borderlands

A Prefix is the adjective part of an item (typically a weapon or a shield). It describes the variant of the model.

As expected, the prefix usually precedes the title, though it can rarely follows it (ex: the CEO of all CEOs class mod).

Examples

The prefixes usually describe in what manner a weapon is good or improved (if there is an accessory), as opposed to the title, which describes what a weapon is. For example, rocket launchers can be Big, Massive or Colossal, they can be Evil or Devastating etc... It is interesting to note that unique items will never have prefixes.

Effect on weapons

In Borderlands, most prefixes do not have any effect on the weapon, apart from "flavor". Some will modify the weapon by slightly increasing its traits (more often than not: damage, but also accuracy and recoil reduction), although typically not as much as weapon parts. However, there are some exceptions, such as the support machine guns' "Shattering", the combat rifles' "Punishing", or the combat shotguns' "Hunter's".

In Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, prefixes have no effect on weapon or item characteristics.

Prefix Generation

Prefixes are generated the same way that Titles are generated: First, Manufacturer and weapon Parts are chosen at random. The Title is then applied according to Title rules. At this point, the Prefix with the highest Priority that is applicable is chosen.

Flavors

Prefixes actually come in a much broader and richer spectrum than titles. Prefixes can describe:

See Also