Borderlands 4's characters face a daunting challenge as they strive to match the greatness of Borderlands 2's beloved character. The upcoming group of Vault Hunters, who will venture into Pandora and other unexplored lands, are expected to leave a lasting impression. Throughout the series, players have controlled a diverse range of characters, including hardened soldiers, mystical Sirens, and daring rogues, showcasing the series' willingness to experiment with its cast. To keep up with this legacy, Borderlands 4 must deliver exceptional Vault Hunters.
The roster of Vault Hunters from previous Borderlands games continues to expand, with each installment introducing at least four new names. Despite the treacherous world they inhabit, these individuals are well-equipped to face any challenge that crosses their path. In addition to their proficiency with various firearms, each Vault Hunter possesses unique abilities that grant them an instant advantage in combat, allowing them to inflict devastating damage upon their foes. Furthermore, their distinct personalities add an extra layer of depth, ensuring that players can easily find a character that resonates with them. For many players, Gaige has emerged as the preferred choice due to her engaging personality and play style.
Gaige of Borderlands 2 is Still Top Among the Series' Vault Hunters
Gaige, the DLC Mechromancer from Borderlands 2, stands out as one of the top Vault Hunters. Unlike her counterparts, she lacks military training or special abilities. Instead, she is a high school student constantly on the move, accompanied by her homemade robot, Deathtrap. Utilizing her extensive knowledge of robotics, Gaige has transformed Deathtrap into an immensely formidable combat machine that grows stronger as she progresses. Despite having such a powerful ally, Gaige's success in the treacherous world of Pandora is even more remarkable considering her lack of training and her youthful age.
What truly distinguishes Gaige from other elite Vault Hunters in Borderlands is her unique approach to gameplay. As previously mentioned, Deathtrap plays a crucial role in her arsenal, acting as a summonable companion who engages enemies on her behalf. However, Gaige possesses a distinctive specialization beyond just relying on a potent sidekick. She possesses the exclusive Anarchy mechanic, which enhances her power but diminishes her accuracy each time she eliminates an enemy or depletes a weapon's magazine. By maximizing Anarchy stacks, Gaige sacrifices accuracy but becomes a fearsomely deadly force when she successfully lands a hit.
Gaige's inclusion in Borderlands is a testament to her exceptional qualities, setting her apart from the game's other eccentric characters. Her personality encompasses both punkish and dorky traits, perfectly matching her rebellious nature and genius technological skills. Additionally, Gaige's witty remarks and quips add an extra layer of charm to her character. However, what truly sets her apart is the unique feature of unlocking new voice clips as her Anarchy stacks increase. With each rise in Anarchy, Gaige becomes more confident, delivering cocky quotes and breaking the fourth wall. This aspect of her character makes playing Gaige with an Anarchy build not only incredibly powerful but also highly entertaining.
Although Gaige was initially introduced as a DLC character in Borderlands 2, none of the subsequent Vault Hunters in the series have managed to surpass her quality. As Borderlands 4 prepares to introduce its new lineup of Vault Hunters, they must strive to exceed the standards set by their predecessors. These new Vault Hunters must possess both formidable and distinct abilities, accompanied by captivating personalities, in order to leave a lasting impact in the wild world of the Borderlands franchise. Gaige's exceptional portrayal in Borderlands 2 serves as a testament to the high bar that has been set for future characters in the series.
Borderlands 2 is available now for Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.