Summary
Since the launch of the firstBorderlandsgame in 2009, the series has largely stuck with its core Vault Hunter archetypes, but each installment has refined and occasionally expanded upon them. The introduction of theSoldier, Siren, Hunter, and Berserker Vault Huntersin the first game effectively set a precedent for the games that would follow, with each installment after that evolving each archetype’s mechanics to make them feel fresh. Now,Borderlands 4may find itself at a fork in the road with its Vault Hunter archetypes, as the series is arguably due for something drastic in that area.
Borderlands 4could do one of two things to really spice up its Vault Hunter archetype selection and essentially start a whole new era for theBorderlandsseries. Either it could introduce entirely new Vault Hunter archetypes, or it could rework the Vault Hunter archetype system to reduce its rigidity and make it more flexible, as more recent RPGs have been doing lately. This would ensureBorderlands 4doesn’t just feel like anotherBorderlandsgame, which is especially necessary now that the series is 15 years old.
Borderlands 4 Needs to Surprise With Its Vault Hunter Archetypes
Borderlands 4 Could Introduce Brand-New Vault Hunter Archetypes
The simplest wayBorderlands 4could make its Vault Hunter archetypes feel fresh is by introducing brand-new classes the series has never seen before. This would requireBorderlands 4to go beyond itscore Vault Hunter archetypes, but it wouldn’t be impossible. Some examples might include the following:
Borderlands 4 Could Rework the Vault Hunter Archetype System It Currently Has
A concept that has become more popular in the RPG genre, especially within the last few years, is the idea of having classes that transcend traditional archetypes by allowing players more control over their character builds. The RPG genre has largely featured acore set of class archetypessince its origins, but more recent games have been going “out of bounds,” so to speak, by giving players near limitless access to the skills and characteristics of multiple classes for increased customization and tailoring to specific playstyles.
IfBorderlands 4were to follow that route as well, it could be the shot in the arm the series needs to continue growing.
Dragon’s Dogma 2,Destiny 2, andDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion are great examples of this concept in action, asthe Warfarer vocation, Prismatic subclass, and Spiritborn class, respectively, all specialize in diversity and build customization to allow players more freedom over their gameplay. In the same way,Borderlands 4could rework its Vault Hunter archetype system to provide more flexibility. For example, a multi-class system similar toDragon’s Dogma 2’s, where players select a base archetype and then unlock a secondary class at higher levels to combine their abilities, would be a strong step toward class hybridization and versatility inBorderlands 4.
Whether it introduces brand-new Vault Hunter archetypes that observe principles none of the series' classes have before or it reworks the franchise’s Vault Hunter system to allow more versatility,Borderlands 4needs to go the extra mile with its playable classes. For a 15-year-old series, plus however much time there is between now andBorderlands 4’s release,Borderlandsis in need of a makeover in this area, as a new story might not be enough to make a lasting impression.
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.
