Borderlands 4 May Have Actually Managed to Do the Impossible

At the 2024 Game Awards, the unveiling of Borderlands 4 didn’t elicit an overwhelmingly positive response regarding its new Vault Hunters. Many fans felt these characters were missing the distinctive charm that the series is known for. However, as the game was about to be released, it seems things took a turn for the better. A recent poll indicates that Gearbox might have achieved the unexpected, as there’s nearly equal enthusiasm among fans for all four Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4.

At launch, there was a surprising shift in opinion, as revealed by a poll conducted by Moxsy, the creator of Borderlands. Over 6,000 votes were cast, and the four new Vault Hunters received almost equal support. Vex and Rafa led with 26% each, while Harlowe wasn’t far behind at 24%. Amon trailed slightly, accounting for 23%. Such a balanced response is quite unusual in this series, as typically one or two Vault Hunters garner the majority of fan excitement.

How Borderlands 4 Turned Skepticism Into Excitement

Initially, upon their unveiling, I wasn’t particularly enthused about the new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4, as they lacked the robots, three-fingered beings, or other unique characters that are a hallmark of this franchise’s eccentric personalities. With such distinct characters being a staple of the series, the lineup seemed rather ordinary to me, causing doubt in my mind about whether Borderlands 4 would live up to the larger-than-life characters we’ve grown accustomed to. This apprehension led me to ponder if Borderlands 4 could indeed meet our expectations.

Based on the survey results, it seems that Gearbox has successfully created a squad where every character appears to be fun to play. It’s possible that the shift in player opinions is mainly due to the extensive trailers that Gearbox shared before the launch. While the first glimpse of Borderlands 4 might not have convinced fans initially, the detailed presentations of each Vault Hunter’s abilities have presented a completely different scenario. Furthermore, minor adjustments made to characters like Amon since the initial reveal appear to have had a significant impact on their overall appeal.

Rafa: Borderlands 4’s Runaway Weapon

Rafa stands out not only for his well-equipped abilities but also due to his unique background. Born in microgravity, he can’t survive without specialized gear, which led him to serve in Tediore’s military. After leaving the military, he now battles using a Deadframe exo-suit that offers both powerful ranged and melee options.

Rafa’s design, featuring APOPHIS Lance cannon, Peacebreaker shoulder guns, and energy Arc-Knives, offers a remarkable versatility. This versatility appeals to players seeking a balanced character capable of dishing out both ranged and melee damage effectively.

Vex: The Reluctant Siren

As a freshly transformed Siren, Vex possesses immense power coupled with the emotional wounds that came with this transformation. Her unique Siren abilities set her apart as one of the most captivating characters among the Vault Hunters. With her ability to harness and manipulate phase energy, not only does she amplify herself but also calls forth minions to join her in battle. The fusion of her damage with that of her allies, whether summoned or not, makes her an attractive choice for both solo players and those who excel in cooperative play.

Harlowe: The Scientific Wildcard

Harlowe, a Maliwan scientist with a cheerful demeanor, is exceptionally skilled in technology. She carries devices such as the CHROMA Accelerator and Flux Generator that enable her to control Cryo and Radiation elements, freezing enemies, emitting harmful radiation, suspending targets, and boosting allies. Her unique blend of offense and support makes her a strategic powerhouse on the battlefield. Additionally, Harlowe’s personality is just as impressive as her combat skills, making her a formidable Traunt.

Initially underestimated by the community prior to its release, Harlowe has rapidly emerged as one of the most potentially outstanding playable characters in Borderlands 4.

Amon: Borderlands 4’s Heavy Metal Vault Hunter

As a devoted film enthusiast, I must admit that Amon stands out as the visually captivating addition among the latest Vault Hunters. His design exudes a hardcore, cosmic-viking vibe that leaves an instant impression. His equipment is incredibly adaptable, allowing him to switch between health, damage, and utility depending on the circumstances at hand. Moreover, his Forge skills grant him the ability to wield elemental axes, shields, hammers, and whips, making him a versatile warrior indeed!

In the game Borderlands 4, Amon stands out due to his tragic past and his kind, mentor-like demeanor. Despite his imposing physical presence, he carries a heavy emotional weight from being raised in a cult that revered Vault monsters. Aman is like a “warrior-poet,” having endured the trauma of survival and gained wisdom. Though some might argue that a survivor like Amon would have been fitting in Borderlands 3, fans are generally pleased to see him as part of the game now.

Why This Matters for Borderlands 4

In terms of the diversity of characters in Borderlands 4’s four new Vault Hunters, it’s impressive how Gearbox has successfully catered to fan preferences without favoring any one character over the others, unlike previous entries where some characters like Axton in Borderlands 2 received less focus compared to Sal, Maya, or Zer0. This time around, Borderlands 4 appears to have avoided such imbalances entirely.

If there’s a lot of debate among players about which character to pick first in the game, this shows how much the game has evolved since its initial launch. What was once perceived as a questionable start might now be seen as one of Gearbox’s most daring risks that has paid off. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the game, it’s apparent that Borderlands 4 has certainly challenged the notion that first impressions are always accurate.

2025-09-10 21:38