Best Borderlands Characters

Highlights

Krieg is a melee master with a split personality, adding depth and interest to the iconic Borderlands franchise.
Mr. Torgue brings explosive action and humor with every all-caps line, making him a standout character in the series.
Lilith, the powerful Siren superhero, embodies courage and heroism as she leads the fight to save Sanctuary.

As a seasoned Vault Hunter myself, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with some truly unforgettable characters in the wild wasteland of Pandora – and none more so than these four.

The Borderlands series remains popular, with fans eagerly anticipating a possible Borderlands 4. As we look back on the characters that made this series memorable, let’s revisit some of the personalities that made Pandora and beyond such an entertaining journey. Known for its wildness, Borderlands introduces players to a cast of characters who embody humor, charm, or simply have an unforgettable personality.

In the world of Borderlands, the series hasn’t hesitated to develop complex characters, and while some players might find them grating or over-the-top, others have a deep affection for them. The path to appreciating the finest Borderlands characters has never been more straightforward, and there are undeniably standout picks that warrant recognition.

10 Face McShooty

The Psycho Who Just Wants to be Shot in the Face

As a devotee, I’ve got to say that Face McShooty may not be the most action-packed character, but boy, does he pack a punch in terms of impact within our community! Face McShooty was sadly snatched away from us prematurely, but it was his final desire. The main objective of this eccentric character is to provoke someone into shooting him square in the kisser. It’s an off-the-wall side quest for a non-aggressive psychopath that yields little reward, yet delivers maximum laughter.

Face McShooty exemplifies the peak of Pandora’s outlaws and madmen, and it appears he doesn’t necessarily yearn for death, but rather enjoys a bullet to the face as it provides him with a sense of pleasure. This adventure is utterly peculiar, while the character itself is remarkably strange, possessing a single objective, limited dialogue, yet leaving lasting impressions.

9 Krieg

A Psycho With a Heart of Gold

Featured in: Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3

In the Borderlands series, Krieg stands out as the initial playable psychopathic character, demonstrating exceptional skills in close-combat and managing two separate identities within him. Krieg is among the most intriguing characters in the Borderlands universe, earning an entire DLC focusing on his mental condition in Borderlands 3. Despite being a psycho, his moral compass seems to be guided by his saner self; however, his actions are often distorted due to insanity.

Krieg exhibits a richness in character that sets him apart, for he is more than just your typical psychopath brandishing a buzz-axe, intent on indiscriminate slaughter. Instead, he selectively targets those who truly deserve his wrath. Despite lacking poetic skills, he carries the sensitive spirit of a poet within him, often making choices that reflect this. He goes out of his way to do what’s right in order to win the affection of the woman he admires.

8 Mister Torgue

ALL CAPS AND ALL BADASS

Featured in: Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, New Tales from the Borderlands

In the Borderlands series, there’s no lack of noise and explosives, which makes Mr. Torgue an ideal fit for the brand. This character is simply amazing within the series – he’s side-splittingly funny, and it’s challenging to find a line he doesn’t deliver in all caps!

Apart from being the craftsman behind the legendary Torgue weapons, Mr. Torgue also designs fearsome arenas where contenders can engage in intense battles to claim the title of the ultimate badass. The intensity and swagger that defines Torgue is unmatched, a characteristic evident not only in his imposing physique but also in the bold words he speaks.

7 Tiny Tina

An Explosive Personality With an Equally Explosive Kill Count

Featured in: Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

In Borderlands 2, Tina’s character has undergone development since her initial appearance. Although her overall personality remains consistent, she’s matured significantly and could possibly become a Vault Hunter in the future. From the beginning of the series, Tina has made strong impressions, and her explosive debut is merely a hint of what lies ahead for her character.

Tina is lively, funny, and has an unusually strong affection for crumpets. Her fondness for crumpets and tea parties is surpassed only by her passion for explosives, which she frequently demonstrates through the large quantities of explosives she uses to deal with threats such as bandits and other potential harm to herself and her companions.

6 Athena

A Retired Bounty Hunter, and Former Assassin

Featured in: Borderlands, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands

As a devoted admirer, I find myself drawn to the captivating figure of Athena, a prodigy of Crimson Lance, who was molded into an assassin from childhood. Her enigmatic past brimming with sorrow and triumph is what sets her apart, making her a top-tier contender – and that’s precisely why she commands attention in this world.

Across the vast expanse of Pandora, Athena is renowned as a formidable bounty hunter, striking fear into the hearts of many. Even in retirement, her skills are still sharp enough to warrant caution from all. She’s a strategic mercenary who knows how to get things done and deserves recognition for her achievements. It would indeed be intriguing to witness the marriage between Athena and Janey Springs.

5 Scooter

The Heroic Mechanic Who Owns Catch-A-Ride

Featured in: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Tales from the Borderlands

There’s no mechanic more hard-working and kind than Scooter, the man behind the iconic Catch-A-Ride stations that are found around Pandora. Scooter’s laid-back personality and often oblivious nature shouldn’t discourage people from investing in him, as his talents as a mechanic speak for themselves when he makes Sanctuary fly.

Scooter proved to be a remarkable ally to the Vault Hunters, showing an unmatched devotion towards them. Despite his selfless act of sacrifice, his memory persists due to his sister Ellie and mother Moxxi, who retain pieces of Scooter’s character. This demonstrates that he was a friend with a lasting impact, someone whose spirit continues to be cherished.

4 Mad Moxxi

The Flirtatious Hostess With Many Children, Husbands, and Murders

Featured in: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3

A versatile figure who appears to run multiple businesses, Mad Moxxi owns and manages what seems like every bar in Pandora, and possibly beyond. With as many business endeavors as marriages under her belt, it often feels like her past keeps catching up to her, causing trouble where she least expects it.

Moxxi has a complex character, combining kindness with a tendency toward sadism and lust. Yet, when it comes to those dear to her, she frequently acts in an honorable manner, provided she stands to benefit somehow. Moxxi is bold, ready for conflict or flirtation, and her behavior often mirrors her allure.

3 Handsome Jack

A Cocky Villain Who Wants to Genocide Pandora Whilst Eating Pretzels

Featured in: Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands

Without a doubt, Handsome Jack, one of gaming’s most memorable villains, gained notoriety from boasting about munching pretzels and naming a diamond-made pony “Butt Stallion.” Throughout the game Borderlands 2, his role as the antagonist solidified his iconic status. However, it was in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel that we gained insight into his motives, understanding why he acted as he did, despite his questionable morality and brutal nature.

Handsome Jack is vicious and demanding, but his toxic humor always helps him keep his cool. It’s hard not to laugh alongside Handsome Jack, even when he is literally paying players to kill themselves. His constant harassment of Vault Hunters and his grand plans make him someone worth remembering, even as a cautionary tale of Pandora’s corruption.

2 Lilith

The Iconic Siren Superhero

Featured in: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3

In the captivating world of Borderlands, I found myself drawn to one of the earliest Sirens – none other than Lilith herself. From a humble beginning as a Vault Hunter, she’s risen to become an influential figure and a beacon of hope for the people of Sanctuary. Her journey is one that resonates deeply, as she tirelessly strives to save those in need.

Through the power of Eridium, Lilith amplifies her Siren talents to aid those who truly need it. Selfless and valiant, Lilith often places others’ needs before her own, even dabbling in the Firehawk cult’s violence on occasion, though she remains primarily focused on doing good.

1 Claptrap

The Hilariously Annoying Robot Who is the Last of His Kind

Featured in: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

CL4P-TP is the last Hyperion general-purpose robot, and one that continues the legacy, by smashing it into the ground. Claptrap is painfully annoying to everyone he comes across, and every character in-game seems to hate his mechanical guts, but that’s what makes him so charming. Claptrap is a brilliant character, one who is equally hilarious as he is frustrating to listen to.

1. Despite considering himself the ultimate embodiment of coolness, Claptrap is actually quite lonely and cowardly, especially when faced with stairs, which he finds daunting. Instead of having an army of minions at his disposal, he must make do with reluctant companions.

2024-08-15 19:54