Borderlands 4, the highly anticipated sequel to 2K`s popular shooter series, is set to release this September. Gearbox is now offering detailed looks at the game`s new playable characters. This week, they began by introducing Vex, a new Siren character. She gains access to her powerful abilities during a rather stressful and unfortunate moment.
A gameplay overview reveals how Vex stands out from previous Sirens in the Borderlands universe. Sirens are unique individuals marked by glowing tattoos, possessing powerful psychic abilities. Vex shares these traits but utilizes her new powers to command a squad of minions.
What makes Vex unique among playable Sirens is her strong focus on summoning minions, essentially making her a necromancer or pet-based class. One of her entire skill trees is dedicated to `Trouble,` a large alien cat familiar. Vex can summon Trouble and teleport it across the battlefield. Numerous additional skills and modifiers in this tree enhance Trouble`s effectiveness in combat, enabling it to absorb more damage, provoke enemies, or even self-destruct.
Beyond her minions, Vex has several other Siren abilities. One such ability lets her unleash a phase energy blast, grow intimidating wings, summon a small orb or turret, and fire a projectile from her free hand almost simultaneously. Her third and final Siren action skill allows Vex to either create copies of herself for long-range damage or manifest a psychic reaper that attacks foes at close range.
For those interested, you can already view Vex`s complete skill trees and get a more detailed look at some of her individual skills. This is useful if you want to start planning your character builds ahead of the game`s release.
Gearbox also released an animated short titled `Purple Friday` that provides some insight into Vex`s background. True to the Borderlands style, the short is over three minutes long, extremely violent, and packed with humor. It depicts Vex working a retail job when her Siren powers suddenly manifest. The short includes her developing a crush on a customer, facing threats, and even seemingly mocking Borderlands 3 amidst the chaos and gore.
This short offers an entertaining glimpse into the world of Borderlands 4, and it seems more character reveals are planned. Gearbox intends to release similar videos for the other playable Vault Hunters, who are shown gathered around a campfire with Vex at the end of the `Purple Friday` short.
Borderlands 4 is scheduled for release on September 12 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is planned for later in 2025.