Character selection is important in games like Borderlands 2. This guide will help the player select the best character for solo play. Borderlands 2 is a game that is designed with playing with other players. In the game, 4 players can team up and take on the full story campaign together. The game has since received several DLC inclusions to grow the online multiplayer experience. Although, players might find themselves missing a friend to play along with or may not have access to online gaming in general. Selecting what character to play as in solo play ultimately comes down to the playstyle of the player. Certain players may like to play much more aggressively, pushing the point at any costs necessary while others may like to take their time and plan a method of attack accordingly. Fortunately, there is a character that can match any style of play, but it is important to note, no matter which character the player selects, they will always have some sort of disadvantage. This has a lot to do with when having other players, those other players can cover your weaknesses. By playing alone, the player will need to juggle many roles at once. This guide will help players layout the best character for their playstyles in Borderlands 2.
Borderlands 2 has four different playable characters, one for each member of the party. Maya the Siren, Axton the Commando, Zer0 the Assassin, and Salvador the Gunzerker. Most modern packages with the game come along with all of its DLC that has released throughout the years. This includes the introduction of 2 more playable characters. Kreig the Psycho and Gaige the Mechromancer. These 6 characters each come along with their own strengths and weaknesses and players will take control of one of them while exploring the wastelands. Over 5 years have passed since the first game. The main objective of this title is to take down Handsome Jack, the president of the Hyperion Corporation. He is in control and rules with an iron fist. It is up to Borderlands 2 ragtag team to come together and take him down to bring balance back to the world. As mentioned, each character has their own role to fit in the story and with the gameplay. Although for solo play, the player will only be selecting one. Here is how players can determine the strength and weaknesses of each character in solo play.
Best Character For Solo Play in Borderlands 2
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of each playable character in Borderlands 2 and what playstyle will benefit the most for solo play.
- Maya the Siren: If the player focuses on leveling up the proper skill trees, Maya can be nearly impossible to beat for both normal enemies and giant bosses. If players focus on building their elemental capabilities, Maya can tear through enemies fairly quickly. Although due to her power, it can be difficult to farm for legendary items. Maya is recommended for players who wish to tear through the campaign of the story quickly rather than focusing on everything in the post-game world or beyond. She is a force to be reckoned with.
- Axton the Commando: One of the more generic first-person shooter characters. He very much feels like a soldier class. His weapons mainly focus on long-range or mid-range weapons and his special ability allows him to summon a turret. He's great for taking down enemies in a small enclosed area but struggles a bit when out in the wide open. This character is recommended for characters who wish to feel the familiarity of other shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield. He isn't bad for players wishing to play alone with solo play.
- Salvador the Gunzerker: Extreme firepower with Salvador. Players can take down waves of enemies at a time. Similar to Axton, he functions much better when in close quarters. Although, his shortcomings are a lot worst in this game. Since Salvador is a character that thrives in smaller areas, once thrown into a wide-open area, Salvador will struggle to keep up and die a lot. This character is recommended for veteran players of Borderlands 2 but it is recommended to keep away unless the player wants a challenge.
- Zer0 the Assassin: Strengths come from long-range combat with weapons like the sniper rifle. The patience game is heavily rewarded for players who like to take their time. Although for solo play, that might not work for every situation. The player will need to adapt to different playstyles. Zer0 is a character that thrives more when working on a team rather than being alone. The player will need to constantly switch weapons and skill tree perks to keep this character relevant.
- Gaige the Mechromancer: One of the better choices for solo play. The moment the player hits 5, they can tear through most of the game with no problem. The only issue that may come along is with certain bosses. Although, the challenge returns after entering the UHVM.
- Krieg the Psycho: Krieg is a character that thrives when playing with a team. Considering his playstyle focuses more on close range, its hard for him to not get heavily damaged when there are other characters around. Players will find themselves dying plenty when using Krieg. It is recommended to give it a shot to see how the player fairs against enemies when playing as Krieg. Overall, the best idea would be to avoid him for solo play.
Borderlands 2 is one of the best games to play along with friends. Teaming up with your friends to find treasure and loot bases is extremely satisfying. The game continues to be played to this day because of how addictive it is, even though the sequel, Borderlands 3, is out in the world right now. The game is just fun to pick up and play for a few hours. While solo play isn't the most ideal way to play, it can still be fun and challenging for veteran players. Maya and Axton may be the most comfortable to play for players trying for the first time. Borderlands 2 is still as fun as it was before.
Borderlands 2 is available now on PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Mac, PC, and Nintendo Switch.