Borderlands 2’sNatural Selection Annexis a unique and challenging arena introduced in the Creature Slaughterdome DLC. This arena offers players the opportunity to face off against waves of Pandora’s most dangerous creatures, testing their combat skills and strategy. Whether you’re aiming to complete missions, farm for loot, or simply enjoy intense battles, understanding the layout and mechanics of the Natural Selection Annex is essential.
What is the Natural Selection Annex?
The Natural Selection Annex is an optional arena located within the Wildlife Exploitation Preserve in Borderlands 2. It becomes accessible after obtaining the Creature Slaughterdome DLC, which was released as a pre-order bonus and later included in the Game of the Year Edition. The arena is situated to the right of the vending machines inside the first structure in the Wildlife Exploitation Preserve, near the collapsed telescope at the eastern end of the map. Entering this arena initiates the Creature Slaughter mission series, where players face waves of various creatures native to Pandora.
Accessing the Arena
To access the Natural Selection Annex, players must first acquire the Creature Slaughterdome DLC. Once obtained, navigate to the Wildlife Exploitation Preserve and locate the entrance to the arena. Upon entering, the game will save your progress, allowing you to exit and re-enter the arena freely. This feature is particularly useful for farming specific enemies or loot without having to traverse the entire area each time.
Creature Slaughter Mission Series
The Creature Slaughter mission series consists of five rounds, each containing multiple waves of enemies. The difficulty increases with each round, introducing more formidable foes and requiring better strategies and equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the rounds
Round 1
In the first round, players face waves of Skags and Spiderants. These enemies are relatively straightforward, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the arena’s layout and mechanics. The round concludes after four waves, with players earning experience points and loot for their efforts.
Round 2
The second round introduces Varkids into the mix. Players must contend with both standard Varkids and their more dangerous variants, including Super-Badass and Ultimate-Badass Varkids. These enemies are tougher and require more strategic combat to defeat. The round concludes after five waves, with players earning increased rewards.
Round 3
Round three escalates the challenge further by adding Bedrock Bullymongs into the fray. These enemies have high health and deal significant damage, necessitating precise aiming and effective use of elemental weapons. The round concludes after five waves, with players earning substantial rewards.
Round 4
In the fourth round, players face Stalkers and Threshers. Threshers begin with individual tentacles that must be destroyed before the main body becomes vulnerable. This round tests players’ ability to manage multiple threats simultaneously. The round concludes after five waves, with players earning valuable loot and experience.
Round 5
The final round combines all previous enemies, culminating in a battle against a Badass Pyre Thresher. This formidable foe requires careful planning and execution to defeat. The round concludes after five waves, with players earning the highest rewards in the series.
Farming Opportunities
The Natural Selection Annex is an excellent location for farming specific enemies and loot. Players can repeatedly enter the arena, complete the rounds, and exit to reset the mission. This process allows for efficient farming of rare items, experience points, and loot midgets. Additionally, the arena’s design facilitates quick access to combat without the need to traverse large areas, making it ideal for players seeking to maximize their farming efficiency.
Tips for Success
- Level AppropriatelyEnsure your character is at an appropriate level for the arena’s difficulty. Entering too early can result in overwhelming challenges, while entering too late may reduce the rewards.
- Equip Elemental WeaponsUtilize weapons with elemental effects to exploit enemy weaknesses, especially against enemies like Threshers and Varkids.
- Manage ResourcesKeep an eye on your health, ammo, and shields. Running out of resources during a wave can lead to quick defeat.
- Strategize MovementUse the arena’s layout to your advantage. Position yourself strategically to avoid being overwhelmed by enemies.
- Team UpIf possible, tackle the arena with a team. Cooperative play can make the challenges more manageable and enjoyable.
The Natural Selection Annex in Borderlands 2 offers players a thrilling and challenging experience, combining strategic combat with the opportunity to earn valuable rewards. By understanding the arena’s layout, preparing adequately, and employing effective strategies, players can conquer the Creature Slaughter mission series and reap the benefits of their efforts. Whether you’re seeking to farm specific loot, level up your character, or simply enjoy intense battles, the Natural Selection Annex provides a dynamic and engaging environment for all players.