Borderlands 2's Third DLC, Level Cap Bump Coming In Early 2013

Hey, look at that: rumors of a Borderlands 2 DLC pack titled Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt are true. 2K Games and Gearbox Software confirmed the news this morning in a media blast and 2K blog post, confirming that the third DLC pack for September 2012's fan-favorite looter shooter will be coming on January 15, 2013.

Like the previous two DLC releases, Hammerlock will cost $9.99 (800 MS Points) on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms. Players will be sent off to explore the Pandoran continent of Aegrus on a hunting trip. A new villain and self-proclaimed Handsome Jack superfan presents himself shortly after you arrive and it's not long before you're taking on an assortment of new baddies in an effort to stop him.

The DLC adds a bunch of new loot, of the unique and Seraph varieties, a new fan boat vehicle, and a general focus on high-level play. There's still one more fully confirmed pack set for release by June 2013, though don't be surprised if DLC4 surfaces much earlier given how quickly Gearbox is putting these out (not that anyone is complaining).

In separate news, Gearbox also confirms that a level cap bump is planned for "early 2013." I've heard this personally from Gearbox DLC producer James Lopez, though you can also see the news stated publicly by Gearbox PR man Adam Fletcher on Twitter. It's not clear what the new level cap will be set at, but the plan is to deliver it alongside a third playthrough option, presumably with the world scaling up to the new cap once you complete the campaign for a third time.

Just to reiterate: DLC3 and the level cap bump/third playthrough option are separate news items. The third DLC is out on January 15 and the level cap change is planned for Q1 2013. Stay tuned for more news as we hear it.