Who Should I Use in Borderlands 1? A Vault Hunter’s Guide to Choosing Your Champion
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The question of who to play in Borderlands 1 isn’t about finding the “best” character; it’s about finding the best fit for your playstyle. All four original Vault Hunters – Lilith (The Siren), Roland (The Soldier), Mordecai (The Hunter), and Brick (The Berserker) – are viable and capable of tearing through Pandora, but they excel in vastly different areas. Your choice hinges on whether you prefer close-quarters mayhem, long-range sniping, elemental chaos, or support-oriented gameplay.
- Lilith: If you crave mobility, elemental damage, and crowd control, Lilith is your siren song. Her Phase Walk action skill is arguably the most versatile in the game, offering invulnerability, increased speed, and the ability to unleash elemental damage upon exiting.
- Roland: Do you appreciate team support, sustained firepower, and a reliable, turret-based companion? Then Roland, the Soldier, is your man. His Scorpio Turret provides invaluable cover and suppressing fire, making him a solid choice for solo and co-op play.
- Mordecai: For those who relish long-range engagements, critical hits, and a pet with a taste for blood, Mordecai the Hunter is the perfect marksman. His Bloodwing action skill sends his feathered companion to attack enemies, marking them for increased critical hit damage.
- Brick: If your idea of a good time involves smashing enemies into oblivion with your bare fists, surviving massive damage, and becoming an unstoppable juggernaut, then Brick the Berserker is calling your name. His Berserk action skill transforms him into a melee monster capable of devastating enemies.
Ultimately, experimentation is key. Try each character for a few levels to get a feel for their playstyle and skill trees. The “best” character is the one you enjoy playing the most! Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further guide your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Borderlands 1 Characters
What is the best character for solo play in Borderlands 1?
This depends entirely on your preferred solo playstyle. Lilith offers excellent survivability and damage output with Phase Walk, making her a strong solo choice. Mordecai can effectively snipe enemies from afar, minimizing risk. Roland’s turret provides consistent support. Even Brick can be highly effective with the right build, becoming nearly unkillable. Each character is viable solo; consider your comfort zone.
Which character is best for beginners in Borderlands 1?
Roland is often recommended for beginners. His Scorpio Turret provides a safety net and helps new players learn enemy attack patterns. His skill trees also offer straightforward buffs to gun damage and survivability. However, any character can be beginner-friendly if you understand their core mechanics.
Which character is best for co-op play in Borderlands 1?
Roland and Lilith are particularly strong in co-op. Roland’s Scorpio Turret provides cover and distracts enemies, allowing teammates to focus on damage. Lilith’s Phase Walk can revive downed teammates quickly and reposition effectively in chaotic battles. Mordecai’s damage buffs and Brick’s ability to draw aggro also contribute significantly to team synergy.
How does Lilith’s Phase Walk work?
Phase Walk renders Lilith invisible and grants her increased movement speed. During this phase, she’s invulnerable to damage. Upon exiting Phase Walk, she releases a Nova, dealing elemental damage (usually Fire, Shock, or Corrosive depending on your skill tree) to nearby enemies.
What are the best skills for Roland’s Scorpio Turret?
Key skills for Roland’s turret include Scorpio, Overload, and Defence. Scorpio enhances the turret’s firepower and damage output. Overload allows the turret to deploy more frequently. Defence increases the turret’s health and lifespan. Investing in these skills will transform your turret into a formidable force.
How does Mordecai’s Bloodwing work?
Bloodwing is Mordecai’s loyal avian companion. Activating Bloodwing sends it to attack enemies. Enemies hit by Bloodwing are marked, increasing the critical hit damage they take. The skill tree allows you to upgrade Bloodwing with various elemental effects and increased damage.
What is the best way to build Brick for melee combat?
Focus on skills that enhance Brick’s damage resistance, health regeneration, and melee damage. Skills like Endless Rage, Juggernaut, and Bloodsport are crucial for maximizing Brick’s effectiveness in melee combat. Equip a powerful melee weapon and prepare to unleash fury.
Which character deals the most damage in Borderlands 1?
This is debatable and depends on the build and gear. Lilith can deal significant elemental damage with Phase Walk. Mordecai can achieve insane critical hit damage with Bloodwing. Brick deals devastating melee damage, and Roland provides consistent, reliable damage output. Each character is capable of high damage with the right setup.
Are there any character-specific legendary weapons in Borderlands 1?
No, there are no character-specific legendary weapons in Borderlands 1. However, certain weapons synergize better with specific character builds. For example, a high-damage revolver pairs well with Mordecai’s critical hit focus, while a powerful shotgun complements Brick’s close-quarters combat style.
How do I respec my character’s skill points in Borderlands 1?
You can respec your character’s skill points by visiting a New-U Station. There will be an option to “Reset Skill Points,” which will refund all your spent skill points, allowing you to reallocate them as you wish. It costs in-game money to respec.
What are the different elemental damage types in Borderlands 1 and which character utilizes them best?
The elemental damage types are Fire, Shock, Corrosive, and Explosive. Lilith excels at utilizing all elemental types through her Phase Walk and skill tree. Fire is effective against flesh, Shock against shields, and Corrosive against armor. Explosive damage is universal but lacks specific bonuses.
Is Brick viable in the endgame of Borderlands 1?
Yes, Brick is absolutely viable in the endgame. While his playstyle might require more careful planning and gear optimization than some other characters, a well-built Brick can become an unstoppable force, capable of tanking massive damage and dealing significant melee damage.
Does character choice affect the story or dialogue in Borderlands 1?
No, the story and dialogue remain consistent regardless of your chosen character. The characters may make minor quips or comments specific to their personalities, but the overall narrative remains the same.
How important is gear in Borderlands 1 compared to character skills?
Gear is extremely important. While character skills enhance your abilities, powerful weapons and equipment are essential for survival and dealing damage. Finding the right gear that complements your chosen character’s skill tree is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Farm bosses and chests to find the best loot.
Where can I learn more about Borderlands game design and the impact of games on education?
You can learn more about game design, the educational impact of games, and topics like gamification at the website of the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.