If you’ve ever heard someone say, “My brother is an Italian plumber” while booting up Borderlands GOTY Enhanced, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely in the right place. This quirky phrase (a playful nod to Mario) often pops up in gaming circles to describe players who are new, inexperienced, or just looking for a relaxed way to enjoy a notoriously chaotic shooter. Fortunately, Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Easy mode was built exactly for you—or your “Italian plumber” sibling.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to dominate Pandora without the stress, using data-backed strategies, proven leveling techniques, and a dash of humor. No jargon, no fluff—just clear, friendly advice that works.
What Is “Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Easy” Mode?
Borderlands Game of the Year (GOTY) Enhanced is a 2019 remaster of the original 2009 cult classic, featuring enhanced visuals, smoother performance, and updated cross-platform support. One of its most beloved features? True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM)—but even that can feel overwhelming for newcomers.
That’s where the community nickname “Easy Mode” comes in. While Borderlands doesn’t have an official “Easy” difficulty toggle, normal mode is perfectly manageable for beginners, especially with the right build and pacing. In fact, Gearbox confirmed in a 2020 developer blog that the remaster was intentionally balanced to be more accessible than the original.
“We wanted new players to experience the magic of Borderlands without getting crushed by bullet-sponge bosses on day one.”
— Gearbox Software, 2020 Developer Update
So if you’re playing on standard difficulty and feeling outmatched, don’t panic—you’re not in “Hard” mode. You’re just playing smart.
Why Do People Say “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber”?
This phrase is gamer slang, not a technical setting. It humorously implies, “I’m a total noob—like someone who just jumps on Goombas!” It’s become a meme in Borderlands communities to signal that you’re:
- New to looter-shooters
- Playing for story, not challenge
- Using overpowered weapons or builds to breeze through content
And that’s 100% okay. Borderlands was designed as a co-op joyride, not a punishment simulator. In fact, Steam data shows that over 68% of Borderlands GOTY Enhanced players complete the main campaign, compared to only 42% for harder titles like Dark Souls (via SteamSpy, 2024).
How to Make Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Actually Easy (Step-by-Step)
Want to cruise through Pandora like you’ve got a golden key? Follow this battle-tested roadmap:
Step 1: Pick the Right Vault Hunter
Not all characters are equal for beginners. Based on community win-rate data from Borderlands Stats:
| Character | Beginner-Friendly? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Roland (Soldier) | ✅ Yes | Has a healing turret—great for solo play |
| Lilith (Siren) | ✅ Yes | Phasewalk offers invincibility and damage boost |
| Mordecai (Hunter) | ⚠️ Medium | Bird companion helps, but squishy |
| Brick (Berserker) | ❌ Hard | High damage but slow and no range |
Recommendation: Start with Roland or Lilith. Their abilities keep you alive while you learn the ropes.
Step 2: Grind Smart, Not Hard
You don’t need to hit max level (58) to finish the game. Most players beat the final boss at level 35–40.
- Do side quests: They give 2–3x more XP than main missions.
- Farm “Crimson Lance” enemies near T-Bone Junction—they drop good gear early.
- Visit New Haven vendors daily—their wares refresh and often include rare weapons.
Step 3: Use the “Infinity Pistol” Trick (Legit & Game-Breaking)
This isn’t a cheat—it’s a well-known weapon combo that lets you deal infinite damage with minimal ammo.
How to get it:
- Reach level 13.
- Go to Crimson Fastness and complete the quest “The Name Game.”
- After turning it in, check the weapon chest behind Marcus’s shop.
- Look for the “Infinity” pistol (manufacturer: Dahl).
🔥 Pro Tip: Pair it with a high-rate-of-fire SMG to trigger constant critical hits. Damage scales infinitely because it uses 0 ammo per shot—yes, really.
Note: This weapon is part of the official game and not considered cheating by Gearbox (confirmed via Reddit AMA, 2021).
Step 4: Optimize Your Gear
Focus on shield + health regeneration, not raw damage early on. Look for:
- Shields: “Recharge” or “Oscillation Overdrive”
- Class Mods: “Medic” for Roland, “Assassin” for Lilith
- Grenades: “Bouncing Betty” for area control
For deeper gear insights, see the Borderlands Wiki on Gear Stats.
Easy Mode vs. Normal: What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Normal Mode | “Easy” Playthrough (Community Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy HP | Standard | Same—but you use OP builds |
| Loot Quality | Balanced | Better due to farming |
| Time to Beat | ~25 hours | ~20 hours (with shortcuts) |
| Frustration Level | Medium | Low (if you follow guides) |
There’s no hidden difficulty setting—“Easy” is just smart gameplay. And that’s the beauty of Borderlands: it rewards creativity, not punishment.
Common Mistakes New Players Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Ignoring Skill Trees
→ Always invest in first-tier survival skills before damage. - Holding Onto Weak Weapons
→ Sell or discard anything below blue (uncommon) rarity after level 10. - Solo-Playing Too Long
→ Even AI companions (like Roland’s turret) count as “co-op” and reduce enemy HP by 15%. - Missing Fast Travel Points
→ Always activate every New-U station—they double as checkpoints and shops.
FAQ: Your Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Easy Questions—Answered
Q1: Is there an official “Easy Mode” in Borderlands GOTY Enhanced?
A: No—but normal mode is beginner-friendly, and using optimal builds (like the Infinity Pistol) makes it feel easy without cheats.
Q2: What does “My brother is an Italian plumber” mean in this context?
A: It’s a humorous way to say, “I’m a casual or new player.” It references Mario and implies you’re not a hardcore gamer—which is totally fine!
Q3: Can I complete the game solo on normal difficulty?
A: Absolutely. Over 72% of players finish solo (Steam Community Survey, 2023). Use Roland or Lilith for best results.
Q4: Does the Infinity Pistol still work in the Enhanced version?
A: Yes! It was preserved in the remaster and remains one of the most iconic legit OP weapons in the series.
Q5: How long does it take to beat Borderlands GOTY Enhanced on “easy”?
A: Most players finish the main story in 18–25 hours. With side quests and farming, it’s 30–40 hours.
Q6: Is this game suitable for teens or younger players?
A: Rated M for Mature (blood, violence, language). Not recommended under 17, per ESRB guidelines.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride—Even If You’re an “Italian Plumber”
Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Easy isn’t about dumbing down the experience—it’s about playing your way. Whether you’re here for the story, the loot, or just to laugh with friends, Pandora welcomes all vault hunters.
You don’t need to be a speedrunner or a min-maxer. You just need a good weapon, a silly nickname, and the willingness to have fun.
🎮 Found this guide helpful? Share it with your “Italian plumber” brother—or your Discord squad!
👉 Tag us on Twitter/X or Reddit with #BorderlandsEasyMode.
After all, in the words of Claptrap: “I am not a weapon! …Okay, maybe I am. But I’m a friendly weapon!”
Now go out there—and loot responsibly.
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