The Conference Call is a legendary shotgun that has made its triumphant return in Borderlands 3, continuing its legacy as one of the most sought-after weapons in the franchise. Manufactured by the Hyperion corporation, this powerhouse of a shotgun has captured the hearts of Vault Hunters since its debut in Borderlands 2. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the Borderlands 3 Conference Call, from its unique mechanics to the best farming methods.
If you’re a fan of the Borderlands series and looking for similar games, check out our list of games like Borderlands for more loot-shooting action.
Special Weapon Effects and Mechanics
What sets the Conference Call apart from other shotguns in Borderlands 3 is its distinctive firing pattern and projectile generation. Here’s what makes this weapon truly special:
- Multiple Projectiles: The Conference Call fires five projectiles per shot.
- Projectile Generation: Each of these projectiles can generate additional projectiles upon impact or after traveling a short distance.
- Perpendicular Spread: The additional projectiles fan out perpendicularly to the original shot, creating a devastating spread.
- Ricochet Capability: These extra projectiles can ricochet off terrain, making the weapon incredibly effective in enclosed spaces.
The weapon’s red text, “Let’s just ping everyone all at once,” perfectly encapsulates its ability to hit multiple targets with a single shot. This unique mechanic allows the Conference Call to excel in crowd control situations and against larger enemies.
Elemental Variants
The Conference Call comes in various elemental variants, including:
- Cryo
- Fire
- Shock
- Corrosive
- Radiation
These elemental versions can spread status effects to groups of enemies, further enhancing the weapon’s effectiveness in combat.
How to Obtain the Conference Call
While the Conference Call can be obtained randomly from any suitable loot source in Borderlands 3, there are several methods to increase your chances of acquiring this legendary shotgun:
- Judge Hightower: This enemy in Lectra City on Promethea has an increased chance to drop the Conference Call.
- Katagawa Jr.: The boss at Atlas HQ is another reliable farming source.
- Loot Tink in Jakob’s Estate: A Loot Tink that spawns consistently in the Servant’s Lift area provides a fast farming method.
- Graveward: This boss on Eden-6 is known for its generous legendary drop rates.
- Maurice’s Black Market: Occasionally, the Conference Call may appear for purchase in this rotating vendor.
To maximize your farming efficiency, consider playing on Mayhem Mode, which increases the chances of better loot drops. If you’re looking to improve your item discovery rate, you might find some useful tips in our guide on how to find the Dark Souls 3 Gold Serpent Ring, which increases item discovery in that game.
Weapon Stats and Performance
The Conference Call boasts impressive stats that make it a formidable weapon in any Vault Hunter’s arsenal. While exact numbers may vary due to parts and level scaling, here’s an example of what you might expect:
- Damage: 354×5
- Accuracy: 53%
- Handling: 77%
- Reload Time: 3.0 seconds
- Fire Rate: 3.15 shots per second
- Magazine Size: 8
As a Hyperion manufactured weapon, the Conference Call comes with a unique bonus: a front-facing shield that activates when aiming down sights. This shield not only provides additional protection but can also return bullets to the magazine based on damage absorbed.
Strategies for Using the Conference Call
The Conference Call excels in specific scenarios:
- Medium Range Combat: The weapon’s spread pattern is most effective at medium distances.
- Large Targets: Bosses and larger enemies allow more projectiles to connect, maximizing damage.
- Enclosed Spaces: The ricochet effect shines in tight corridors and rooms.
- Group Encounters: Elemental variants can spread status effects to multiple enemies.
However, the Conference Call is less effective at very close range or against small, agile targets where fewer projectiles are likely to hit.
Player Reviews and Community Reception
The Borderlands community has generally received the Conference Call positively in Borderlands 3. Many players praise its high damage output and unique firing pattern, which can clear rooms of enemies efficiently. Its nostalgia factor, carried over from Borderlands 2, adds to its appeal.
However, some players argue that other legendary shotguns like the Butcher or the Brainstormer may outperform the Conference Call in certain situations. As with any weapon in Borderlands 3, personal playstyle and character build can greatly influence its effectiveness.
Tips for Maximizing the Conference Call’s Potential
To get the most out of your Conference Call:
- Pair with skills that boost shotgun damage or critical hit chances.
- Use in conjunction with shields or class mods that enhance shotgun performance.
- Look for anointments that complement your character’s action skill or playstyle.
- In multiplayer, coordinate with teammates to herd enemies into tight groups for maximum effect.
Taking a Break from Borderlands
While Borderlands 3 offers intense action, sometimes it’s nice to take a break with a different genre. If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not check out our list of the best snowboarding games or best farming games for a more relaxing gaming experience?
Conclusion
The Borderlands 3 Conference Call continues to be a fan-favorite legendary shotgun, offering a unique blend of high damage potential and room-clearing capabilities. While it may not be the absolute best in every situation, its versatility and distinctive mechanics make it a worthy addition to any Vault Hunter’s loadout.
Whether you’re a returning fan from Borderlands 2 or a newcomer to the series, the Conference Call is definitely worth farming. Its ability to generate additional projectiles and ricochet off surfaces provides a tactical advantage that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
FAQs about the Borderlands 3 Conference Call
Q: Can I use the Conference Call effectively in all Mayhem levels? A: The Conference Call can be effective at all Mayhem levels, but like all weapons, it may require specific anointments or build synergies to perform optimally at the highest levels.
Q: Can the Conference Call drop from any enemy in the game? A: While it can technically drop from any suitable loot source, it has higher drop rates from specific bosses like Judge Hightower and Katagawa Jr.
Q: Does the Conference Call scale with my character’s level? A: Yes, like other legendary weapons, the Conference Call will scale to your character’s level when it drops.
Q: Are there any character-specific builds that work exceptionally well with the Conference Call? A: Characters with skills that boost shotgun damage or critical hit chances, like FL4K’s “Megavore” skill, can synergize well with the Conference Call.
Q: How does the Borderlands 3 version compare to the Borderlands 2 Conference Call? A: While the core mechanics are similar, the Borderlands 3 version has been balanced for the new game’s ecosystem. It remains powerful but may not be as dominant as its predecessor was in certain metas.