Introduction
Borderlands 3, the critically acclaimed looter-shooter from Gearbox Software, continues to captivate players with its over-the-top action, quirky humor, and, of course, the endless pursuit of powerful and unique weaponry. Among the vast arsenal available, one assault rifle stands out for its distinct projectile behavior and devastating potential: the Dark Army. This Vladof-manufactured rifle isn’t just another weapon; it’s a prized possession for Vault Hunters looking to dominate the battlefield. The Dark Army differentiates itself with a special ability, where projectiles will ricochet after initial impact. This effect, when used correctly, can deal massive amounts of damage, making it a highly sought-after weapon for various character builds. If you are looking to add this gun to your inventory, this comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about farming the Dark Army in Borderlands 3, from the specific boss to target to the optimal strategies for maximizing your chances of obtaining this coveted firearm. Prepare to gear up, Vault Hunter, because the hunt for the Dark Army is about to begin!
What is the Dark Army? A Weapon Overview
Before diving into the farming process, it’s crucial to understand what makes the Dark Army so desirable. This assault rifle, crafted by Vladof, is more than just a weapon; it’s a strategic asset. The Dark Army’s key characteristic lies in its unique red text effect, which grants it the ability to shoot projectiles that ricochet after striking an enemy. This ricocheting effect opens up a world of tactical possibilities. The projectiles can bounce between multiple enemies clustered together, dealing area-of-effect damage. This makes the Dark Army particularly effective against hordes of weaker enemies, or when facing tougher enemies with shielded weak spots you can attack indirectly.
The Dark Army can spawn with various elemental damage types, typically including Incendiary, Corrosive, and Shock. The choice of element can significantly impact the weapon’s effectiveness against different enemy types. Incendiary is excellent against flesh, Corrosive melts through armor, and Shock obliterates shields. Having multiple versions of the Dark Army with different elemental types allows you to adapt to any combat situation.
Like all weapons in Borderlands 3, the Dark Army’s stats vary. While the core ricocheting effect remains consistent, the weapon’s damage, accuracy, handling, reload speed, and magazine size can differ. Ideally, you’ll want a Dark Army with high damage output and manageable recoil. Faster reload speeds and larger magazine sizes are always beneficial, allowing you to sustain fire for longer periods. Keep an eye out for Anointments that boost your damage or weapon handling even further. Finding the perfect Dark Army with the ideal combination of stats and element can take time and dedication, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
Where to Farm the Dark Army: The Hunt Begins
The Dark Army is a dedicated drop from a specific boss, General Traunt. This means that while it’s possible (though extremely rare) to find it from other sources, General Traunt is the most reliable way to acquire this assault rifle. General Traunt is located in the Atrium of the Anointment. This area is on the planet Nekrotafeyo. To reach him, first, travel to the fast travel station at the location. From there, proceed through the zone, dealing with enemies along the way, until you reach the large, open arena where General Traunt awaits. The path is fairly linear, so navigating to the boss fight should not be too challenging.
General Traunt is a powerful boss known for his elemental attacks. He can switch between different elements, making him resistant to certain types of damage at any given time. He also utilizes a variety of projectile attacks and can summon elemental orbs that can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not careful. While he can be a challenging boss to fight, the chance to obtain the Dark Army makes the effort worthwhile. Remember that you must be playing on Mayhem level six or higher for General Traunt to have a chance of dropping the Dark Army.
The Dark Army is a dedicated drop from General Traunt because this increase your chance of dropping. Borderlands 3 designates dedicated drop sources for weapons which means they have an increased chance of dropping from a specific enemy. That does not mean that it is guaranteed.
Preparing for the Farm: Gear Up, Vault Hunter!
Before you embark on the Dark Army farming adventure, proper preparation is key to maximizing your efficiency and minimizing frustration. Let’s delve into the factors that will help ensure your success.
Mayhem Level Considerations
First and foremost, the Mayhem level you choose will significantly impact your chances of finding the Dark Army. Mayhem levels increase the difficulty of the game but also drastically improve the quality and quantity of loot that drops. Playing on Mayhem level six or higher is crucial, as it activates the dedicated loot pools, making the Dark Army available in General Traunt’s loot pool. While higher Mayhem levels offer even better loot, consider the balance between difficulty and clear speed. If you’re struggling to defeat General Traunt quickly on a higher Mayhem level, it might be more efficient to lower the difficulty to Mayhem six or seven and farm him more rapidly.
Character Build Optimization
Your character build plays a vital role in your farming success. Choose a build that is effective against General Traunt’s elemental attacks and has the damage output to defeat him quickly. Builds that focus on elemental damage are particularly effective, as General Traunt is susceptible to specific elements at different points during the fight. Critical hit-focused builds can also be highly effective. Prioritize survivability as well. Builds that incorporate health regeneration, shield buffs, or damage reduction abilities will keep you alive longer and minimize downtime between runs.
Gear Recommendations for the Farm
While you don’t need specific gear, certain weapons, shields, and grenades can greatly enhance your farming speed and survivability. Weapons with high elemental damage output are excellent for dealing with General Traunt’s shifting elemental resistances. Shields with high capacity or special abilities can provide valuable protection against his attacks. Grenades that deal area-of-effect damage or provide crowd control can help clear out adds during the fight. Experiment with different gear combinations to find what works best for your character and playstyle.
Inventory and Ammo Management
Finally, make sure you have ample bank space to store your loot. The Dark Army farming process can generate a lot of drops, and you’ll want to be able to collect and evaluate multiple versions of the weapon before deciding which one to keep. Clear out your bank and inventory beforehand to avoid having to make tough decisions on the fly. It is also a great idea to refill ammo before starting the farm.
The Farming Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’re adequately prepared, let’s break down the Dark Army farming process step by step.
Navigating to General Traunt
First, fast travel to the Atrium of the Anointment on Nekrotafeyo. Once you arrive, proceed through the zone, battling any enemies you encounter along the way. The path to General Traunt is fairly straightforward, so simply follow the marked route.
Engaging General Traunt in Combat
Upon reaching the boss arena, prepare for a challenging fight. General Traunt utilizes a variety of elemental attacks, so be ready to adapt your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to his elemental aura and switch your weapon to counter his current resistance. Utilize cover to avoid his projectile attacks, and be mindful of the elemental orbs he summons. Focus your fire on his critical hit spots, and try to deal as much damage as possible during his vulnerable phases.
Looting the Spoils of Victory
After defeating General Traunt, take the time to thoroughly check all the loot drops. The Dark Army can spawn anywhere around the arena, so make sure you don’t miss any potential rewards. Check the ground, behind obstacles, and even up on ledges. It is also worth looking at the lost loot machine in sanctuary to see if it ended up there.
Repeating the Process
If you don’t find the Dark Army on your first try, don’t be discouraged! The farming process can be repetitive, but persistence is key. Simply fast travel back to the Atrium of the Anointment and repeat the steps. Over time, you’ll become more efficient at defeating General Traunt and looting the arena, increasing your chances of finding the Dark Army.
Dealing with Bad Luck and Increasing Efficiency
It’s important to acknowledge that the Dark Army is not a guaranteed drop. Even with the increased drop rate from General Traunt, you may still encounter periods of bad luck. Don’t let this discourage you. The farming process can be tedious, but the reward of obtaining a powerful Dark Army is well worth the effort.
Optimizing your Build
Several methods can help you speed up the farming process and mitigate the effects of bad luck. Using an optimal character build is crucial for maximizing your damage output and survivability. Experiment with different builds and gear combinations to find what works best for you.
Playing with Others
Playing with a group of friends can also significantly increase your chances of finding the Dark Army. The more players in your party, the more loot will drop, increasing the overall number of opportunities to obtain the weapon.
Adjusting Mayhem Level
Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the Mayhem level if the boss fight is too difficult. While higher Mayhem levels offer better loot, it’s more efficient to farm on a lower Mayhem level if you can defeat General Traunt more quickly. Find the balance that allows you to farm him efficiently and consistently.
Conclusion
The Dark Army assault rifle is a highly sought-after weapon in Borderlands 3, known for its unique ricocheting projectiles and devastating potential. While obtaining this weapon requires patience and dedication, the farming process is ultimately rewarding. Remember, the Dark Army is a dedicated drop from General Traunt in the Atrium of the Anointment on Nekrotafeyo. Playing on Mayhem level six or higher is crucial, and proper preparation, including choosing an optimal character build and clearing out your bank space, will greatly enhance your farming efficiency. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to adding the Dark Army to your arsenal and dominating the Borderlands. So, gear up, Vault Hunter, and embark on the hunt for this legendary weapon!
