When Borderlands 4 was revealed at the 2024 Game Awards, the reaction to its new Vault Hunters wasn’t exactly rapturous. Many fans felt that the characters lacked the series’ signature flair. Things seemed to have changed with the game near release, however, as a recent poll suggests that Gearbox may have pulled off the impossible, as Borderlands 4 now boasts near-equal fan interest in all four Vault Hunters.
In a striking perception shift from launch, a poll from Borderlands creator Moxsy gathered over 6,000 votes and showed a nearly even distribution of support between the four new Vault Hunters. Vex and Rafa tied at 26% apiece, while Harlowe followed closely at 24%, and Amon trailed by only a single point at 23%. That level of balance is almost unheard of in the series, as one or two Vault Hunters often dominate fan enthusiasm.
How Borderlands 4 Turned Skepticism Into Excitement
At the time of their reveal, some fans weren't excited about Borderlands 4's new Vault Hunters, with an absence of robots, three-fingered oddities, or other visually distinct characters. In a franchise defined by eccentric personalities, this made the lineup feel a bit ordinary for the series. This feeling left many wondering if Borderlands 4 would be able to deliver the larger-than-life characters fans had come to expect.
If the poll is anything to go by, Gearbox has managed to craft a team where every character feels worth playing. That said, it’s likely the transformation in player sentiment primarily comes down to the deep dive trailers that Gearbox has released ahead of launch. Where Borderlands 4's initial reveal might’ve left fans unconvinced, the reaction to the detailed showcases of each Vault Hunter’s skillset has painted a very different picture. Additionally, some slight design tweaks for characters like Amon in the time since the initial reveal have seemingly made a world of difference.
Rafa: Borderlands 4’s Runaway Weapon
While extremely kitted skill-wise, Rafa’s backstory alone sets him apart. He was born in microgravity, meaning his body could never survive outside specialized equipment, forcing him into Tediore’s military service. After going AWOL, he now fights with a Deadframe exo-suit that gives him devastating ranged and melee options.
With APOPHIS Lance cannons, Peacebreaker shoulder guns, and energy Arc-Knives, Rafa’s design is incredibly versatile, making him an appealing choice for players who want a balance between ranged damage and melee damage.
Vex: The Reluctant Siren
As a newly minted Siren, Vex carries both incredible power and the emotional scars that came alongside it. Her especially unique Siren powers make her one of the most intriguing Vault Hunters in the roster. Vex manipulates phase energy not only to empower herself but also to summon minions that fight alongside her. Combining her damage with her allies’—summoned or otherwise—ensures she appeals to both solo players and those who thrive in co-op.
Harlowe: The Scientific Wildcard
Harlowe stands out as a technical genius, a Maliwan combat scientist with a sunny disposition that belies her destructive potential. Armed with gadgets like the CHROMA Accelerator and Flux Generator, Harlowe manipulates Cryo and Radiation to freeze and irradiate foes, suspend targets, and buff allies. The balance of offense and support makes her a tactical titan, and as a Traunt, she seems like no slouch in the personality department, either.
One of the most undervalued characters by the community pre-release, Harlowe has quickly become one of the most promising playable characters in Borderlands 4.
Amon: Borderlands 4's Heavy Metal Vault Hunter
Amon may be the most visually striking of the new Vault Hunters, with a design that immediately channels hardcore, space-viking aesthetics. His kit is also highly versatile, letting him swap between health, damage, and utility depending on the situation. His Forgeskills also give him access to elemental axes, shields, hammers, and whips.
Other than his hulking appearance, Amon’s tragic backstory, paired with the mentor-like demeanor displayed in his Borderlands 4 story short, makes him an emotional anchor of the group. Raised in a cult that worshipped Vault monsters, Amon the ForgeKnight carries the trauma of survival and the wisdom of a “warrior-poet”. Though a cult survivor like Amon might’ve fit better in Borderlands 3, few fans are likely to be upset about seeing him join the roster now.
Why This Matters for Borderlands 4
Considering the versatility of Borderlands 4’s four new Vault Hunters, how Gearbox has managed to balance fan interest across each is a significant achievement. Previous entries often felt like they had outliers, like in Borderlands 2, where Axton didn’t really get the same attention as Sal, Maya, or Zer0. With this new lineup, Borderlands 4 could avoid that imbalance entirely.
If players are genuinely split on which Vault Hunter to choose first, it’s a testament to how far the game has come. Though it seemed like a dubious debut at first, the roster may now be remembered as one of Gearbox’s boldest gambles paying off. As players express their excitement ahead of the game’s release, though, it’s clear Borderlands 4 has undoubtedly proven that first impressions can be misleading.
Borderlands 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- September 12, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
