My Borderlands 4 Vault Hunter Choice Just Changed, and Not For a Reason You’d Expect

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Initially, some players found the characters in Borderlands 4 rather bland and forgettable upon their initial reveal. However, over time, these characters have been refined with improved visual designs and impressive skill sets. The animated shorts for Borderlands 4 have also done a great job of showcasing the characters’ stories. Despite previously deciding on Amon as my starting Vault Hunter due to his intriguing backstory as a cult member, I had not played a big character in the Borderlands series since Brick from the original game. Even though Mordecai was my first pick in the initial run, this time around, I wanted to try something new. However, after seeing one particular skin, I might have changed my mind about my starting Vault Hunter choice.

Among the unique styles of characters like Amon, Harlowe, and Vex the Siren in Borderlands 4, it’s Rafa’s alternate look that has me excited for my initial playthrough. Surprisingly, it’s not his animated short or Arc-Knives that drew me in, but rather the space cowboy outfit showcased toward the end of his customization options trailer. Given that this outfit is featured in the video thumbnail, it seems that Gearbox has successfully connected with fans of the space cowboy aesthetic, as I and others like myself can’t resist the ex-Tediore soldier now.

Rafa’s other cosmetics include:

  • A prisoner outfit
  • A sci-fi gladiator helmet
  • Wrap over his eyes imagining him if he were blind
  • Tediore-themed gear
  • A cloak with a high collar that looks straight out of Cyberpunk 2077
  • Different haircuts, from long hair to Final Fantasy-like spikes

Space Cowboy Vibes Are My Kryptonite

I have a soft spot for characters like Cobb Vanth, Cad Bane, or the Ghoul, who embody the cowboy persona amidst advanced technology. This style is something I’ve been eager to replicate in the Fallout games and it’s an aesthetic that has me invested, such as my dedication to Destiny 2’s Spire of the Watcher dungeon. Working tirelessly for hours on end with only one companion, my fiancée, due to my social anxiety, was challenging since we didn’t always get the cowboy hat cloak I wanted for my Hunter at the end of our runs. However, eventually, I managed to acquire the full set, which is now my go-to look in Destiny 2.

In addition to finding the unusual mix of cowboys in a sci-fi environment intriguing, this sentiment extends to the game Overwatch, one of my all-time favorite video games. Although Cassidy wasn’t initially my main character for the Damage role (I was more into Tracer and Reaper before picking up his reliable Peacekeeper), there was a period where he was my go-to hero. I even became proficient with him on the underpowered Nintendo Switch, which was quite an accomplishment. In the upcoming Overwatch 2, I found myself drawn to Ashe, for the same reason I liked Cassidy – her character design appeals to me just as much as her gameplay abilities. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that Rafa’s most appealing unlockable outfit resonates with me, and I can hardly wait to take whatever steps necessary to make it mine.

In earlier Borderlands installments, players have been able to obtain skins for their characters by purchasing them from vendors such as Crazy Earl, earning them as rewards for completing quests, or finding them randomly dropped by opponents. However, Gearbox has yet to specify exactly how this will work in Borderlands 4.

Thankfully, Rafa’s Gameplay is Also Up My Alley

Fortunately, there’s more to appreciate about Rafa than just his space cowboy appearance, even though it is what initially drew me to him as my main character. If I hadn’t been planning to change things up with Amon, he likely would have been my first pick anyway due to his Arc Blades. Although players have greater control over them compared to Zer0’s blade, the ability to swiftly cut and dismember enemies echoes that of Borderlands’ master assassin – a character I’ve utilized for multiple playthroughs of Borderlands 2. Additionally, like many others, I was genuinely intrigued by Rafa’s Borderlands 4 animated short, with the story behind his deadframe being both captivating and distinctive.

Considering all these factors, it seems reasonable that Rafa’s space cowboy look convinced me to choose him as my primary Vault Hunter in the game. Just as I’ve done with previous Borderlands games, I’m certain I’ll replay BL4 multiple times, which means I’ll eventually get to try out Amon’s special abilities. Fingers crossed that none of the Vault Monster devotee’s costumes alter my decision again, as I’m eager to embody Rafa’s space cowboy persona when Borderlands 4 launches.

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2025-08-11 00:12