A fresh installment in the Borderlands series introduces a new roster of Vault Hunters, and Borderlands 4 launches with four distinct characters. For newcomers, Vault Hunters are the core of the game’s class system, with each character embodying a unique archetype tailored to a particular playstyle. Every one of the four characters comes with detailed skill trees, passive abilities, and signature action skills, which can make choosing the right Vault Hunter challenging. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a comprehensive overview of all the Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 announced so far.
All Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 Explained
As noted, Borderlands 4 debuts with four Vault Hunters, maintaining the franchise’s tradition. Although these characters are brand new, they fit within familiar archetypes like the Siren, the Berserker/Tank, and the high-tech Soldier. The developers have yet to disclose the passive and action skills for each class, but here’s an outline of the characters currently revealed:
Vex, the Siren
Sirens are arguably the most iconic class in Borderlands, and the newest addition to this group is Vex. Characterized by a cynical and sarcastic attitude shaped by a harsh upbringing, Vex represents a ‘dark Siren’ with the ability to conjure physical entities into existence.
One of her action skills, Phase Phamiliar, summons a feline companion named Trouble—a purple sabertooth cat inspired by the real-life pet of Nick Thurston, the game’s lead designer. Trouble fights autonomously alongside Vex and can evolve into a more powerful Badass form. Although the cat can be defeated, it will respawn.
Her second action skill, Dead Ringer, generates three clones of herself. When activated, the player can choose to summon Reapers wielding scythes or gun-equipped Spectres. The final known action skill, Incarnate, enables Vex to unleash Eldritch blasts while regenerating her health.
These capabilities make Vex an excellent crowd control character capable of easily drawing enemy attention away from herself.
Rafa, the Exo-Soldier
Born and raised in microgravity, Rafa experienced changes to his bone structure and musculature that prevent survival without assistance. To stay alive, he enlisted with Tediore’s military forces, unknowingly signing a life contract with the weapons manufacturer. After discovering their true motives, Rafa went AWOL but lives on borrowed time as the exo-suit sustaining him might fail at any moment.
Facing the constant threat of imminent death, Rafa adopted a daredevil spirit that shines through his dialogue and actions.
Described as the most agile Vault Hunter yet, Rafa boasts a formidable arsenal of high-tech weapons. His action skills include Arc-Knives, where he wields twin blades mounted on his arms to perform melee and shock damage, complete with a dash feature to lunge toward enemies.
Additionally, the APOPHIS Lance is an off-hand arm cannon Rafa can wield along with his main weapon. It operates like a charge-based Tediore weapon, firing slow-moving piercing shock blasts that deliver shock damage. Although its output is strong, it can fire only three charges before needing to cool down.
His third action skill, Peacebreaker Cannons, comprises shoulder-mounted weapons that automatically bombard enemies in his line of sight, similar but distinct from Zane’s MNTIS Shoulder Cannons from Borderlands 3.
With such a skill set, Rafa can inflict substantial damage, especially when paired with builds that optimize his advanced technology.
Also Read: Borderlands 4 Previews Are Out, and It’s Vaulting to the Top of My Wishlist
Harlowe, the Gravitar
Harlowe is a combat scientist from the Traunt family, familiar to Borderlands 3 players. Like General and Captain Traunt, she is skilled with Maliwan weaponry. Her sharp intellect allows her to invent gadgets that give her an edge in battle.
Currently, little is known about her abilities beyond glimpses from the gameplay trailer. She appears to adopt a more strategic role, capable of trapping enemies inside bubbles to make them easier targets for offensive maneuvers. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Amon, the Forgeknight
Amon’s backstory is rooted in tragedy; he was raised within a monster-worshipping cult until the creature turned against its followers, leaving Amon the sole survivor. Now, he fights to slay monsters wielding axes and swords, combining brute strength with an unexpected love for poetry.
Visually, Amon appears to fulfill the Berzerker role in Borderlands 4. He is notably muscular with rugged Viking-inspired facial hair. His combat style includes fierce axe slashes and the use of a shield to block incoming attacks. The game’s lead designer described him as wielding an arsenal that ranges from swords and axes to hammers, shields, spears, and whips—epitomizing a sci-fi Viking warrior.
This covers all the information available about the Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 so far. We will update this article as more details come to light. Until then, share your thoughts on which Vault Hunter you’re most eager to play.