Predicting Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunter Classes

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Summary

  • Borderlands 4’s trailer reveals new Vault Hunters with possible defined gameplay roles.
  • Vault Hunters face backlash for bland design, leaving fans to speculate on their abilities.
  • New characters may follow recognizable archetypes, like the Assassin, the Siren, the Soldier, and the Mechromancer.

As a long-time fan of the Borderlands series, I must say that the reveal of the upcoming Borderlands 4 has left me absolutely giddy with excitement! The trailer we got a glimpse of has given us just enough to chew on while keeping us eager for more.

As The Game Awards approached, Randy Pitchford from Gearbox Software hinted at a significant new trailer for what many believed to be Borderlands 4. He confirmed this would be unveiled during TGA. A notable aspect of the upcoming Borderlands 4 trailer is the introduction of The Timekeeper, a villainous figure hinted at in Borderlands 3, who appears to be the main antagonist of the game. While fans were excited about the general gameplay snippets in the trailer, there was particular anticipation for the unveiling of the new Vault Hunters.

In the trailer for Borderlands 4, the new Vault Hunters have received criticism due to their seemingly ordinary appearance, which some viewers find dull compared to previous characters. This might be amplified because they all look like regular humans. At this point, very few details about these characters are available, including their abilities, specializations, and names. It’s possible that additional information will be shared in a dedicated Vault Hunter trailer later on. However, some hints have been dropped suggesting the roles and character types within the Borderlands franchise that these new characters might embody.

Why Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters May Already Have Defined Gameplay Roles

Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters – The Assassin Archetype

Initially, the character on the left appears to be dressed lightly, suggesting they might specialize in swift and agile fighting styles, much like Zer0 from Borderlands 2. This assumption is strengthened by their depiction wielding energy blades and a visor attached to an exoskeleton-like structure. Their abilities seem to revolve around dodging in the air and engaging in melee combat, leading us to believe this character may play similarly to Zer0 compared to other archetypes. There’s also a faint resemblance to Athena from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, though it seems less probable due to her focus on elemental attacks.

Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters – The Siren Archetype

It’s quite clear who the second Vault Hunter from the left might be, as their tattoos suggest they are a Siren. The hue of these tattoos hints at a potential connection to the discarded Slug damage type in Borderlands 2, which was not included in Borderlands 3. This theory becomes more plausible if Borderlands 4 continues the tradition of “elemental tattoo” design for Sirens, similar to Amara in Borderlands 3 or Lilith from the original game.

In a possible turn of events, it’s worth noting that the Siren’s powers might not be connected to Slug or any other elements from the franchise as previously thought. However, there’s an intriguing possibility that these powers could involve enhanced mobility, given her speed in the trailer appears slightly quicker than a regular Vault Hunter. Yet, it’s essential to keep in mind that this might just be a feature exclusive to the trailer and not necessarily a part of the gameplay mechanics in Borderlands 4.

Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters – The Soldier or Mercenary Archetype

In the game, the imposing figure of the third Vault Hunter from the left appears to have mechanical components, such as their left arm and potentially their legs. This isn’t surprising given that we’ve encountered robotic characters before in the franchise, like Wilhelm who served as a boss in Borderlands 2 and later became a playable character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. This new Vault Hunter is observed using a grapple hook ability within the game; however, it’s yet to be determined if this skill is unique to this particular character.

Essentially, this character exhibits a unique ability to convert drones into axes made of elements, which they hurl at opponents. This suggests that the Vault Hunter’s class could lean towards the Soldier Archetype, specifically the Brawler or Mercenary sub-class. In essence, their role falls within the category of characters similar to Roland, Brick, and Zane.

It’s worth noting that this Vault Hunter may have robotic upgrades for their skills and body, as Wilhelm did in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.

Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters – The Gunner or Mechromancer Archetype

In summary, the fourth playable character from the left in the trailer appears for the shortest duration. Unlike the Siren whose abilities can be predicted due to the series’ pattern, this character remains a puzzle. Judging by their looks, they might resemble either Moze from Borderlands 3, who is a Gunner, or Gaige from Borderlands 2, who is a Mechromancer. The identity of this Vault Hunter remains a mystery to be uncovered.

Another possibility is that this Vault Hunter might specialize in a variety of firearms, similar to characters like Nisha from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel or Salvador from Borderlands 2. Yet, in the trailer, they appear to be utilizing what seems like a jetpack and their trousers feature tubes filled with an unidentified liquid. This could be connected to the Borderlands series’ unique characteristics, potentially Cryo-related due to its design, suggesting that this character might lean more towards invention and gadgetry rather than the Gunner or Mechromancer roles we’ve seen previously.

When to Expect More Borderlands 4 News

In essence, it’s uncertain whether the characters in Borderlands 4 (referred to as Vault Hunters) will bring revolutionary changes to gameplay, but they are likely to include some familiar aspects while maintaining a distinct personality of their own. Given that the game is scheduled for release in 2025, it seems plausible that a new trailer might emerge soon, perhaps around Q1 of the next year. If previous releases serve as a guide, the game may be launched in the fall.

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2024-12-17 14:04