Curious about the strengths and weaknesses of each Vault Hunter in Borderlands 3? This detailed guide explores the Borderlands 3 pros and cons of each class, helping you choose the right character for your playstyle.
Introduction
Borderlands 3 offers players an exciting world filled with chaos, loot, and relentless enemies. One of the key decisions you’ll make in the game is choosing which Vault Hunter to play. Each character, or class, in Borderlands 3 comes with its own unique set of abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This guide will help you navigate the Borderlands 3 pros and cons of each class, providing insights into which Vault Hunter might best suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer heavy firepower, strategic support, or agile combat, understanding the pros and cons of each class will enhance your gaming experience.
The Vault Hunters of Borderlands 3
Overview of Classes
Borderlands 3 features four unique classes, each represented by a different Vault Hunter:
- Amara the Siren: A melee-focused character with powerful elemental abilities.
- FL4K the Beastmaster: A pet-based class that excels in critical hits and stealth.
- Moze the Gunner: A heavy firepower class with a versatile mech.
- Zane the Operative: A gadget-oriented class with high mobility and crowd control.
Each class brings something different to the table, making your choice critical to how you experience the game.
Amara the Siren: Pros and Cons
Pros of Playing Amara
Amara, the Siren, is a force to be reckoned with, particularly when it comes to melee and elemental damage. She can manipulate elements to deal massive damage to enemies while keeping herself safe.
Powerful Elemental Abilities
One of Amara’s greatest strengths is her mastery over elemental damage. Her skill trees allow her to imbue her attacks with different elements like fire, shock, or corrosive, which can be devastating against certain enemy types.
Excellent Crowd Control
Amara excels at crowd control, thanks to her abilities like Phasegrasp, which can lock down enemies, making them easy targets. This is especially useful when dealing with large groups of enemies.
Cons of Playing Amara
While Amara has a lot of strengths, she also has some weaknesses that players need to be aware of.
Close-Range Dependency
Amara’s build often relies on close-range combat, which can be risky against certain enemies or in higher difficulty settings. Players need to be cautious and strategic in how they approach enemies.
Limited Long-Range Options
Compared to other classes, Amara has fewer options for long-range combat, which can make certain encounters more challenging. Players who prefer sniping or keeping their distance might find her less effective.
FL4K the Beastmaster: Pros and Cons
Pros of Playing FL4K
FL4K is a unique class in Borderlands 3, offering a playstyle centered around pets and stealth. This makes FL4K incredibly versatile, able to handle a variety of combat situations.
Pet Companions
FL4K’s biggest draw is their ability to summon pet companions, each with its own unique abilities. These pets can tank damage, distract enemies, and even revive FL4K, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay.
High Critical Hit Damage
FL4K excels at critical hits, especially when using the Hunter skill tree. This allows them to deal massive damage to bosses and high-health enemies, making them a strong choice for players who enjoy focusing on damage output.
Cons of Playing FL4K
While FL4K is a powerful class, they do come with some disadvantages that may not suit every player.
Reliance on Pets
FL4K’s effectiveness can heavily depend on their pets. If the pet goes down, FL4K can become more vulnerable, particularly in intense battles. Managing pet health and positioning becomes crucial.
Less Effective in Close Combat
FL4K is generally more effective at mid to long-range combat. Players who prefer close-range combat might find FL4K less suitable, as they lack the survivability and melee prowess of other classes like Amara.
Moze the Gunner: Pros and Cons
Pros of Playing Moze
Moze is the quintessential heavy weapons expert in Borderlands 3. With her powerful mech, Iron Bear, she can dish out serious damage and withstand a lot of punishment.
Iron Bear Mech
Moze’s signature ability is her Iron Bear mech, which provides massive firepower and additional protection. Players can customize the mech with different weapons, making it adaptable to various combat situations.
Ammo Efficiency
Moze’s Bottomless Mags skill tree allows her to fire continuously without worrying much about ammo consumption. This is perfect for players who enjoy using high-damage weapons like miniguns or rocket launchers.
Cons of Playing Moze
Despite her firepower, Moze has some weaknesses that players should consider before choosing her as their Vault Hunter.
Limited Mobility
When inside Iron Bear, Moze’s mobility is limited, making her a bigger target for enemies. This can be a disadvantage in situations where quick movement is necessary to avoid damage.
Dependent on Gear
Moze’s effectiveness is heavily reliant on her weapons and gear. Without the right loadout, she can struggle, especially in late-game content where high DPS is required.
Zane the Operative: Pros and Cons
Pros of Playing Zane
Zane is the most versatile of the Vault Hunters, with a focus on gadgets and high mobility. He can deploy a variety of devices to control the battlefield, making him a great choice for players who enjoy strategic gameplay.
Dual Action Skills
Zane is the only Vault Hunter who can equip two action skills simultaneously, thanks to his Digi-Clone, SNTNL drone, and Barrier. This allows for highly customizable playstyles and versatile combat strategies.
High Mobility and Evasion
Zane’s abilities make him one of the most mobile characters in the game. His speed and evasion are excellent for players who prefer hit-and-run tactics or need to reposition frequently during combat.
Cons of Playing Zane
While Zane’s versatility is his strength, it also comes with some trade-offs that might not appeal to all players.
Steep Learning Curve
Zane’s dual-action skill setup requires more management and strategic thinking, which can be overwhelming for new players. Understanding how to best utilize his skills takes time and practice.
Lower Damage Output
Compared to other classes, Zane’s damage output can be lower, especially if not optimized correctly. Players need to focus on building synergy between his gadgets and weapons to maximize his effectiveness.
Comparing the Classes: Which is Best for You?
Playstyle Considerations
Choosing the right class in Borderlands 3 depends largely on your preferred playstyle. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Amara: Ideal for players who enjoy close combat and elemental damage.
- FL4K: Best suited for players who like pets and critical hit-focused gameplay.
- Moze: Perfect for those who love heavy firepower and sustained damage.
- Zane: Great for strategic players who want versatility and high mobility.
Team Play vs. Solo Play
Another factor to consider is whether you’ll be playing solo or in a team. Some classes, like FL4K, excel in solo play due to their self-sufficiency, while others, like Zane, might shine more in a team setting where his gadgets can support allies.
Solo Play
- FL4K: Pets can provide additional support and damage.
- Amara: Self-sustaining with healing and crowd control abilities.
Team Play
- Zane: Provides excellent team support with barriers and decoys.
- Moze: Offers heavy firepower that can complement other team members’ abilities.
Advanced Tips for Each Class
Optimizing Amara’s Skill Trees
To make the most of Amara’s abilities, focus on balancing her elemental powers with her melee attacks. Investing in the Fist of the Elements and Brawl skill trees can create a well-rounded build that can handle most combat situations.
Skill Tree Synergies
Combine Phasegrasp with abilities that increase elemental damage to control large groups of enemies effectively.
Maximizing FL4K’s Potential
FL4K’s effectiveness can be greatly enhanced by focusing on the right pet and skills. For example, the Spiderant can tank for you, while you focus on critical hits from a distance.
Skill Tree Choices
The Hunter skill tree is a great choice for maximizing FL4K’s damage output, especially when combined with gear that boosts critical hit stats.
Building the Perfect Moze
For Moze, focus on upgrading Iron Bear with the most powerful weapons available. Additionally, invest in the Bottomless Mags tree to ensure you never run out of ammo during extended fights.
Gear Recommendations
Look for gear that boosts splash damage or increases ammo capacity, as these will significantly enhance Moze’s effectiveness.
Mastering Zane’s Gadgets
To get the most out of Zane, practice using his gadgets in tandem. For instance, deploying the Barrier while using the Digi-Clone can create a powerful combination that confuses enemies and keeps you protected.
Best Action Skill Combinations
Try combining the SNTNL drone with the Barrier for a mix of offense and defense, or use the Digi-Clone for hit-and-run tactics.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Vault Hunter in Borderlands 3 is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and success in the game. By understanding the Borderlands 3 pros and cons of each class, you can select the character that best fits your playstyle and preferences. Whether you prefer the raw power of Moze
’s Iron Bear, the strategic versatility of Zane’s gadgets, the pet-focused gameplay of FL4K, or the elemental fury of Amara, there’s a Vault Hunter for everyone.
Which class is your favorite in Borderlands 3? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class is the most powerful in Borderlands 3?
The most powerful class depends on your playstyle. Moze offers the highest sustained damage, while FL4K excels in critical hits. Amara is great for crowd control, and Zane provides versatility and support.
Can you change classes in Borderlands 3?
Once you choose a class at the start of the game, you cannot change it. However, you can create new characters to try out different classes.
What is the best class for solo play?
FL4K is often considered the best for solo play due to their pets, which can tank and support the player. Amara is also strong solo due to her self-healing abilities.
How do skill trees work in Borderlands 3?
Each class has three skill trees, which offer different abilities and enhancements. Players can invest skill points into these trees to customize their character’s abilities.
Is Zane a good class for beginners?
Zane has a steeper learning curve due to his dual-action skills but can be very rewarding for players who enjoy strategic gameplay. Beginners might find Moze or FL4K easier to start with.
This guide offers a detailed look at the pros and cons of each class in Borderlands 3, helping players make informed choices and optimize their gameplay experience.