Revolutionizing the Soldier Class in Borderlands 4

The Soldier class in Borderlands is in need of a revamp to better align with its more distinctive counterparts. As Borderlands revels in its own absurd world and high-energy gunplay, the classes play a crucial role in shaping the game's identity. Each class should stand out in a way that showcases what makes the series' style shine, and while most classes achieve this, the Soldier class requires a rebranding if it is to make a return in Borderlands 4.

The Soldier class, alongside Borderlands' iconic Siren class, has been a long-standing choice for players. Although the Soldier only appears in the first game, it has spawned a similar archetype in Borderlands 2's Commando and Borderlands 3's Gunner. Each game in the main series has featured a military-themed character, each with a slightly different take on the archetype. The only exceptions so far are Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which also lacked a Siren, and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, which introduced more fantasy-themed options and an overhaul of the class system as a whole. Given that every main entry has had a Soldier-like character, it's likely that Borderlands 4 will follow suit.

Borderlands 4 Can Give the Soldier Class a Well-Deserved Redesign

In comparison to the other classes in Borderlands' Pandora, the Soldier can feel lacking in creativity. While there's nothing inherently wrong with the class or its variants, in a world that embraces the absurd, the Soldier can seem out of place with its more grounded nature. Additionally, the Soldier's active abilities, such as deployable turrets, may not be as exciting as those of other classes. While the Gunner's Iron Bear is a step in a more interesting direction, it still has similarities to the Mechromancer's Deathtrap from Borderlands 2. A fresh and unique active ability for a future Soldier class would greatly enhance their appeal.

In order to bring new life to the Soldier class archetype in Borderlands 4, the game could introduce a unique active ability that differs from the traditional mechanical tools seen in previous versions. For instance, the Soldier could have a shield that they use to bash enemies while protecting themselves, or an airstrike that deals heavy damage in a specific area. By incorporating distinctive abilities and creative design choices, the Soldier could become a more appealing class to play than ever before. Only time will tell what the playable classes in Borderlands 4 will offer, but with the potential for new and exciting changes, the Soldier archetype could become a fan favorite. It's time for Borderlands to truly experiment and innovate with the Soldier class in its upcoming release.