Introducing the Lunar Frontier
The Borderlands universe is known for its chaotic gameplay, vibrant art style, and, most importantly, its memorable characters. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel takes players to the unforgiving vacuum of Elpis, Pandora’s moon, and while the game is not without its flaws, it delivers the signature Borderlands experience of gunplay, looting, and an engaging narrative, all bolstered by the unique personalities that populate its world. This article delves into the diverse cast of characters that make *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* such a standout entry in the franchise, providing insights into the playable Vault Hunters and the key NPCs that drive the story.
The Playable Vault Hunters: Weapons of Mass Destruction
The heart of any Borderlands game lies in its playable characters. Each Vault Hunter brings a distinct set of skills, abilities, and personality to the battlefield. In *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*, players get to choose from a roster of four (plus one DLC character) unique individuals, each offering a different approach to combat. Mastering the nuances of these characters is key to success in the harsh environment of Elpis.
Athena the Gladiator: A Shield Against the Storm
Athena, the Gladiator, provides a unique defensive playstyle. She is a warrior from the very beginning, embodying strength and a sense of justice. Her backstory reveals her as a mercenary working for the Dahl corporation, later becoming a reluctant protector of the people of Elpis. She is the only one of the main Vault Hunters that is not a mercenary at first.
Athena’s skill trees are built around supporting her teammates and controlling the flow of battle. Her skill trees give players multiple choices:
- Xiphos (Melee Focus): This tree is all about getting up close and personal. Skills in this tree enhance her melee damage, letting her slice through enemies with ease.
- Celerity (Movement Focus): Focused on speed and agility, Celerity lets Athena move quickly across the battlefield, repositioning, and escaping danger.
- Phalanx (Defensive Focus): This is the cornerstone of her defensive capabilities. Skills in the Phalanx tree make Athena incredibly tanky, letting her absorb a significant amount of damage.
Playing Athena typically involves a mix of offensive and defensive tactics. She is great for players who like to be in the thick of things and protect their teammates while dealing damage. A common and successful build for Athena uses the “Aspis” skill, allowing her to absorb incoming fire and then throw it back at enemies.
Wilhelm the Enforcer: A Machine of Carnage
Wilhelm, the Enforcer, represents the future of Hyperion’s technological superiority. His story introduces him as a heavily augmented mercenary, destined to become the hulking Guardian, a boss players encounter later in the Borderlands saga. His transition throughout the Pre-Sequel shows the gradual integration of robotic augmentations, foreshadowing his ultimate transformation.
Wilhelm’s skill trees provide a versatile selection of skills:
- Cyber Commando (Summoned Mechs Focus): This is a powerful tree that will help you to summon powerful mech allies to help you in battle.
- Divergence (Damage Focus): Skills within this tree focus on pure gun damage, making Wilhelm a devastating force.
- Terminus (Survival Focus): This tree will give him the necessary defense to survive the worst of the game.
Wilhelm is often played as a tank and damage dealer, making him a very versatile character. He is a fantastic choice for players who love a tactical approach, utilizing his mechs to distract enemies while dealing massive damage.
Nisha the Gunslinger: A Blast from the Past
Nisha is known for her deadly aim and affinity for guns, a character whose story is linked to that of Handsome Jack, her future lover. Nisha is the most skilled gunslinger of the game, and she’ll bring a unique and brutal style to the game. Her love for Jack will evolve as the story progresses, foreshadowing the events of Borderlands 2.
Her skill trees have several options:
- Law and Order (Gun Damage Focus): This tree focuses on making Nisha a master marksman, enhancing gun damage and critical hit capabilities.
- Cavalcade (Attack Speed Focus): This tree focuses on speed, allowing her to attack faster than her enemies.
- Showdown (Auto Aiming Focus): This is Nisha’s signature skill. “Showdown” allows her to lock onto and automatically aim at enemies, providing an unparalleled advantage in combat.
Nisha is perfect for players who love aggressive, fast-paced combat. With her skills, she can eliminate enemies quickly and accurately.
Claptrap the Fragtrap: The Chaotic Comedian
Claptrap’s inclusion in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* is a reminder of the series’ unique, chaotic humor. The robot known for his dance moves and one-liners, makes a welcome return in a more active role. He is a fan favorite and a staple of the series.
Claptrap’s skill trees are the most unpredictable in the game:
- Fragmented (General Focus): This tree offers a mix of abilities that focus on multiple aspects of gameplay.
- Boomtrap (Explosives Focus): The “Boomtrap” skill tree focuses on explosive damage, turning Claptrap into a walking bomb.
- I Love You (Support Focus): Focusing on team play, I Love You offers skills that can heal, buff allies, or debuff enemies.
Claptrap is a unique character that offers a fun and hilarious experience, making him the perfect character for those who want to laugh. His abilities can range from incredibly useful to downright bizarre, making him a wildcard in any fight.
Aurelia the Baroness: Ice Queen of Pandora
Aurelia Hammerlock, the sister of Sir Hammerlock, is a downloadable character who was added after the game’s release. She has a sophisticated personality, reflecting her upbringing in high society. She is a character that makes a welcome addition to the game.
Her skill trees are all about manipulating the battlefield:
- Cold Money (Cryo Damage Focus): This tree will help you dish out cryo damage.
- Huntress (Team Support Focus): Focusing on supporting teammates with abilities that will buff allies.
- Contractual Obligations (Critical Damage Focus): This will give Aurelia critical damage capabilities.
Aurelia is a great character for those who enjoy playing a support role, or dealing cryo damage.
Notable Non-Playable Characters (NPCs): The Architects of Chaos
The world of *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* is populated by a cast of compelling NPCs. These characters are integral to the game’s narrative, providing context, quests, and moments of levity.
Handsome Jack: The Man Who Would Be God
Handsome Jack is the most important character in the game, and he plays a more hands-on role in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*. The game chronicles his evolution from an ambitious Hyperion employee to the ruthless dictator seen in Borderlands 2. Players witness his transformation, shaped by betrayal, loss, and a thirst for power. Jack’s interactions with the Vault Hunters, both friendly and manipulative, add a layer of depth to his character. His goal to control the Eridium and open the vault of the Warrior is the main story of the game.
Sir Hammerlock: The Distinguished Hunter
Sir Hammerlock, the eccentric gentleman and avid hunter, also features prominently in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*. While not a major player in the main story, his presence adds a touch of familiarity and humor to the game. Hammerlock offers side quests and provides the player with a unique perspective on the events unfolding.
Roland: A Familiar Face
Roland, one of the playable Vault Hunters from the first Borderlands, has a significant role in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*, serving as a mentor and guide to Jack, and by extension, the player. Roland is a loyal soldier, and this is highlighted in his relationship with the other characters.
Angel: The Siren of Secrets
Angel, the mysterious Siren, plays a pivotal role in the overall Borderlands lore. Angel provides support and guidance to Jack, although her motivations are often shrouded in secrecy. Her appearances in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* offer glimpses into her powers and her connection to the Eridium.
Other Key NPCs
Other characters contribute to the game’s world. The Lost Legion soldiers add a sense of wartime drama and provide the player with new missions. These additional characters further immerse the player in the game’s world.
Character Relationships and Interactions: Bonds of Blood and Betrayal
The relationships between the characters in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* are complex, filled with alliances, rivalries, and shifting loyalties. The relationship between the Vault Hunters is one of the most interesting aspects of the game. Players get a first-hand look at the evolution of the players’ bond with Handsome Jack as he grows in power. The camaraderie between the Vault Hunters, the manipulations of Jack, and the presence of other characters create a rich tapestry of interactions.
Character Development and Impact on the Story: Shaping the Destiny of Pandora
The actions of the characters in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* have significant implications for the Borderlands universe. From Jack’s transformation to the Vault Hunters’ individual stories, each character contributes to the larger narrative. The character arcs not only drive the plot but also enhance the player’s emotional investment in the game, establishing a clear link between the *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* story and the larger saga of Pandora.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Characters
*Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* is more than just a looter-shooter; it’s a character-driven experience. Each Vault Hunter brings a unique perspective on combat, the NPCs that fill out the world have their own distinct personalities, and the game provides a deeper exploration of the personalities of the characters. This creates a world that keeps the player coming back for more. If you haven’t experienced *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*, it’s a journey worth taking. The game’s unique blend of gameplay, storytelling, and memorable characters will make it a favorite for any fan of the series. The characters are all a key component of the game’s success.
