Borderlands 4: Which Vault Hunter is Best for BL3 Zane Mains?

As a devoted fan of Borderlands, I can’t help but feel the thrill as Borderlands 4 approaches on the horizon! With the unveiling of all the new Vault Hunter abilities, it seems that those who loved Zane Flynt from Borderlands 3 are in for a tough decision. Known for his double action skills and unique playstyle that revolved around speed and adaptability, Zane truly stood out as one of the most dynamic characters in the franchise.

However, with Borderlands 4 boasting the most intricate and customizable Vault Hunters yet, it’s clear that even a seasoned pro like Zane will have some tough choices ahead. I can hardly wait to see how these new developments shake up the gameplay and give us even more reasons to fall in love with this action-packed series!

From the standpoint of an enthusiastic player, Borderlands 3’s Zane was more than just a run-and-gun operative – he was a versatile hero with multiple build options to cater to different roles. His Digi-Clone doubled as both a backup gun on the battlefield and a teleporting anchor for swift maneuvering during combat. For those who preferred a defensive playstyle, Zane’s Barrier shield offered crucial protection in team play. His MNTIS shoulder cannon activated all his kill skills with a single blast. Lastly, his almost absurdly potent movement enhancements transformed him into a true sandbox of a character to explore and master.

Which Borderlands 4 Vault Hunter Should Zane Mains Choose?

Longtime fans of Zane, the character from Borderlands, are expected to prefer new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 who share similar speed and utility as Zane. Although no characters are identical replacements, some have abilities that resemble Zane’s most appealing characteristics. For players seeking a similar experience to Zane Flynt, here is an overview of the various options in Borderlands 4 that are reminiscent of Zane.

Rafa – Borderlands 4’s Speed Demon

For enthusiasts seeking a character with exceptional mobility in Borderlands 4, Rafa stands out as the prime choice. His distinctive feature, Overdrive, accelerates movement speed whenever an Action Skill is activated. Each of Rafa’s skill trees accentuates movement to some degree, but his This Year’s Gimmick tree offers the most pronounced emphasis. Rafa’s Arc Knives Action Skill encourages players to maintain a constant pace, and the skills within that tree are linked to combat flow much like Zane’s abilities do.

In terms of style and equipment, Rafa’s character appears to be a modern equivalent to Zane. His Peacemaker shoulder cannons resemble Zane’s MNTIS launcher, and his STRM Gliders are similar to Zane’s grenade-dropping SNTNL drone. Moreover, thematically, Rafa fits the role of a tech-focused mercenary who employs advanced military technology to dominate battles. For those who appreciate Zane’s fast-paced gameplay and character traits, Rafa could seem like the most suitable replacement.

Vex – Borderlands 4’s Clone Specialist

In the game Borderlands 4, Vex, the latest Siren character, largely inherits Zane’s clone abilities. Her Dead Ringer ability lets her create phantom versions of herself that can trigger special attack skills and enhance through the Fourth Seal skill tree, similar to Zane’s MNTIS cannon and Digi-Clone. Players who prefer build strategies centered around clones will find Vex’s gameplay style familiar, as her copies can even use her weapons, similar to Zane’s clones.

The latest Siren isn’t only a specialist in cloning, but also has the ability to summon a companion named Trouble, which she can teleport at will – much like the Irish assassin character from Borderlands 3. Additionally, her passive trait, Phase Covenant, links weapon elemental affinities directly to their usage, creating a combat style that leans heavily towards cryo, similar to Zane when he invests points in the Under Cover skill tree. Despite the different fantasy styles between Siren and Zane, the mechanical similarities make her an attractive choice for players of Zane.

Honorable Mention: Harlowe, Borderlands 4’s Gravitar

Harlowe is worth noting, especially for players who prefer Zane’s teleportation abilities and his affinity for Cryo damage. Harlowe has skills in her Cosmic Brilliance skill tree that allow her to move her Flux Generator wherever she’s looking, then teleport to it. Moreover, several of Harlowe’s skill trees focus on Radiation and Cryo. Similarly, with abilities like Break the Ice, she provides a damage package that may appeal to fans of those elements in Zane’s gameplay style.

Among the Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4, it’s Amon who stands out as distinct from the others, particularly Zane. While both share a personal shield and have a slight Cryo affinity, Amon is more tank-like in appearance and playstyle. His special skill trees look intriguing, but they may not measure up to experienced Zane main players.

Essentially, although players might not be able to fill his shoes, they won’t need to because Zane is confirmed to reappear in Borderlands 4. Moreover, this game seems to feature some of the most intriguing Vault Hunters yet. The fresh abilities and backstories of the new hero group may offer familiar ground for fans of the rogue operative, making them feel comfortably immersed in the next installment of the looter-shooter franchise.

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2025-08-26 02:04