Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty

Lore & Background

Captain Scarlett is a figure of legend in Pandora's resistance movement, often overshadowed by her father Roland. Before leading the Crimson Raiders against Hyperion, she was a hunter of pirates who understood the chaos they brought to the frontier worlds. Her obsession with El Dorado stems not just from greed, but from a desire to reclaim what was stolen from her own family and crew. The island of El Dorado is said to hold treasures beyond imagination, guarded by ruthless crews loyal only to gold and power. In this expansion, the lore reveals that Scarlett's pirate-hunting past makes her uniquely qualified to navigate these waters, yet she remains vulnerable when her own people are taken hostage. The conflict highlights a darker side of Pandora where lawlessness reigns supreme even after Jack's fall. This campaign also introduces unique pirate-themed weaponry and gear, reflecting the aesthetic of the high seas. These items often carry lore about the specific pirates who wielded them before meeting their end at the hands of Vault Hunters.

In Their Own Story

The salt spray stung my eyes as I stepped onto the beach of El Dorado. The sky was a bruised purple, heavy with storm clouds and the distant rumble of cannons. Captain Scarlett stood near the water's edge, her rifle slung low, watching the horizon where smoke rose from burning ships. "They took them all," she said, not turning around. Her voice carried the weight of command mixed with personal grief. "My crew is out there somewhere, forced to dig for this cursed gold. You want the treasure? Fine. But first, we save my people."

I checked my ammo count and nodded. The pirates were waiting in the jungle, shadows moving between the palms. We weren't here for glory anymore; we were here to bring them home.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins when players encounter Scarlett at a Crimson Lance outpost or similar location, where she reveals her crew has been abducted by pirates seeking El Dorado's treasure. Vault Hunters must travel across Pandora to locate the island, engaging in naval-themed combat and exploration. Once on El Dorado, the mission structure involves clearing pirate encampments and rescuing scattered crew members hidden throughout the map. Each rescue provides clues about the Pirate King's ultimate plan to weaponize the ancient loot found beneath the sand. Players face increasingly difficult enemies, including pirate lieutenants and unique boss variants. The climax requires a direct confrontation with the Pirate King himself in his stronghold. Defeating him secures the treasure and frees Scarlett's crew, allowing her to return to her duties within the Crimson Raiders. This DLC connects to the broader Borderlands 2 timeline by reinforcing Scarlett's leadership role and providing additional gear for end-game progression.

Did You Know?

• This expansion introduces El Dorado as a completely new playable environment distinct from Pandora's main desert regions.
• Captain Scarlett is one of the few recurring characters who appears prominently in both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3.
• The DLC features unique pirate-themed weapon skins that differ visually from standard manufacturer designs.
• Defeating the Pirate King unlocks exclusive rewards related to treasure hunting mechanics.