Borderlands 4may feature brand-new playable Vault Hunters as every entry has before it, but one of them is already looking familiar. After arecent leakthrough a fan-made skill tree planner, players were treated to a sneak peek at Rafa, the exo-soldier Vault Hunter with a set of auto-firing turrets on his back. While it’s likely the final details won’t be revealed untilBorderlands 4’s launch, Rafa’s three skill trees show clear signs of drawing inspiration from some of the series' most iconic Vault Hunters.
Each of Rafa’s skill trees inBorderlands 4appears to draw from a different archetype that once belonged to three classic Vault Hunters in previous entries. Specifically, Roland, Zer0, and Zane all seem to be represented in Rafa’s three playstyles, making him stand out as a sort of hybrid ofBorderlands' past, in addition to being a new Vault Hunter. Whether this is fan service or Gearbox simply attempting to move forward with what has worked before while simultaneously leaving room for other characters to chart new territory is a bit beside the point, as players are given access to one of the most flexible Vault Hunters the series has ever featured regardless.
Rafa’s Skill Trees in Borderlands 4 Echo Three Past Vault Hunters
Each of Rafa’s Skill Trees Conjures Roland, Zer0, and Zane
It’s hard not to compare Rafa’s leaked skill trees toRoland, Zer0, and Zane, given how strikingly similar they are by comparison. Firstly, Rafa’s Peacebreaker Cannons echo Roland’s Scorpio Turret from the originalBorderlands, which saw his turret automatically firing at enemies in the same way that the Peacebreaker Cannons do.
Then there’s Rafa’s Arc Knives actionskill inBorderlands 4, which equips the Vault Hunter with blades instead of guns, thereby making his once-ranged playstyle melee, much like Zer0 fromBorderlands 2. Finally, Rafa’s APOPHIS LANCE equips a cannon to his arm, and it functions similarly to Zane’s signature MNTIS cannon fromBorderlands 3.
One Vault Hunter, Three Distinct Combat Styles
Even if Rafa’s skill trees are just paying homage to three ofBorderlands' most recognizable Vault Hunters, what ultimately sets him apart is just how versatile this makes him in combat. Roland’s Scorpio Turret made him the go-to choice for teamplay inBorderlandsco-op, and it’s likely Rafa will get the same recognition. On top of that, it should increase Rafa’s survivability by allowing players to target bosses and other powerful enemies while potentially being swarmed by rank-and-file foes.
It’s hard not to compare Rafa’s leaked skill trees to Roland, Zer0, and Zane, given how strikingly similar they are by comparison.
Borderlands 2’s Zer0might have been known for his precision as a sniper and assassin, but his agility was a critical part of his combat identity. In the same way, while Rafa can be a bit of a powerhouse with his other action skills, Arc Knives makes him a quick and deadly force that might be hard to catch. Zane’s MNTIS cannon inBorderlands 3functioned as a blend of the two playstyles by allowing him to remain agile while also delivering explosive damage, and given the similarities, it’s likely Rafa’s APOPHIS LANCE will offer the same advantages.
Rafa might be a new face inBorderlands, but he has clearly been built with the series' past in mind. Whether it’s Roland’s battlefield control, Zer0’s agility, or Zane’s utility, each of Rafa’s skill trees seems to borrow from what worked before while wrapping it all up in a single package. That kind of design could make him a reliable choice for players who want variety without having to switchcharacters inBorderlands 4.
