One recurring archetype in theBorderlandsgames should be up for a significant change of pace onceBorderlands 4comes out. TheBorderlandsgames have a habit of upping the ante and being as over-the-top as possible, which is reflected in its gameplay. Naturally, the character classes available to the player should follow suit. At the same time, there is one that may need to be addressed ahead ofBorderlands 4, lest it end up underperforming compared to the others. At the very least, there is one area that cannot be overlooked when it comes to its design.
There are typically fourVault Hunters in everyBorderlandsgamewith the exception ofBorderlands 2andThe Pre-Sequel, which each had 6 due to DLC. The Vault Hunters are individual characters who all belong to a specific class, which determines their unique ability and the perks they can receive upon leveling up. While each game has had new Vault Hunter classes making an appearance, there is one that has appeared in every main numbered title: the Siren. At this point, it would be a surprise if the Siren of them missed out onBorderlands 4, but another character class also has a near-perfect attendance rate.
Borderlands 4 Can’t Give its Soldier an Underwhelming Action Skill Again
Early in the series, the main issue with theSoldier class inBorderlandswas its unique ability. Roland and Axton, the Soldier and Commando of the first two games, essentially had the same ability in the form of a gun turret. This trend would be broken withBorderlands 3’s Gunner, Moze, the latest Soldier character. Moze has the Iron Bear, a powerful mech suit that can fight on its own or be directly piloted by Moze. In practice, it’s closer to Gaige’s Deathtrap fromBorderlands 2than the turrets used by the Soldiers. The Iron Bear was definitely a big step up as a skill.
The Soldier’s Gun Turret Ability Was One of Borderlands' Most Underwhelming
Axton and Roland’s Action Skills held them back compared toBorderlands' other Vault Hunters. While their turrets aren’t exact clones, they are still extremely similar. Their similar classes and Action Skills robbed Roland and Axton of their uniqueness compared to the rest of the cast. In addition, most Action Skills inBorderlandsare cool and flashy, so a pair of gun turrets can feel rather unimpressive, even when upgraded. Soldiers and Soldier-type classes are capable of much more than reusing the same basic ability type. InBorderlands 4, a Soldier character would need something new and innovative to keep up with the pack.
Borderlands 4’s Soldier Will Need Something Distinctive and Exciting
There is a plethora of potential powers forBorderlands 4’s Soldier to possess. For anupgrade inBorderlands 4, they could perhaps have the ability to call in an airstrike or hidden artillery. Another option would be for them to have a signature weapon that they can only use for short bursts at a time, similar to Krieg’s Buzz Axe Rampage or Salvador’s Gunzerking. An ability that’s both useful and distinctive is one of the biggest things thatBorderlands 4’s Soldier or its equivalent needs. After Moze’s Iron Bear raised the bar, there’s no going back to something like the old gun turrets.
Their matching classes and Action Skills robbed Roland and Axton of their uniqueness compared to the rest of the cast.
Borderlands 4will probably have a Soldier or something similar, so they will need a worthy Action Skill as well.Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunterswill have a lot to live up to, particularly any recurring archetypes. While the SIrens have had different powers every game, the first two Soldiers effectively recycled the same ability. Whatever Vault Hunter fills that archetype this time needs to take more from Moze than Roland or Axton in that regard. An excellent Action Skill can ensure thatBorderlands 4’s Soldier-like Vaunt Hunter becomes a solid pick.
WHERE TO PLAY
Borderlands 4 brings intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons to an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant.Crash into Kairos as one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory. Wield powerful Action Skills, customize your build with deep skill trees, and dominate enemies with dynamic movement abilities.Break free from the oppressive Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. Now a world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across the planet.Ignite a resistance and blast your way through mechanical monstrosities, bloodthirsty bandits, and vicious beasts. Amass an arsenal of death-dealing firepower to wreak havoc as you tear your way across Kairos.Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.
