Borderlands 2: Headhunter 5: Son of Crawmerax stands as an action RPG DLC that places players in a compact tropical adventure on Wam Bam Island. Vault Hunters respond to a kidnapping involving Sir Hammerlock, leading to direct confrontations with the Son of Crawmerax and supporting threats like Sparky Flynt. The content emphasizes mission-based progression through combat encounters, enemy variety, and targeted loot collection in a self-contained area.
Gameplay
Core play revolves around fast-travel access to Wam Bam Island, where a story mission launches immediately upon arrival. Players navigate beaches, underwater tunnels, and savage villages while facing varkids, pirates, savages, and the new craboid enemy type. Combat centers on gunplay against groups that scale with character level, capped between 15 and 35 in normal mode. A secret activity involves purchasing treasure syringes from a dispenser near the docks for ten eridium each, then injecting varkid-like pods to spawn special variants that drop additional loot upon defeat. Boss encounters include the Invincible Son of Crawmerax the Invincible and Sparky Flynt, with the main boss offering a chance at a unique skin drop that may require repeated attempts. One story mission and one side mission structure the primary objectives, while explosive fruit from mushroom-like vegetation adds environmental hazards that players can trigger or avoid.
Game Modes
The DLC operates through linear story missions that advance the rescue plot alongside a single side mission for extra objectives. Secret treasure pod activity provides repeatable loot opportunities separate from main progression. Boss fights serve as focal points for both completion and optional farming, with the Son of Crawmerax encounter designed for multiple engagements. Fast travel to the island supports direct entry into these activities without additional setup, and the content integrates with existing character progression systems for weapon and gear use during fights.
Story and Setting
Events unfold on an abandoned island resort called Wam Bam Island, where Sir Hammerlock joins familiar figures for a Fertility Day celebration before his capture. The narrative drives players across varied tropical zones to locate and free him from the Son of Crawmerax. Crazy Earl appears to assist with resources, while Sparky Flynt introduces a personal vendetta element tied to prior events. The setting mixes open beach areas with enclosed tunnels and village structures, creating focused exploration loops tied to mission goals.
Characters and Enemies
Sir Hammerlock serves as the central figure requiring rescue, supported by appearances from Lilith, Brick, and Mordecai along with Mordecai's pet Talon. Crazy Earl provides practical aid during the events. Enemy forces draw from established types including savages and pirates, with craboids and specialized varkid variants adding fresh combat dynamics. The two bosses deliver distinct challenges, with the Son of Crawmerax fight yielding cosmetic rewards in the form of class-specific heads and skins upon success.
Is It Worth Playing?
This Headhunter pack delivers a focused set of missions and encounters suitable for players already invested in Borderlands 2 who seek additional story content featuring recurring characters. The island layout supports straightforward combat loops and loot incentives through the treasure syringe mechanic and boss farming. Reception among players highlights its brevity as both a strength for quick sessions and a limitation for those expecting longer campaigns. It remains available as a standalone purchase on PC for those interested in the specific Hammerlock storyline and new cosmetic unlocks. Those who enjoy mission-driven combat against varied enemy groups in a contained environment will find the most direct value here, while newcomers may prefer starting with the base game before adding this layer.
