Set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2,Borderlands: The Pre-Sequelintroduces players to a unique cast of playable characters that bring new abilities, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Each character not only offers different combat styles and skill trees, but also plays a crucial role in the overarching narrative of Handsome Jack’s rise to power. Whether you’re a newcomer to the Borderlands universe or a long-time fan looking to explore each character’s distinct role, understanding their skills and personalities will help you choose the one that fits your playstyle best.
Overview of Playable Characters
InBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, players can choose from four base characters, each with a unique action skill and three skill trees. Two additional characters were later added via downloadable content (DLC), expanding the roster to six. These characters include returning faces from previous games and one particularly unexpected machine hero.
Main Characters:
- Wilhelm the Enforcer
- Nisha the Lawbringer
- Athena the Gladiator
- Claptrap the Fragtrap
DLC Characters:
- Jack the Doppelganger
- Aurelia the Baroness
Athena the Gladiator
Athena, a former Lance Assassin from the Atlas Corporation, is the most narratively grounded of the group. She acts as the game’s main narrator and has a strong, strategic playstyle.
Action Skill: Kinetic Aspis
Athena’s Aspis is a shield she throws like Captain America. It absorbs damage while active and reflects that damage when thrown. This makes her ideal for both defense and burst damage.
Skill Trees:
- Phalanx: Enhances support and shield capabilities.
- Xiphos: Focuses on melee combat and bleed effects.
- Aspiring Gladiator: Balances both survival and damage output.
Athena is an excellent choice for players who enjoy tactical gameplay with a balance of offense and defense.
Wilhelm the Enforcer
Wilhelm starts as a human mercenary but gradually transforms into a Hyperion cyborg, mirroring his evolution into a villain in Borderlands 2. He offers a tech-heavy gameplay experience.
Action Skill: Wolf and Saint
Wilhelm deploys two drones: Wolf (offense) and Saint (defense/healing). They provide automated support, making Wilhelm effective in both solo and co-op modes.
Skill Trees:
- Dreadnought: Focuses on shields and survivability.
- Cyber Commando: Enhances his transformation and offensive power.
- Hunter-Killer: Improves the performance of Wolf and Saint.
Wilhelm is perfect for players who like companions and a blend of tankiness with firepower.
Nisha the Lawbringer
Nisha is best known as the Sheriff of Lynchwood in Borderlands 2. In the Pre-Sequel, she’s a damage powerhouse with a Wild West-inspired aesthetic and attitude.
Action Skill: Showdown
This ability locks onto targets, increases accuracy, fire rate, and reload speed, turning Nisha into a devastating gunslinger for a short period.
Skill Trees:
- Law and Order: Blends survivability and melee abilities.
- Fan the Hammer: Focuses on rapid-firing pistols.
- The Riflewoman: Improves gun damage and weapon handling.
Nisha is ideal for aggressive players who prefer fast, high-risk combat and sharpshooting precision.
Claptrap the Fragtrap
A fan-favorite from the Borderlands series, Claptrap is the comic relief of the game. In the Pre-Sequel, he finally becomes a playable character and his playstyle is as chaotic as his personality.
Action Skill: VaultHunter.exe
Claptrap’s skill activates a random effect from a pool of abilities, including imitations of other Vault Hunters’ powers. Some effects help the team, while others cause unexpected outcomes.
Skill Trees:
- Boomtrap: Focuses on explosive damage.
- I Love You Guys: Emphasizes team buffs and support.
- Fragmented Fragtrap: Contains multiple subroutines with varying boosts.
Claptrap is best for adventurous players who enjoy unpredictability and can adapt to changing combat situations.
Jack the Doppelganger (DLC)
Though not the real Handsome Jack, this character is his body double. He’s obsessed with Hyperion and mimics Jack’s style and personality, making him a unique addition.
Action Skill: Digi-Jacks
Jack summons two Digi-Jack clones that fight alongside him. These clones can be upgraded to deal more damage, support Jack, or even explode on death.
Skill Trees:
- The Hero of This Story: Increases power of Digi-Jacks and general gunplay.
- Greater Good: Provides team-oriented buffs and shields.
- Free Enterprise: Adds bonuses based on weapon variety and brand usage.
The Doppelganger is great for players who enjoy summoner-style gameplay with corporate-themed humor.
Aurelia the Baroness (DLC)
Aurelia Hammerlock is the sister of Sir Hammerlock from Borderlands 2 and 3. She brings a frosty aristocratic flair to combat, with ice-based attacks and selfish skill bonuses.
Action Skill: Cold as Ice
Aurelia throws a Frost Diadem Shard that homes in on enemies, dealing cryo damage and jumping to other nearby foes.
Skill Trees:
- Huntress: Increases sniping and long-range efficiency.
- Cold Money: Focuses on cryo damage and freezing enemies.
- Contractual Aristocracy: Offers co-op benefits where Aurelia acts as the ‘boss’ of another player, gaining damage buffs from their actions.
Aurelia is well-suited for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield with status effects and long-range weapons.
Choosing the Right Character
Each playable character inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequeloffers a different experience. Here’s a quick guide to help decide based on playstyle:
- Strategic & Balanced: Athena
- Tanky with Companions: Wilhelm
- High Damage Gunslinger: Nisha
- Random and Hilarious: Claptrap
- Summoner Style: Jack’s Doppelganger
- Ice & Sniping: Aurelia
Whether you’re playing solo or co-op, understanding the unique mechanics behind each character helps maximize your efficiency and enjoyment. With dynamic skill trees and immersive backstories, the roster inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequelremains one of the most diverse in the series, making each playthrough a fresh and entertaining experience.