Borderlands 4 is getting a new playable Vault Hunter as paid DLC, with a teaser set for Tokyo Game Show 2025. The publisher says the presentation will “detail” the character, but stops short of revealing the name, class, abilities, or release timing ahead of the show. The key facts right now are simple: a new Vault Hunter is coming, it’s part of a paid add-on, and the first look will happen during the TGS presentation.

Borderlands 4 playable Vault Hunters at launch

The base game launched with four new characters, each tied to a distinct class. If you’re returning to the game or starting fresh before the reveal, here’s the current roster at a glance.

Vault Hunter Class Availability
Vex Siren Available at launch
Amon Forgeknight Available at launch
Rafa Exo-Soldier Available at launch
Harlowe Gravitar Available at launch
TBA (DLC) TBA Teased for Tokyo Game Show 2025 (paid DLC)

One example of the launch roster’s design scope: Amon’s kit supports aggressive, close-range play. His Onslaughter action skill grants constant shield regeneration, bonus incendiary damage on guns, and increased movement speed; using melee while it’s active becomes a rocket punch that dashes to a target for explosive damage. The other launch characters take different approaches to survivability, crowd control, and power spikes across their three action skills and skill trees.

What the DLC addition could change for players

A fifth playable character expands the ways party compositions and solo builds can function. Early coverage has characterized Rafa and Vex as flexible, all-around picks; Harlowe as a strong mid-field controller; and Amon as a durable front‑liner who rewards aggressive spacing. A new class can shift that landscape by introducing a fresh resource or mechanic that synergizes with certain weapons, elements, or action skill rotations.

Two practical impacts to expect once the character lands:

  • Buildcrafting opens up: class mods, skill interactions, and an extra slate of action skills create new loops for endgame farming and bossing.
  • Co-op roles can specialize further: the DLC class may add a new way to buff allies, lock down mobs, or sustain damage under fire, affecting team composition choices.

Until the TGS presentation outlines the action skills and trees, it’s not possible to say where the new character will sit relative to the current meta. Plan to re-evaluate your build once skill synergies, capstones, and class gear are known.

What to watch for in the TGS teaser

The Borderlands 4 team has emphasized variety within each class and a push for fresh playstyles with the new roster. For the DLC reveal, focus on four signals that usually define how a Vault Hunter plays:

  • Action skill economy: Does the class rotate between multiple skills mid-combat or supercharge a single marquee button?
  • Resource mechanics: Look for unique gauges, stacks, or toggles that convert damage or status into power spikes.
  • Element interaction: Note any baseline affinities (incendiary, cryo, shock, etc.) or conversions that shape gear choices.
  • Mobility and survivability: Movement tech, shields, or damage mitigation often dictates whether a class wants mid-range, melee, or backline positions.

If the teaser shows even one action skill in detail—range, cooldown behavior, or secondary inputs—that’s enough to start mapping likely skill tree perks and weapons that pair well.

Event and cosmetic notes

Alongside the TGS teaser, the game is currently running a Rafa-focused community challenge (YOLT) that unlocks a new Rafa skin when goals are met. If you main Rafa or plan to, it’s worth checking progress so you can claim the cosmetic once it’s available.

What we still don’t know

  • Name, class, and backstory of the DLC Vault Hunter.
  • Action skills, skill trees, and class mod ecosystem.
  • Release window, exact pricing, and how the DLC is bundled with any season pass.
  • Any new endgame activities or gear pools launching alongside the character.

For now, the headline is that a paid fifth Vault Hunter is on the way and will be detailed during Tokyo Game Show 2025. If you’re mid‑campaign or optimizing endgame builds, it’s a good time to finish leveling your current character and stockpile gear—you’ll be ready to experiment the moment the new skill trees land.