The Borderlands series is famous for its unique Vault Hunters, each bringing distinct abilities, personalities, and playstyles to the chaotic world of Pandora and beyond. With the announcement of Borderlands 4, fans are eagerly anticipating the new Vault Hunters that will join the fight.
Based on previous games and insights from recent interviews, here’s a theory on the types of Vault Hunters we might see in Borderlands 4.
The New Borderlands 4 Vault Hunters (in our opinion) 🤙
The Elementalist: Master of the Elements
Previous Examples:
- Lilith (Siren, Borderlands)
- Maya (Siren, Borderlands 2)
- Amara (Siren, Borderlands 3)
Sirens have always been central to the Borderlands series, so it’s likely that Borderlands 4 will introduce a new Vault Hunter who embodies a fresh twist on elemental powers. This Elementalist might be a ranged fighter who can seamlessly switch between fire, ice, electricity, and corrosive damage. Unlike Amara, who focuses on close-quarters combat, this character could create elemental storms or summon minions made of pure energy.
The Elementalist could feature a skill tree allowing players to specialize in one element or mix and match for versatile combat. An action skill like “Elemental Overload” could let the Vault Hunter wield all elements simultaneously, combining them for devastating effects—like freezing enemies before shattering them with fire. This would make the Elementalist a dynamic and adaptable character, perfect for players who enjoy manipulating the battlefield with raw elemental power.
The Beastmaster 2.0: Bond with Exotic Creatures
Previous Examples:
- Mordecai (Hunter, Borderlands)
- Gaige (Necromancer, Borderlands 2)
- FL4K (Beastmaster, Borderlands 3)
In Borderlands 4, the Beastmaster 2.0 could build on FL4K’s concept by specializing in controlling exotic, alien creatures. This Vault Hunter might have a symbiotic relationship with their beasts, even fusing with them to gain new abilities or enhance their combat prowess. Such a character would appeal to players who enjoy dynamic, pet-based gameplay, with the added twist of adapting their abilities to different environments and enemies.
The Beastmaster 2.0 could use an action skill like “Fusion Frenzy,” allowing them to merge with their creature companion, gaining attributes like speed, strength, or resilience depending on the creature. This would offer a strategic depth, letting players tailor their playstyle to the situation at hand, making the Beastmaster 2.0 a versatile and adaptable Vault Hunter.
The Engineer: Master of Gadgets and Technology
Previous Examples:
- Roland (Soldier, Borderlands)
- Axton (Commando, Borderlands 2)
- Moze (Gunner, Borderlands 3)
Technology-focused Vault Hunters have always been a fan-favorite, and Borderlands 4 could introduce an Engineer who excels at deploying and customizing gadgets in real-time. This Vault Hunter might craft and modify devices mid-battle, adapting their strategy on the fly with high-tech ingenuity. The Engineer could appeal to players who enjoy tactical gameplay and strategic planning.
The Engineer might have an action skill called “Modular Combat Rig,” a customizable platform that can be modified mid-combat. It could switch between a defensive turret, an offensive drone, or a support station that heals or buffs allies. The Engineer would also have a skill tree enhancing these gadgets, adding more layers of customization and tactical depth.
The Trickster: Illusions and Stealth Tactics
Previous Examples:
- Zer0 (Assassin, Borderlands 2)
- Zane (Operative, Borderlands 3)
Borderlands 4 could introduce a Trickster who takes stealth and deception to the next level. This Vault Hunter might specialize in creating illusions, decoys, and traps to confuse enemies. The Trickster would be a master of psychological warfare, using mind games to control the battlefield and outmaneuver opponents.
The Trickster could have an action skill called “Phantom Mirage,” creating multiple holographic copies that distract, attack, or debuff enemies. These illusions could explode upon destruction or provide other strategic benefits, making the Trickster an elusive and unpredictable force on the battlefield.
The new Borderlands 4 Vault Hunters complement each other
Borderlands 4 could explore a theme of balance and chaos, with each Vault Hunter representing different aspects of control and unpredictability. The Elementalist could symbolize the raw, uncontrollable power of nature, while the Beastmaster 2.0 embodies the balance between civilization and the wild. The Engineer might represent humanity’s control over technology, while the Trickster could stand for the chaos and unpredictability of the mind.
These Vault Hunters could have abilities that complement each other in co-op play. For instance, the Engineer could deploy gadgets that enhance the Elementalist’s elemental attacks, or the Trickster could lay traps that the Beastmaster’screatures drive enemies into. This would add new layers of strategy to co-op gameplay, encouraging players to think creatively about how they combine their abilities.
Conclusion
While we can only speculate about the new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4, the possibilities are exciting. The franchise has always pushed the boundaries of character design and gameplay, so it’s safe to say the next game will bring something fresh and innovative to the table. Whether it’s mastering the elements, commanding alien beasts, deploying high-tech gadgets, or playing mind games with enemies, the new Vault Hunters will undoubtedly add new dimensions to the chaotic, looter-shooter gameplay that fans love.
What are your theories about the next Vault Hunters? Do you think we’ll see any familiar faces or completely new characters? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
