Gearbox Software really went for it. When they announced the Borderlands 3 Collector's Edition, properly known as the Diamond Loot Chest Collector's Edition, it wasn't just another box with a cheap statue inside. It was massive. Honestly, it was obnoxious in that specific way only a Borderlands fan could love. Most people remember the hype back in 2019, but if you look at the secondary market now, things have changed quite a bit.
You've probably seen those giant trunks sitting on shelves in the background of YouTube gaming rooms. They look cool. But are they actually built well? Or is it just expensive plastic taking up too much space?
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What You Actually Get in the Diamond Loot Chest
Inside that ridiculous Diamond Loot Chest—which, by the way, features a working retractable lid—you find a mix of high-end collectibles and some smaller trinkets. It’s a lot. You get ten character figurines, including the four original Vault Hunters (Moze, Zane, Amara, and FL4K) and the Calypso Twins. They’re about three inches tall. Small? Yes. But they have that distinct cel-shaded aesthetic that makes the game look the way it does.
Then there’s the Sanctuary 3 snap-model ship. This thing is basically a puzzle. You have to put it together yourself. Some people loved the "Lego-lite" vibe of it, while others found the plastic a bit flimsy for a premium price tag. You also get a bunch of lithographs, four vault key keychains, and a cloth map of the galaxy.
The map is probably the sleeper hit of the whole package. It's not paper. It's actual fabric. It shows off Pandora, Promethea, Athenas, and Eden-6. It feels like something a real Vault Hunter would shove into a backpack before getting shot at by Psychos.
The Steelbook and the Digital "Missing" Pieces
Here is where it gets a little annoying for modern collectors. The Borderlands 3 Collector's Edition came with a gorgeous gold-and-white Steelbook. It looks incredible. However, because this was a 2019 release, the digital codes for the Season Pass and the Deluxe Content are often expired or already used if you're buying it secondhand.
If you're hunting for one on eBay today, you're mostly buying it for the physical presence. The digital "Super Deluxe" perks—like the Butt Stallion weapon skin or the XP boost mods—are usually long gone. You're paying for the trunk. You're paying for the "loot."
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The Build Quality: Is It Just Junk?
Let's be real for a second. Collector's editions are a gamble. We’ve all seen the "bag-gate" drama from other franchises.
The Diamond Loot Chest itself is surprisingly sturdy. It’s made of a heavy-duty plastic that mimics the look of the in-game chests. When you hit the latch, it doesn't just flop open; it has a mechanical feel to it. It’s a centerpiece. If you have a gaming setup that lacks a "wow" factor, this is a five-pound piece of evidence that you take your looter-shooters seriously.
The figurines are a different story. They aren't resin. They aren't hand-painted masterpieces. They’re "miniatures." Think of them more like high-quality board game pieces rather than high-end statues like you'd get from First 4 Figures. If you're expecting Sideshow Collectibles quality, you're going to be disappointed. But if you want a little army of Vault Hunters to guard your desk, they do the job.
Why Borderlands 3 Collector's Edition Prices Are All Over the Place
At launch, this thing was $249.99. That’s a lot of money for a video game.
Today? It’s a rollercoaster. You can find "gutted" versions where people have kept the game but are selling the chest and the trinkets for $150. If you want a "New In Box" (NIB) version, you’re looking at anywhere from $350 to $500 depending on the platform. The PC version is usually rarer because, let’s face it, most PC players went digital early.
The value isn't just in the items. It’s in the rarity. Gearbox didn't overproduce these to the level of, say, a Halo or Call of Duty special edition. They sold out almost instantly during the pre-order phase, leading to a lot of frustration. That scarcity has kept the price floor higher than most other "big box" releases from that era.
Hidden Details Most People Miss
One thing people forget is that the Borderlands 3 Collector's Edition wasn't sold everywhere. In the US, it was a GameStop exclusive. This created a bottleneck. If you didn't have a local store or their website crashed (which it did), you were out of luck.
Also, the lithographs aren't just posters. They come in these little character-themed folders. It’s the kind of detail that shows someone at Gearbox actually cared about the "unboxing experience." It wasn't just tossed into a cardboard box with some bubble wrap.
The Practical Reality of Owning One
Where do you put it? No, seriously. The chest is roughly 15 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It doesn't fit on a standard bookshelf. You need a dedicated shelf or a top-of-the-desk spot.
And dust. Oh, the dust. The textures on the chest are "gritty" to match the art style, which means it catches every speck of dust in the room. You’ll be cleaning it with a Q-tip once a month if you want it to stay looking "Legendary."
If you’re a casual fan who just played the campaign once and moved on, this is a massive waste of money. It’s too big and too specific. But if Borderlands is your "forever game"—the one you go back to for every Level Cap increase or new DLC—it’s the ultimate tribute.
How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off in 2026
If you’re looking to buy one now, you need to be careful. Scalpers and "lightly used" sellers often omit the Sanctuary 3 ship model because it’s a pain to disassemble once it’s put together. If that ship is missing, the value drops by at least $50.
Always ask for photos of the latch. The locking mechanism on the chest is the first thing to break if someone’s kid has been playing with it. If that latch doesn't click, the lid won't stay shut, and you’re left with a very expensive, half-open plastic tub.
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Check the cloth map for stains. People used these as actual desk mats or mousepads, which... why? It’s a collectible. Make sure it hasn't been used as a coaster for a Psycho-themed energy drink.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
- Verify the Contents: If buying secondhand, insist on a checklist. Ensure the 10 figurines, the ship model, the 4 keychains, the cloth map, and the 5 lithographs are all present.
- Prioritize the "Trunk Only" Listings: If you already own the game digitally, look for "Loot Chest Only" auctions. You can often save $100+ by skipping the Steelbook and the expired codes.
- Inspect the Ship: The Sanctuary 3 model is fragile. Ask the seller if it’s currently assembled. If it is, ask them to ship it in a separate box within the chest to prevent the plastic "fins" from snapping during transit.
- Scale Your Space: Measure your display area before clicking "Buy It Now." You need a flat surface at least 18 inches wide to accommodate the chest and the figurines comfortably.