Over the past week, the folks over at Gearbox have been slowly drip feeding us information about the new Vault Hunters that we’re going to be getting our hands on in Borderlands 3. They started off with Zane the Operative, and since then, we’ve gotten our first look at the rest of the cast, too.
Moze the Gunner
Moze the Gunner always has backup in Borderlands 3 thanks to Iron Bear, her 15-ton bipedal mech that packs some heavy-duty firepower. This former Vladof soldier turned Vault Hunter offers a unique take on character builds: the multiple Action Skills that are part of Moze’s Shield of Retribution, Demolition Woman, and Bottomless Mags skill trees are actually weapons mounted onto each of Iron Bear’s arms, so you can mix and match Iron Bear’s loadout across multiple skill trees or even equip two of the same weapon if you’re all about symmetry. Here’s a breakdown of what Moze and Iron Bear are capable of when these inseparable BFFs spend their precious skill points. – Moze’s character page
Amara the Siren
Amara the Siren is a well-renowned hero to the people, but Borderlands 3 is her chance to shine as a badass Vault Hunter. Using her supernatural Siren abilities, Amara pulverizes her enemies with astral projections, pounding them into a bloody pulp with fists formed from pure energy. We’re taking a top-level look at Amara’s three distinct skill trees—Fist of the Elements, Mystical Assault, and Brawl—to help you decide which build best suits your preferred playstyle. But no matter which way you go, Amara will absolutely bring the beatdowns. – Amara’s Character Page
Fl4k the Beastmaster
FL4K the Beastmaster is on a never-ending hunt in Borderlands 3, accompanied by loyal beasts who are eager to please them. This robotic leader of the pack has access to both an Action Skill and an autonomous Pet that fights by their side and obeys commands to pounce on specific targets. Here’s a look at FL4K’s Hunter, Master, and Stalker skill trees, which give them and their Pet the killer instincts they need to overcome whatever the galaxy throws at them. – Fl4k’s character page
Become a badass
That’s one hell of a line-up and I know I’m already having trouble picking. But among the characters there’s a lot of interesting bits and pieces to take note of, particularly the introduction of a new siren (keeping in mind a limited number can exist in the Borderlands universe at the same time). The other really interesting thing to note is Fl4k, our new pet loving friend, is non-binary, using they/them pronouns in their bio and proudly sporting a non-binary flag pin in their design (complete with a cute binary pun).
It’s clear the folks at Gearbox want to champion diversity in their lineup, and, perhaps just as importantly, want to champion badassery because this is not a lineup I’d want to meet in a dark alley. It is, however, a lineup I want to be best friends with. Amara, for example, is quite welcome to come and pummel me into the ground at any point in time she wishes. My DM’s are open.
As if that wasn’t enough, for those of you who like to really plan ahead on a Borderlands playthrough, or perhaps just want to see what’s on offer, the website now has interactive skill trees so you can get an idea of what kind of amazing powers the cast has to offer.
Borderlands 3 releases for PC, Xbox One and PS4 on September 13th.
