Unleash the Mayhem: A New Vault Hunter Joins the Chaos in Borderlands

Claptrap, despite being an unconventional choice for a Vault Hunter in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, can serve as a great source of inspiration for future character designs. While his abilities veered away from the norm in Borderlands and were attached to a character known for not being taken seriously, they were undeniably memorable. The diverse playstyles of each playable character in the Borderlands series are intended to set them apart, and playing as Claptrap offered a thoroughly unique experience compared to other Vault Hunters.

Despite lacking the respect he deserves, Claptrap has played a significant and enduring role in the ongoing story of Borderlands. Since his introduction in the first game, he has remained a consistent ally and quest-giver. Unfortunately, he rarely receives praise in the games, with most characters finding him annoying and openly expressing this sentiment. The series also depicts him as the primary target of physical comedy, further highlighting his unfortunate position. However, despite the challenges Claptrap faces, his style of Vault Hunter gameplay should continue to be featured in future Borderlands titles.

A Bizarre Power Like Claptrap's Would be Good to See Again in Borderlands

Claptrap's inclusion as a playable character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was undoubtedly a surprise to many. His unique ability, VaultHunter.EXE, often granted players a helpful advantage, but just as frequently bestowed them with a random and sometimes unfavorable effect. While several abilities proved useful, there were a few notable drawbacks. One Shot Wonder, for example, caused Claptrap to unleash his entire magazine in a single shot, while Torgue Fiesta unleashed grenades that could harm both allies and enemies. Perhaps the most perilous ability, however, was Clap-In-The-Box, a powerful bomb that harmed allies and forced Claptrap into a desperate Fight For Your Life state if it failed to hit its intended target.

Undeniably a comedic and tongue-in-cheek ability, VaultHunter.EXE aligns perfectly with Claptrap's reputation for being a source of amusement. When it comes to defeating bosses in Borderlands, however, it may not be the most reliable choice compared to the more dependable abilities of other Vault Hunters. Despite this, VaultHunter.EXE does possess some redeeming qualities. For instance, it will always replenish Claptrap's health, serving as a last-ditch emergency heal when needed. Additionally, many of Claptrap's abilities can still pack a punch, albeit not to the same extent as the specialized skills of other characters. This power roulette aspect adds an enjoyable - although unpredictable - gimmick to Claptrap's gameplay.

The concept of a character possessing absurd and unpredictable abilities is worth exploring further. While this character may not be a formidable Vault Hunter in Borderlands 4, their abilities could offer significant potential. It could take inspiration from VaultHunter.EXE or possess its own peculiar twist. For instance, it could alter the attributes of their equipped weapon with each ability use or inflict random status effects. Additionally, the ability could even generate unpredictable phenomena within the game world. To achieve optimal results, both the ability and the associated character should adopt a comedic approach, much like the entertaining presentation of Claptrap throughout the series.

Although Claptrap's VaultHunter.EXE was inefficient, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous, its chaotic nature perfectly complemented the exhilarating gunplay of the Borderlands games. If another Vault Hunter were to acquire a similar ability in the future, they would likely need to embody a whimsical persona in order to align with the zany nature of such an effect. Fortunately, given Borderlands' inherently eccentric atmosphere, this would not clash with the overall world. Claptrap defied expectations as a Vault Hunter and could serve as an unconventional source of inspiration for future characters in the upcoming Borderlands installment.