Overview of Borderlands 4’s New Vault Hunters
- Borderlands 4 introduces a new lineup of Vault Hunters, each potentially embodying distinct gameplay roles.
- Players have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the character designs, leading to ongoing speculation about their unique skills.
- New characters may align with classic archetypes such as the Assassin, Siren, Soldier, and Mechromancer.
In anticipation of The Game Awards, Gearbox Software’s Randy Pitchford excitedly teased a new Borderlands 4 trailer, which was expected to showcase gameplay elements. The trailer did not disappoint, revealing an intriguing antagonist known as The Timekeeper, previously hinted at in Borderlands 3. Among the highlights were the unveiling of the new Vault Hunters, which fans eagerly awaited.
Despite the buildup, the initial reactions to the new Vault Hunters were mixed. Critics quickly pointed out that the characters appeared somewhat “bland”and similar to ordinary humans, diminishing their uniqueness. Although specific details about these characters—including their powers, roles, and names—remain undisclosed, there are some hints that suggest their potential gameplay mechanics may align with well-known archetypes from the franchise.
Potential Defined Gameplay Roles for Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters
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The Assassin Archetype
The first Vault Hunter, characterized by minimal armor, suggests an agile combat style reminiscent of the Assassin archetype, akin to Zer0. This assumption is bolstered by their use of energy blades and a potential exoskeleton visor. With an emphasis on air dodges and melee attacks, this character could closely mirror Zer0’s gameplay from Borderlands 2, although there are slight echoes of Athena from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
The Siren Archetype
The second Vault Hunter’s tattoo design unmistakably points to them being a Siren. Their ink may reference the unused Slug damage type from Borderlands 2, hinting at a return to the elemental tattoos introduced by characters like Amara in Borderlands 3 and Lilith in the original title. There’s a possibility that this Siren’s abilities will center on mobility, as indicated by their speed in the trailer; however, these suggestions could be specific to the trailer rather than reflective of their actual skill set in gameplay.
The Soldier or Mercenary Archetype
Third in line, the tall Vault Hunter exhibits robotic augmentations, similar to Wilhelm from previous games. This character is demonstrated using a grappling hook, which adds an interesting layer to their potential abilities. Key moments in the trailer show them manipulating drones as elemental weapons against foes, hinting at a Soldier or Mercenary role, reminiscent of characters like Roland and Zane, with a focus on brute strength and tactical combat.
The Gunner or Mechromancer Archetype
The fourth Vault Hunter, despite their brief appearance, presents the most mystery. Their appearance suggests similarities with characters like Moze and Gaige, aligning them with Gunner or Mechromancer archetypes. Distinct elements, such as a jetpack and tubes that may hold cryogenic liquid, indicate a possible twist in their role, potentially positioning them as a versatile inventor or adept gadget-user within the Borderlands universe.
Upcoming Borderlands 4 News
The unique identities and playstyles of Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters remain to be fully explored as the game approaches its expected release in 2025. Anticipation builds for additional trailers, likely to emerge in early 2024, as the franchise gears up for its launch in the fall—following the historical release patterns established by prior titles.