How To Get The Slagga SMG In Borderlands 2
So you're on the hunt for the Slagga SMG in Borderlands 2, eh? Well, you've come to the right place, Vault Hunter! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your hands on this incredibly useful weapon. The Slagga is a Maliwan submachine gun that's highly sought after because of its ability to apply slag to enemies, making them take increased damage from other sources. It's a fantastic tool for any character build, especially in the later stages of the game when dealing with tougher enemies.
Understanding the Slagga SMG
Before we dive into how to get it, let's talk a bit more about why the Slagga is so desirable. As I mentioned, its primary function is to apply slag. Slag is a status effect that increases the damage an enemy takes from non-slag weapons. In Borderlands 2, using slag effectively is crucial for dealing with significant damage, particularly in True Vault Hunter Mode (TVHM) and Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM). The Slagga's high rate of fire and decent slag chance make it an excellent choice for quickly slagging multiple enemies. Moreover, the Slagga is a random drop from a specific enemy, meaning that while there's no guaranteed way to get it on your first try, you at least know where to focus your efforts.
The Slagga is especially useful when combined with other powerful weapons that deal different types of elemental damage, such as fire, shock, or corrosive. First, you apply slag with the Slagga, and then you switch to a weapon that deals the appropriate elemental damage for the enemy type. This strategy can significantly increase your damage output, allowing you to take down even the toughest bosses with relative ease. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of slag decreases in UVHM, but it still remains a vital component of any successful build. Also, consider the various character builds that synergize well with the Slagga. Characters like Maya, with her ability to phaselock enemies, can effectively use the Slagga to slag multiple targets while keeping them under control. Salvador, with his gunzerking ability, can dual-wield the Slagga with another weapon for even more slagging and damage potential.
Who Drops the Slagga?
The Slagga SMG is dropped by Jimly, one of the Hodunk family members, specifically in the clan wars mission. To farm the Slagga efficiently, you'll need to know where to find Jimly and how to trigger his appearance. Jimly is located in the Hodunk Speedway, which is part of the larger The Dust area. The Dust is accessible fairly early in the game, but you'll need to progress through the main story until you unlock the "Clan Wars: Zafords vs. Hodunks" side mission. This mission is given by Moxxi in Sanctuary. Once you have the mission, you can begin your hunt for the Slagga.
The "Clan Wars: Zafords vs. Hodunks" mission involves choosing to side with either the Zafords or the Hodunks. To farm Jimly for the Slagga, you'll need to accept the mission from Moxxi but not complete it. This allows you to repeatedly farm Jimly without advancing the questline. If you complete the mission by siding with either clan, Jimly will no longer spawn, and you'll miss your chance to get the Slagga. So, make sure you keep the mission active and incomplete to continue farming him. Now that you know who drops the Slagga and how to keep the farming opportunity open, let's get into the specifics of how to find and defeat Jimly.
Farming Jimly for the Slagga
Okay, so you've got the "Clan Wars: Zafords vs. Hodunks" mission active, and you're ready to start farming Jimly. Here's a step-by-step guide to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Travel to The Dust: Fast travel to the The Dust fast travel station.
- Head to Hodunk Speedway: From the fast travel station, grab a vehicle and drive towards the Hodunk Speedway. It's located in the southern part of The Dust.
- Locate Jimly: Jimly spawns in a specific area within the Hodunk Speedway. As you enter the speedway, stick to the left side. You'll find a small shanty town area with several Hodunk members. Jimly is usually among them. He's not particularly unique-looking, so you might need to scan the area to find him.
- Defeat Jimly: Jimly is a relatively easy enemy to defeat, especially at higher levels. Use weapons that deal high damage to quickly take him down. Try using weapons with elemental effects like fire or corrosive, depending on your level and gear. Be mindful of other Hodunk members in the area, as they can also attack you.
- Check for the Slagga: After defeating Jimly, check his loot drops. The Slagga is not a guaranteed drop, so you might need to kill him multiple times before it appears. Look for a purple (Eridium) rarity submachine gun. That's the Slagga!
- Save and Quit: If Jimly doesn't drop the Slagga, save and quit the game. This will return you to the main menu.
- Reload and Repeat: Reload your character, and you'll be back at the fast travel station in The Dust. Repeat steps 2-6 until Jimly finally drops the Slagga.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Farming for the Slagga can be a bit tedious, but here are some tips to make the process more efficient and less frustrating. First, make sure you are at a suitable level. While you can farm Jimly at any level, it's best to be at least level 30 or higher. This will ensure that you can handle the enemies in The Dust and that the Slagga will scale to a usable level. Second, consider using gear that increases your luck or loot drop rates. Items like the Vault Hunter's Relic can slightly increase your chances of finding rare loot. While the effect might not be dramatic, every little bit helps. Third, bring a friend! Farming with a friend can make the process faster and more enjoyable. You can divide the tasks, such as one person focusing on killing Jimly while the other deals with the other Hodunks. Plus, having a friend around can make the grind less monotonous.
Another useful tip is to clear out the other Hodunk members in the area before focusing on Jimly. This will reduce the chances of being overwhelmed and make it easier to concentrate on Jimly. Use grenades or area-of-effect weapons to quickly eliminate the weaker enemies. Also, pay attention to the elemental resistances of the Hodunks. Some might be more resistant to certain types of damage, so adjust your weapon choices accordingly. Finally, remember to take breaks! Farming for a specific item can be mentally exhausting. If you start feeling burned out, take a break and come back later. It's better to farm in shorter, more focused sessions than to grind for hours and lose your motivation.
Alternative Farming Methods (If Available)
While farming Jimly is the primary method for obtaining the Slagga, there might be alternative methods available depending on events or updates to the game. Keep an eye out for any special events or promotions that might increase the drop rate of the Slagga or make it available through other means. For example, some events might introduce new quests or challenges that reward players with specific legendary items. Also, check online forums and communities for any reported glitches or exploits that might make farming the Slagga easier. However, be cautious when using exploits, as they might be patched out by the developers or could potentially corrupt your game save.
Another alternative, though less reliable, is trading with other players. If you have friends who play Borderlands 2, ask if they have a spare Slagga that they're willing to trade. You might be able to offer them something in return, such as another legendary item or some Eridium. Trading can be a quick way to get the Slagga without having to spend hours farming Jimly. However, be careful when trading with strangers, as there's always a risk of being scammed. Only trade with trusted players or use a reputable trading platform. Additionally, consider using the Borderlands 2 community to find other players who are also looking for the Slagga. You can team up and farm Jimly together, increasing your chances of finding the weapon.
Conclusion
The Slagga SMG is a powerful and valuable weapon in Borderlands 2, and farming it can be a worthwhile endeavor. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to take on Jimly and hopefully get your hands on the Slagga in no time. Remember to be patient, persistent, and maybe bring a friend along for the ride. Happy hunting, Vault Hunter, and may the loot gods be ever in your favor!