Classes

This page is part of IGN's Borderlands Wiki Guide and details the Borderlands 1 characters Classes that are available within the game.

Soldier

Roland is the most well-rounded character in the game, and for those that choose to play alone, he's the easiest to grasp. His primary perk is the Scorpio Turret, which can serve a few different purposes. When fighting less intelligent enemies like Skags and Spiderants, it's a perfect diversionary weapon that will allow you to strafe around and reach your foes' weak spots. It also provides cover when crouching, and can deal some offensive damage, especially when powered up with the right skills and artifacts. It's range is only 180 degrees, however, so more intelligent enemies may just get behind it.

Roland's skills afford him some major perks for Combat Rifles and Shotguns, so he's going to be the best character for those that prefer to fight at mid-range. He's a tough fighter, and his perks offer some serious offensive and defensive boosts that make him a mean fighter. Those that prefer to play solo will likely gravitate to this class.

The Soldier can also be effective in a team situation. He has abilities like Cauterize open to him that make him and effective medic, and other bonuses to the Scorpio turret that will help your allies regenerate ammo and health. The Soldier is an excellent team player with the proper specs, although these might be different than the best solo specs.

Hunter

Mordecai, like Roland, is a strong character for those that like to go at it alone. He differs greatly from Roland in technique, however. Mordecai's skills favor Revolvers and Sniper Rifles, which lean toward precision and skill, with high damage and low fire rates. Experienced players confident in their ability with a controller will do well with him.

His special ability is the Bloodwing, which can swoop down and target an enemy. It's application is less versatile than the Scorpio, but it can still prove quite useful. Mordecai doesn't seem as immediately useful in team play since he lacks a lot of meaningful support skills, but he does have abilities that sweeten drops and XP that will surely be appreciated by teammates. The strong abilities at long range can also prove invaluable to a well-organized team.

Siren

Lilith is a classic hit-and-run character. This can prove to be a very useful tactic in a game with a system of regenerating shields. Lilith's main distinguishing ability is the Phasewalk, which allows her to turn invisible for a few seconds and escape an attack. Once you earn shields that recover quickly, this can prove absolutely devastating, and it can also be complimented by various perks that afford additional offensive and defensive abilities.

Lilith is also unique for the way she favors elemental attacks, which can prove very useful to the skilled player. Elemental abilities can frequently turn a mediocre attack into something truly damaging, and Lilith has a wide range of abilities to do just that.

Lilith isn't a great team player in general, but she's a versatile fighter, and that alone may earn her a welcome place in a squad. The Phasewalk ability is key to playing effectively, regardless of if you're playing solo or co-op, and your spec is perhaps more important here than in any other class.

Berserker

Brick can be very effective, but he's biased toward co-op players, and the least versatile of any class. His unique skill is the ability to attack enemies at close range in Berserk mode. This will surely bring back fuzzy memories of Doom for old-schoolers, and it's a very powerful ability, but it's also strictly offensive, and Brick can be left with very little to defend himself at times. His abilities enhance his kamikaze nature, but do little to help increase his ability with a gun.

In a co-op situation, Brick can often play the hero. His ability to rush in and save an ally whose going down is invaluable in a party. Brick is also excellent with Rocket Launchers and grenades, and can be a serious heavy hitter. With the Wide Load, Liquidate, and Rocket Launcher skills, he's well equipped to be any party's demoman.