Clan War Zafords Vs Hodunks Guide To The Rival Factions And Choices

The Clan War questline in Borderlands 2 stands out as one of the most entertaining and decision-heavy storylines in Pandora's lore. Players find themselves caught in the middle of a bitter blood feud between two distinct families, the Zafords and the Hodunks. Navigating this multi-part narrative requires completing sabotages and escalating tensions before ultimately choosing which faction to support.

The History Behind the Zaford and Hodunk Feud

The rivalry between the Zafords and the Hodunks spans generations across the dusty reaches of Pandora. The Irish-inspired Zaford family operates out of the Holy Spirits bar in Sanctuary, favoring alcohol and organized crime. Meanwhile, the Hodunks represent a southern redneck family running their operations from the local Speedway in the Dust.

As players progress through the mission chain, they learn that both sides share deep-rooted animosity driven by greed, pride, and petty grievances. Neither faction holds a moral high ground, making the narrative choice purely a matter of personal preference and tactical reward benefits. Understanding these dynamics adds narrative depth to every sabotage mission you undertake.

Key Missions in the Clan War Questline

Before reaching the final confrontation, Vault Hunters must complete several prerequisite tasks that fuel the rivalry. Missions like Starting the War, First Tree Hugger, and End of the Rainbow force players to act as agitators for both families. Each objective escalates the conflict by destroying property, framing rivals, and causing public chaos.

These setup missions highlight the quirky humor and chaotic gameplay that define the Borderlands experience. Players get to experience the personality of key figures like Mick Zaford and Jimbo Hodunk through entertaining dialogue. Completing these prerequisite quests unlocks the dramatic final showdown outside the Lynchwood train station.

Choosing Your Side: Final Rewards and Drops

The climax of the questline requires players to side with either the Zafords or the Hodunks in a final shootout. Siding with the Zafords means killing Tector and Jimbo Hodunk, which gives you a chance to farm the legendary Slagga submachine gun. Choosing the Hodunks requires eliminating Mick Zaford, opening up the chance to farm the legendary Maggie revolver.

Both weapons offer massive utility for endgame builds, making the final decision strategically important for character progression. The Slagga provides exceptional slag application, while the Maggie delivers devastating close-range critical damage. Many players base their ultimate choice entirely on which weapon best fits their current character build.

Long-Term Impact on Farmable Endgame Bosses

Beyond the immediate quest rewards, your choice permanently determines which boss spawns at the Lynchwood station transition. If you side with the Hodunks, Mick Zaford will regularly respawn as a fast farmable boss right next to the fast travel point. Conversely, siding with the Zafords makes Jimbo and Tector Hodunk the permanent targets for future farming runs.

Because both bosses spawn extremely close to the zone exit, farming either target is remarkably efficient for legendary loot gathering. Players focused on rapid gear grinding often prefer farming Mick Zaford due to his fast spawn location. Ultimately, both outcomes offer valuable endgame content that enriches your overall Pandora experience.