The Soldier class inBorderlandsis one that could use a rework to make it more in line with its more unique compatriots. WithBorderlandsreveling in the absurdity of its own world as well as its energetic gunplay, the classes play a large role in forming the game’s identity. It feels like every class should stick out in a way that helps to show what makes the series' style shine, and most classes succeed in doing so. However, the Soldier class could use a rebranding if it returns in some way inBorderlands 4.
The Soldier stands alongsideBorderlands' iconic Siren classas a long-running choice for players. Although Soldier itself is only in the first game, it spawned an archetype of similar classes inBorderlands 2’s Commando andBorderlands 3’s Gunner. Each game in the main series has featured a military-themed character, each with slightly different takes on the archetype. The only games not to do so thus far areBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which also didn’t feature a Siren, andTiny Tina’s Wonderlands, which overhauled classes as a whole with more fantasy-themed options. Since every main entry has had a Soldier-like character,Borderlands 4is likely to feature one as well.
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Borderlands 4 Can Give the Soldier Class a Well-Deserved Redesign
When it comes to the mysteriousworld ofBorderlands' Pandora, Soldiers can feel like a step below the other options. Admittedly, there is nothing particularly wrong with the Soldier class or its offshoots. However, when it comes to creativity, most of the other classes have a definite advantage over it. As the series willingly dives further into ridiculousness, the Soldier feels increasingly out of place due to its less outlandish nature. After all, many shooters feature soldiers as playable characters.Borderlands, on the other hand, revels in going off the rails, making a typical soldier feel somewhat out of place in its world.
Not helping the Soldier or its counterparts are theiractive abilities inBorderlandsgames. The Soldier and Commando both used deployable turrets as their active abilities, which while useful, admittedly aren’t the most interesting. The Gunner inBorderlands 3does take a step forward with her Iron Bear, a mech that she can summon and pilot. Although the Iron Bear is a step in the right direction, it’s also reminiscent of the Mechromancer’s Deathtrap fromBorderlands 2, except with the addition of the player being able to pilot it themselves. As such, a truly unique ability inBorderlands 4could do wonders for the next soldier.
When it comes to the Soldier and its counterparts,Borderlands 4can change the class archetypeby trying something new with it. Rather than giving them a mechanical tool such as a turret or mech as their active ability, they could have a different flavor of skill. For example, perhaps they could have a shield that they bash into enemies while protecting themselves or an airstrike that they can deploy to deal heavy damage in an area. Combining a more unique ability with some creative choices in terms of design could make the Soldier a far more appealing class to play as than any of its previous incarnations.
Players will have to wait and see what theplayable classes inBorderlands 4have to offer, but hopefully, it will give the Soldier archetype some new life. Because it appears as frequently as the memorable and plot-important Siren class, players should expect the Soldier to feel as fun and exciting as the rest of the cast. By changing some of the elements of thisBorderlandsclass and experimenting with some new ideas, the next Soldier-type character could come to the game with a memorable spin.Borderlands 4may be the time for the series to truly experiment with the Soldier archetype.
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