Summary
It’s not uncommon forBorderlandsgame to present fresh gameplay ideas with each new release, such as the Slag damage inBorderlands 2or the Oz kits and gravity slams inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, andBorderlands 4is likely to do the same. Speaking ofBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, as much as it was arguably one of the weaker entries in the series, it does have its fair share of unique mechanics that never returned. Outside of huge plot threads that are still hanging over the franchise, like The Watcher’s war,Borderlands: The Pre-Sequelhad a unique skill tree designed for Aurelia, The Baroness. This introduced a nice concept that should return inBorderlands 4, albeit in a different shape.
Skill trees can be a huge part ofBorderlandsgames, as they more often than not define the identity of the playable Vault Hunters beyond their backstory and place in the plot - andBorderlands 4will be no exception. For example,Moze’s Iron Bear builds inBorderlands 3were all the rage when the game launched, and they evolved even further with the release of her new skill tree revolving around Iron Cub. A unique concept like Aurelia’s co-op tree inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequelmay seem niche, but it shouldn’t be left behind.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel’s Co-Op Skill Tree Deserves Another Shot in Borderlands 4
Borderlandsgames typically have co-op for players to slay the big bads together and get some shiny new loot while at it, even offering ways to trade items with fellow players. As such, the concept of a skill tree with multiple nodes focusing on co-op is a good idea for the franchise to grow in new ways, but there are a few ways to do this better thanBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel’s Aureliadid. A few ways to bring the concept of co-op skill trees inBorderlands 4include:
Either option would work in this context, andBorderlands 4would be wise to introduce one of them. In fact, while some players enjoyed Aurelia’s co-op nodes and possibly her whole skill tree inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, there may be other fans who wished for a different tree that didn’t require friends ormultiplayer and co-op modesto make the most of it.
Why Non-Character-Specific Multiplayer Skill Trees Would Work Wonders in Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4could avoid this issue entirely by making skill trees, even smaller ones compared to those made specifically forBorderlands' Vault Hunters, that focus on otherwise niche parts of the gameplay loop. This could be healing, tethering to allied players to improve Shields or Health, using guns from a given manufacturer to increase damage and stats, and so on. There could even be a skill tree dedicated to giving players more and better loot when playing together, both incentivizing the use of these hypothetical skill trees and creating new gameplay avenues.
How Co-Op Perks Could Be Added to Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters
The other option would be to add small, non-mandatory nodes to each Vault Hunter’s skill trees that work in co-op, as this would avoid the problem where anyone who wanted to focus on multiplayer abilities had to choose a specific character inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Having wide access to this kind of talent would mean that those who playBorderlandssolo don’t need to worry about picking these skills, but those who enjoy its multiplayer side have some options regardless of the character they choose. Either way, this would be a good thing forBorderlands 4’s Vault Huntersto have access to, and both options would be a win-win scenario for players regardless of how they like to play the game.
WHERE TO PLAY
Borderlands 4 brings intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons to an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant.Crash into Kairos as one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory. Wield powerful Action Skills, customize your build with deep skill trees, and dominate enemies with dynamic movement abilities.Break free from the oppressive Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. Now a world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across the planet.Ignite a resistance and blast your way through mechanical monstrosities, bloodthirsty bandits, and vicious beasts. Amass an arsenal of death-dealing firepower to wreak havoc as you tear your way across Kairos.Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.
