosive projectiles per shot. The Borderlands 3 version has been tweaked for balance, but the feeling of devastation it provides is still present.
How to Get the Unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3
Required Content
To access the Unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3, players must own the ‘Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck’ DLC. This content adds a variety of new areas, enemies, quests, and loot including this legendary pistol. Without this DLC, the weapon will not drop in any game mode.
Farm Location
The Unkempt Harold is dropped by a specific boss in the DLC. Players can farm this weapon by defeatingPsychoreaver, the final boss of the DLC storyline. Like other legendary weapons in Borderlands 3, it is not a guaranteed drop, so multiple runs may be necessary to obtain it. Additionally, players can increase drop rates by playing on Mayhem Mode or using Luck-enhancing gear and artifacts.
Weapon Stats and Variants
As with all Borderlands 3 legendary weapons, the Unkempt Harold comes in different variants and with randomized stats. These can include:
- Elemental types (typically Explosive, but may vary)
- Damage output
- Magazine size
- Weapon perks and anointments (bonus effects that trigger under specific conditions)
Finding a perfect roll Unkempt Harold with ideal damage, perks, and compatibility with your character build can take time, but it’s worth the grind for many fans.
Unkempt Harold Performance in Borderlands 3
Strengths
The Borderlands 3 version of the Unkempt Harold still offers high burst damage potential. It excels in clearing groups of enemies and breaking through enemy shields and armor. It also works well with character builds that focus on splash damage, explosive bonuses, or ammunition regeneration. Characters like Moze, who specialize in heavy weapons and explosions, can especially benefit from this pistol.
Weaknesses
Despite its power, the Unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3 is not without drawbacks. It consumes a lot of ammo due to firing multiple projectiles at once, which can be an issue in long fights or if not supported by ammo regeneration skills or gear. It’s also not ideal for precision shooting, as the spread of projectiles can miss smaller targets at range. These limitations are important to consider when choosing weapons for certain fights or builds.
Comparing to the Borderlands 2 Version
While the Unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3 keeps the spirit of the original weapon, there are some noticeable differences:
- Projectile pattern is slightly more controlled, but still spreads horizontally
- Damage scaling is balanced differently to match Borderlands 3’s progression
- Available anointments can significantly boost its effectiveness when paired with the right build
Some longtime players may find the Borderlands 2 version to be slightly more overpowered, but the Borderlands 3 adaptation remains a top-tier choice for players who enjoy explosive weapons and chaotic combat styles.
Synergy with Builds and Mayhem Mode
Mayhem Mode adds another layer of strategy to Borderlands 3, and the Unkempt Harold performs well in higher Mayhem levels if built around correctly. Pairing the weapon with splash damage bonuses, grenade-related perks, and weapon handling improvements can make it even more deadly. Moze’s Demolition Woman skill tree offers some of the best synergy, while Zane and Amara can also make use of it with the right setup.
Yes, the Unkempt Harold is in Borderlands 3 but you’ll need the Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck DLC to obtain it. This explosive fan-favorite weapon made its long-awaited return with updated mechanics and a balanced design suitable for the fast-paced chaos of Borderlands 3. It remains a highly effective and enjoyable weapon for players who appreciate its splash damage and sheer destructive power. Whether you’re revisiting the series or diving into Borderlands for the first time, tracking down the Unkempt Harold is a rewarding pursuit that can enhance your gameplay experience in a big way.