2K and Gearbox Software have confirmed that the Version 1.7 update is arriving on 28 May, and it brings a particularly nasty duo to the table. If you have spent the last few months perfecting your build on Kairos, Subjugator and Thol the Invincible are the new benchmarks for your gear’s effectiveness.
This free update centres on a new Raid Boss encounter located on a secluded island just off the coast of the Fadefields. According to the lore, these two are loyal servants to the Timekeeper, and they aren’t exactly welcoming of Vault Hunters looking for a casual stroll.
A Duel of Two Halves
The mechanics of this fight suggest that Gearbox is moving away from simple “bullet sponge” bosses. The encounter begins as a tag-team brawl. You will be dealing with the hovering, agile Subjugator while simultaneously trying to avoid being flattened by the hulking Thol.
The complexity ramps up once the first boss falls. Instead of the fight ending, the survivor retreats to a unique arena to reach an “ascended” state. This triggers a final, life-or-death duel where the remaining boss operates at full power. It is a smart way to ensure players have to master two different combat styles in a single run.
The Return of Pearlescent Gear
For many players, the biggest draw of Version 1.7 is the loot. The update marks the arrival of a new Pearlescent weapon: the Jail-Broken Gatling. This Order SMG rewards aggressive play; every hit grants a buff that increases your fire rate, damage, and recoil, while also providing a chance to fire extra projectiles. It is essentially a snowball effect in firearm form.
The Legendary drop pool is also seeing a significant expansion:
- Lockjaw (Torgue Assault Rifle): Fires explosive rounds that bounce between multiple targets.
- Shammy Kablammy (Tediore Pistol): Douses enemies in hot “Moonshine” before an explosive reload sets them on fire.
- Flak Cannon (Vladof Heavy): Designed for high-volume bullet saturation.
- Collector (Order Shield): High capacity and fast recharge, though you will have to deal with a longer recharge delay.
Current Vault Hunters will also find new Class Mods tailored to their specific skill trees, with a sixth mod promised for the new character arriving in Story Pack 2 later this year.
Level Caps and Quality of Life
The update isn’t just about the new bosses. The level cap is being increased to Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM) Level 7, giving dedicated players a few more skill points to play with.
Interestingly, Gearbox is also introducing a “Shared Character Progression” toggle. While the ability to share collectibles and SDUs across characters was popular when it arrived in Version 1.5, some fans missed the feeling of a fresh start. This new toggle allows you to roll a new Vault Hunter with a completely clean slate, ignoring your previous achievements if you prefer the traditional grind.
What Is Coming Next?
If you want to see the new battle arena in action before the 28 May launch, the Gearbox DevCast on 26 May will provide a full walkthrough. This update is part of a larger roadmap, with Version 1.8 scheduled for late June. That next drop will include a free Takedown and the third paid DLC, Bounty Pack 3.
For now, make sure your campaign is finished; you cannot access the Fadefields island until the main story is in the rearview mirror.
