The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Borderlands 4 has four original playable Vault Hunters: Vex, Rafa, Amon, and Harlowe. Paid Story Packs add C4SH and, as of the announced schedule, Loveless. Each Hunter has a distinct combat identity, so the right pick depends on whether you prefer summons and supernatural abilities, an exosuit, a durable frontline role, or crowd control and elemental area attacks.
Who are the playable characters in Borderlands 4?
The original roster is Vex the Siren, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Amon the Forgeknight, and Harlowe the Gravitar. Gearbox says each has three signature Action Skills, while skill trees and passives allow further build variation. 2K’s Borderlands 4 overview introduces the four Hunters and their combat identities.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510vIObt2KL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game] | $34.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
PRAGMATA - PlayStation 5 | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Thaumaturge PS5 | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Borderlands 4 - PlayStation 5 | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
They are joined by post-launch characters sold through Story Packs: C4SH in Story Pack 1 and Loveless in Story Pack 2. These DLC Hunters are not part of the original four.
Which Vault Hunter should you choose?
Use the official descriptions as playstyle guidance, not as a performance ranking. They describe intended abilities and roles; they do not establish which Hunter is strongest or best for a particular activity.
#1 Best Overall
| Hunter | Advertised combat identity | May suit players who want… | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harlowe, the Gravitar | Crowd control, Cryo and Radiation area attacks, and stronger shielding for herself and co-op allies. | To control groups, deal elemental area damage, or provide defensive support. | Original roster; included with the base game. |
| Amon, the Forgeknight | A resilient frontliner who can absorb and deal damage. His Action Skills have primary and secondary functions. | A durable, hands-on frontline style and more involved ability management. | Original roster; included with the base game. |
| Rafa, the Exo-Soldier | A former Tediore trooper in an experimental exosuit that can digistruct an arsenal of weapons. | A soldier archetype built around an exosuited combat veteran. | Original roster; included with the base game. |
| Vex, the Siren | Channels Phase energy to empower herself or conjure shades. Her Trait attunes her Action Skills to the element of her equipped weapon. | Supernatural abilities, summoned allies, and matching weapon elements to the situation. | Original roster; included with the base game. |
| C4SH, the Rogue | A former casino dealer bot whose Action Skills are described as chance-based and risk-reward oriented. | An unpredictable, luck-themed character. | Paid Story Pack 1; requires the base game. |
| Loveless, the Hacker | An ex-Anshin hacker and assassin with advanced cybernetics and a digital virus companion that can take physical form. | Cybernetics and a summoned digital companion. | Announced for paid Story Pack 2; requires the base game. The cited announcement gives a launch date but does not by itself confirm post-launch availability. |
The descriptions of Harlowe, Amon, Rafa, and Vex come from PlayStation’s Vault Hunter introduction and 2K’s game overview. The DLC character details and access routes are in the relevant Story Pack 1 announcement and Story Pack 2 announcement.
What is the difference between Vex, Rafa, Amon, and Harlowe?
Vex: Phase energy and shades
Vex is the Siren choice for players drawn to supernatural abilities and conjured allies. Her Action Skills’ elemental attunement is tied to the element of her equipped weapon, making weapon choice part of the advertised ability interaction.
Rank #2
- Out-of-This-World Adventure – Stranded on a lunar space station, Hugh encounters Diana, a mysterious android resembling a young girl. While searching for a way back to Earth, they fight to survive against Bots directed to “neutralize” intruders.
- Hack & Shoot – Use each character’s distinct abilities to take down enemies. In combat, Diana can hack foes to expose weaknesses so Hugh can blast them with weapons. This unique fusion of gameplay offers an action-packed experience like no other.
- Space Exploration – Teamwork also extends to traversing the station. Utilize the thrusters in Hugh’s futuristic suit to dash and hover around while Diana hacks security systems to solve puzzles. Only together can they overcome all obstacles.
- Collect and Customize – Gather materials while exploring the station to unlock upgrades, build out a diverse arsenal of weapons, obtain new outfits, and more. Once you’re ready, use the new gear in battle and take on even greater challenges!
Rafa: an exosuited soldier
Rafa represents the soldier archetype, with an experimental exosuit and digistructed weapons. The official description establishes that identity, but does not support a claim that he is the easiest or most effective Hunter.
Amon: a durable, involved frontline fighter
Amon is explicitly presented as a resilient frontliner who can both absorb and deal damage. His Action Skills each have primary and secondary functions, a design PlayStation describes as mechanically complex.
Rank #3
- Shape your story – as a full-fledged RPG, it allows you to alternate your choices and make you deal with the aftermath
- Develop your character – creating your own version of the Thaumaturge will allow you to approach situations in different ways
- Experience unique turn-based combat and defeat your foes using human attacks and skills as well as psychic strikes delivered by Salutors
- Influence and manipulate the temperaments of other characters to bend their will to your liking
- Tame the power of Salutors – use the unique set of their skills to gain an advantage while exploring the world
Harlowe: crowd control, elemental attacks, and shielding
Harlowe’s advertised toolkit combines crowd control with Cryo and Radiation area damage, plus shielding for herself and co-op allies. That makes her the clearest official fit for players who want control and defensive support alongside damage.
Is C4SH playable in Borderlands 4?
Yes. C4SH is the first post-launch Vault Hunter and is included with the paid Story Pack 1, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. 2K announced the pack for March 26, 2026, and says it is available separately or through the Vault Hunter Pack; the base game is required. Check your platform’s storefront for current availability and packaging. See 2K’s Story Pack 1 details.
Rank #4
- BE A BADASS: Become an unstoppable force of battle, blasting through enemies with an all-new arsenal of outrageous weaponry. Move across the Borderlands like never before—double jumping, gliding, dodging, grappling, and more—dealing death from every direction. Explode each encounter with devastating Action Skills that unleash your Vault Hunter's unique abilities. Craft your perfect build with branching skill trees and a deep, rewarding loot chase full of wild weapons and powerful gear.
- FIGHT SOLO OR CO-OP: Wreaking havoc across Kairos is awesome alone and even better with friends in 2-player splitscreen or up to 4-player online co-op.* Borderlands 4 is designed for co-op from the ground up; whether you're hunting for loot, tackling missions, or wandering freely, level scaling and individual difficulty keeps the party together and having fun.
- LESS BORDERS, MORE LANDS: Freely explore a vast and dangerous world rife with warring factions. Hop on your hover bike and ride through lush fields, towering peaks, and deadly deserts full of fearsome enemies, dynamic events, and engaging quests with unforgettable characters. Unite the people of Kairos and ignite a revolution, tackling this adventure however you see fit in a seamless Borderlands experience.
When were Borderlands 4 and its character additions released?
2K announced Borderlands 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store on September 12, 2025; the Nintendo Switch 2 edition launched October 3, 2025. The date qualifications and platform details are listed on 2K’s Borderlands 4 page.
Story Pack 1 introduced C4SH with an announced March 26, 2026 launch date. Story Pack 2, FL4K and the Last Resort, was announced to add Loveless on September 10, 2026. Because that date comes from a pre-release announcement, it should be read as the announced date, not independent confirmation of current availability. The pack is described as included with the paid Vault Hunter Pack or sold separately, and requires the base game. Check the relevant platform storefront for current listings: 2K’s Story Pack 2 announcement.
Best Value
- Marvel’s Wolverine is a new action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games
- Play as Wolverine and Ravage enemies with explosive brutality and unleash razor-sharp adamantium claws to deploy fast, fluid attacks and overcome impossible odds
- An Original, Emotionally Charged Story. Beneath Wolverine’s gruff exterior and violent temperament is a man fighting for a cause greater than himself
- A Global, Adrenaline-Fueled Journey where you slice into enemies across detailed locales such as the frosted Canadian Wilderness, the narrow streets of Tokyo, and the high and low districts of the island nation of Madripoor
Can you tell which Vault Hunter is strongest?
Not from the official descriptions alone. They explain roles and abilities, but do not provide a tested character ranking, win rates, or comparative performance data. Choose based on the playstyle you want, then use skill trees and passives to shape your build.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
