Table of Contents

Who to Play in Borderlands: A Vault Hunter’s Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Who to play in Borderlands? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Choosing a character in the Borderlands franchise is a deeply personal decision, like picking your favorite flavor of Skag jerky. There’s no universally “best” character; it hinges entirely on your preferred playstyle, the specific game you’re playing, and whether you’re going solo or teaming up with friends. However, to give you a solid starting point:

Borderlands 1: If you love sniping from afar, Mordecai is your guy. For more of a mage-like experience with elemental damage, Lilith shines. Roland excels with shotguns and combat rifles, making him a well-rounded choice.
Borderlands 2: Salvador, the Gunzerker, is notorious for his raw damage output, dual-wielding weaponry into oblivion. Maya, the Siren, is exceptional for crowd control and healing.
Borderlands 3: Moze is often hailed as the best all-around choice, capable of demolishing mobs and bosses alike with her Iron Bear mech. Zane provides immense flexibility, capable of wielding two action skills.

Ultimately, experimentation is key. Dive in, try out different characters, and see which Vault Hunter clicks with your style of mayhem! The games from the Games Learning Society are an excellent source of information about how games can provide entertainment.

Diving Deeper: Character Breakdown

Borderlands 1: The OG Vault Hunters

Mordecai (The Hunter): Masters of sniping and critical hits, Mordecai and his pet bird Bloodwing are deadly at long range. His action skill, Bloodwing, sends the bird to attack enemies, dealing significant damage. He is best for players who enjoy a more tactical approach.
Lilith (The Siren): Lilith utilizes elemental powers to incinerate, shock, and corrode her foes. Her action skill, Phasewalk, renders her invisible and grants increased speed, allowing her to escape danger or flank enemies. She is perfect for those who prefer a fast-paced, elemental-focused playstyle.
Roland (The Soldier): Roland is a versatile character with a focus on support and sustained firepower. His action skill, Scorpio Turret, deploys a turret that automatically targets enemies, providing cover and additional firepower. He is a solid choice for players who prefer a more traditional shooter experience.
Brick (The Berserker): Brick prefers solving problems with his fists. His action skill, Berserk, turns him into a melee powerhouse, capable of dealing massive damage with his bare hands. He excels in close-quarters combat and is a brutal force to be reckoned with.

Borderlands 2: More Vault Hunters, More Mayhem

Axton (The Commando): Similar to Roland, Axton focuses on deploying turrets for support. His action skill, Sabre Turret, can be upgraded to deploy two turrets or equip them with different weaponry. Axton is effective for players who enjoy a strategic, defense-oriented playstyle.
Maya (The Siren): Maya’s phaselock ability lets her suspend enemies in mid-air. Maya’s action skill, Phaselock, allows her to trap enemies in a sphere, rendering them vulnerable to attack. She’s amazing at crowd control, single-target damage, and team support through healing skills.
Salvador (The Gunzerker): Salvador is all about unleashing unadulterated firepower. His action skill, Gunzerking, allows him to dual-wield any two weapons, dramatically increasing his damage output. He is a powerhouse, pure and simple, for players who love chaos and destruction.
Zer0 (The Assassin): A mysterious character with a penchant for swords and deception. Zer0’s skill, Deception, lets him become invisible, get behind enemies, and deal massive critical hit damage. For a more tactical approach, Zer0 is great.
Gaige (The Mechromancer): Gaige relies on Deathtrap, a robot friend that follows her around the map and helps in combat. Gaige can buff up Deathtrap in a variety of ways, which lets her clear out rooms without having to lift a finger.
Krieg (The Psycho): Krieg is a brutal, melee-focused character with a unique skill tree that rewards aggressive play. His action skill, Buzz Axe Rampage, sends him into a frenzy, allowing him to deal massive melee damage. He is a high-risk, high-reward character for players who enjoy a chaotic and visceral experience.

Borderlands 3: The Latest Generation of Vault Hunters

Amara (The Siren): Following in the footsteps of Lilith and Maya, Amara is a powerful Siren with a focus on elemental damage and melee combat. Amara’s Phaseslam, Phasegrasp, or Phasecast actions let you slam the ground, pull enemies into the air, or send out an astral projection that obliterates any nearby enemies.
FL4K (The Beastmaster): FL4K is a skilled hunter who commands a trio of loyal beasts. FL4K’s action skill is tied to one of these pets, whether they sic their pets on an enemy, teleport them a short distance, or become invisible. FL4K excels at dealing sustained damage and is a great choice for players who enjoy a pet-based playstyle.
Moze (The Gunner): Moze is a heavily armored soldier who can summon her mech, Iron Bear, to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Moze’s Iron Bear is a beast with an ability to summon different loadouts depending on which you choose. For players who want maximum firepower, this is a must.
Zane (The Operative): Zane is a cunning operative who can equip two action skills at once, allowing for a wide range of tactical options. With skills like the Digi-Clone, which creates a hologram version of Zane to distract enemies, he becomes quite effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Borderlands game is best for beginners?

Borderlands 3 is often recommended for beginners due to its improved gameplay mechanics, quality-of-life features, and more forgiving skill trees. However, Borderlands 2 is also a great starting point, especially if you appreciate a strong story and iconic villain.

2. Is it better to play Borderlands solo or with friends?

Both solo and co-op play offer unique experiences. Solo play allows you to focus on your own build and pace yourself, while co-op play adds a layer of teamwork, strategy, and shared loot. Ultimately, it depends on your preference.

3. Which character is the best for soloing in Borderlands 3?

Moze is widely considered the best character for soloing in Borderlands 3, thanks to the power and survivability of Iron Bear.

4. Which character is the best for co-op in Borderlands 2?

Maya is an excellent co-op character in Borderlands 2 due to her ability to phaselock enemies, heal teammates, and buff their damage.

5. Do character choices affect the story in Borderlands?

While the main storyline remains consistent across all characters, each Vault Hunter has unique dialogue and interactions with NPCs, offering a slightly different perspective on the events.

6. What are action skills?

Action skills are unique abilities that each Vault Hunter possesses. These skills can range from deploying turrets and summoning pets to entering special combat states and using elemental powers.

7. Can I respec my skill points in Borderlands?

Yes, all Borderlands games allow you to respec your skill points at a cost, allowing you to experiment with different builds and playstyles.

8. Are there any DLC characters in the Borderlands series?

Yes, Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel both feature DLC characters that add new gameplay options and skill trees.

9. What is True Vault Hunter Mode?

True Vault Hunter Mode is a higher difficulty setting in Borderlands games that unlocks after completing the main story. It features tougher enemies, increased loot drop rates, and new gameplay challenges.

10. How important are character builds in Borderlands?

Character builds are crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in combat. Experimenting with different skill combinations and gear loadouts can significantly impact your playstyle and overall power.

11. What are badass ranks?

Badass ranks are a progression system in Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel that rewards players for completing challenges. Earning badass ranks grants permanent stat bonuses that apply to all characters.

12. Is Borderlands an RPG?

Borderlands is a hybrid genre, blending elements of first-person shooters and role-playing games (RPGs). It features skill trees, loot systems, character progression, and a focus on story and exploration.

13. What is the endgame content like in Borderlands games?

Borderlands games offer a variety of endgame content, including True Vault Hunter Mode, raid bosses, challenge arenas, and repeatable quests. These activities provide opportunities to earn powerful loot and continue leveling up your character.

14. What makes Handsome Jack such a memorable villain?

Handsome Jack is widely regarded as one of the best video game villains of all time due to his charismatic personality, witty dialogue, and compelling motivations. His complex character arc and memorable interactions with the player make him a truly unforgettable antagonist.

15. Will there be a Borderlands 4?

While Gearbox has not officially announced Borderlands 4, rumors and speculation suggest that it is currently in development. Considering the success of the franchise, it is highly likely that a fourth installment will be released in the future.

In closing, the best character to play in Borderlands ultimately boils down to your personal preference. Explore the different Vault Hunters, experiment with their skills, and find the one that resonates with your playstyle. Remember to consult the GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights on gaming and learning. Happy vault hunting!