Borderlands 2 Vendor Only Has Pistols

2 min read 27-12-2024

So, you're cruising through Pandora, minding your own business, and suddenly you stumble upon a vendor whose wares are...exclusively pistols? No shotguns, no rifles, no rocket launchers, just a wall of handguns staring back at you. This isn't some quirky new DLC, friend, this is the infamous Borderlands 2 vendor glitch. Let's break down what's happening and how you might (or might not) be able to fix it.

Understanding the Glitch

This frustrating situation arises from a bug within Borderlands 2's code. While the exact cause isn't definitively pinned down by Gearbox (and likely involves intricate details of the game's item spawning system), the outcome is consistent: a vendor's inventory gets completely overridden, leaving only pistols for sale. This isn't limited to a single vendor either – sometimes multiple merchants within the same area will be affected.

Why This Happens

The most likely culprit is a combination of factors:

Corrupted Game Data: A corrupted save file or a problem with the game's installed files can lead to unexpected behavior, including this bizarre inventory glitch.
Mod Conflicts: If you're using any mods or unofficial patches, a conflict between these and the game's core code could be the trigger.
Game Engine Quirks: Even without mods, the game engine itself is prone to occasional hiccups and unexpected interactions, especially after significant game updates or playthroughs.

What to Do (or Not Do)

Unfortunately, there isn't a guaranteed fix for this problem. Many suggested solutions floating around online are unreliable. Here's what you should try, and what you should likely avoid:

Things to Try (With Cautious Optimism):

Restart the Game: The simplest step is often the most effective. A full game restart can resolve temporary glitches.
Verify Game Files (Steam/Epic): If you're on PC, use the built-in features of your game launcher (Steam, Epic Games Store) to verify the integrity of your game files. This will identify and replace any corrupted files.
Load an Earlier Save: If you have a save file from before the glitch occurred, loading that save might be your best bet. Be aware, you'll lose progress made since then.

Things to Avoid:

Deleting Save Files: This is a drastic measure that should be a last resort. Deleting your save files could result in irreversible data loss.
Unverified "Fixes": Online forums are rife with unverified fixes that might inadvertently corrupt your game further. Approach these with extreme caution.

Living with the Pistol Plague

While a permanent, reliable solution isn't readily available, accepting the challenge of a pistol-only playthrough might just add an interesting twist to your Borderlands 2 experience. Embrace the limitations; who knows, you might discover a newfound appreciation for the humble handgun. Just remember to keep a healthy supply of ammo!