Anticipation is building for Borderlands 4, the upcoming sequel in 2K`s enduring shooter franchise, slated for a September release. Gearbox is now offering in-depth previews of the game`s new lineup of playable characters. This week`s spotlight is on Vex, a new Siren whose formidable powers emerge under rather stressful and inopportune circumstances.
A gameplay overview trailer provided a first look at how Vex will distinguish herself from previous Sirens in the Borderlands series. Sirens are distinct and potent individuals in the game`s lore, possessing psychic abilities and marked by signature glowing tattoos. Vex fits this description, but her specific manifestation of power allows her to summon and command a group of minions.
Vex sets herself apart from other playable Sirens through her strong focus on summoned allies, essentially creating a necromancer or pet-based class. One of her entire skill trees is dedicated to a large alien cat companion named Trouble. Vex can summon Trouble and even teleport it across the battlefield. Numerous skills and modifiers within this tree are designed to enhance Trouble`s combat effectiveness, enabling it to absorb more damage, draw enemy aggression, or even perform an explosive attack.
Beyond her minion abilities, Vex also possesses a range of other Siren powers. One particular sequence allows her to unleash a wave of phase energy, temporarily manifest wings, conjure a small energy orb or defensive turret, and fire a projectile from her free hand, all in rapid succession. Her third and final Siren action skill gives her the option to summon spectral copies of herself to provide long-range fire support or project a psychic reaper that attacks enemies up close.
For players eager to theorycraft, Vex`s complete skill trees are already available for examination, allowing a detailed look at her potential builds ahead of the game`s launch.
A gameplay overview trailer showcasing Vex`s abilities has been released by Gearbox.
In addition, Gearbox released an animated short film titled “Purple Friday,” which delves into Vex`s backstory. In classic Borderlands style, the short, which runs for just over three minutes, is graphic and packed with comedic moments. It depicts Vex working in a retail environment, similar to a large department store within the game`s universe, when her Siren powers suddenly activate. The narrative includes a budding romance, a confrontation with a hostile customer, and appears to even include a subtle joke referencing Borderlands 3 amidst the chaotic events.
The animated short “Purple Friday” offers insight into Vex`s origins.
The short provides an enjoyable glimpse into the world and tone of Borderlands 4, and more character reveals are anticipated soon. Gearbox plans to release similar introductory videos for the game`s remaining playable Vault Hunters, who make a brief appearance around a campfire with Vex at the end of the animated film.
Borderlands 4 is scheduled to launch on September 12, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A version is also planned for the Nintendo Switch 2 sometime in 2025.