Vault Hunters
Loot, shoot, and survive across the galaxy as you hunt for the ultimate treasure.
Vault Hunters are legendary mercenaries and treasure seekers who travel across the galaxy to locate ancient Vaults containing powerful weapons and technology. While new generations of hunters emerge with unique character classes—such as the Gunzerker, Siren, Psycho, or Commando—they remain defined by their independence and their relentless pursuit of the next great challenge.
- Role
- Vault Openers / Elite Mercenaries
- Affiliation
- Independent (varies) / Crimson Raiders
- First Appears
- Borderlands
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
Vault Hunters are not tied to a single planet or timeline but appear throughout the Borderlands universe. They typically arrive on worlds like Pandora, Promethea, Eden-6, and Athenas to uncover Vault keys left by the Eridians.
In Their Own Story
The new Vault Hunters were captured by the Timekeeper and forced to kill Arjay before breaking his control. They recruited allies including Rush, his Outbounders, and Zadra. The group eliminated three lieutenants—Idolator Sol, Callis the Ripper Queen, and Vile Lictor—to acquire command bolts for the Vault. After confronting a mind-controlled version of themselves that killed Zadra, they defeated the Timekeeper, who was revealed to be a Vault Guardian. Inside the Kairos Vault, an entity resembling Lilith warned them of the universe's end and gifted them a mysterious cube before they returned to Moxxi's bar.
Reader's Guide
Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 can play solo or cooperatively with up to three other players. They utilize new traversal tools like a grappling hook and explore Kairos without loading screens. The group works with the Crimson Resistance, led initially by Arjay and later by Claptrap after Arjay's death. To access the Vault, they must acquire command bolts from the Timekeeper's lieutenants. The first expansion adds C4$H the Rogue as a playable character, and the second adds Loveless the Hacker.
Did You Know?
- The term 'Vault Hunter' applies to any mercenary who hunts for Vaults, regardless of whether they successfully open one.
- The franchise has spanned multiple planets including Pandora, Eden-6, Promethea, and Athenas.
- Claptrap is the most iconic mascot of the series, often serving as a guide or comic relief rather than a resistance leader.
- New playable characters are introduced with unique action skills and class mods that define their playstyle.
- The 'seamless' world design allows players to traverse vast environments without loading screens in later entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Vault Hunters?
Vault Hunters are elite mercenaries and treasure seekers who travel across the galaxy to find ancient Vaults filled with powerful technology. They first appeared in the original Borderlands game and have since become legendary figures known for opening these sealed chambers.
What is their role or power?
Their primary function involves locating and opening Vaults while utilizing unique character classes like Sirens, Commandos, or Gunzerkers to survive combat. Each hunter brings specialized skills to the team, but they are all defined by their ability to wield powerful Eridian weaponry found within the Vaults.
Are they part of a specific group?
While most Vault Hunters operate as independent freelancers, some generations have aligned with organized groups like the Crimson Raiders to fight larger threats. Their affiliation varies depending on the timeline and the specific mission they are undertaking during the game's story.
What major villains have they fought?
Throughout the series, different cohorts of hunters have successfully stopped major antagonists such as Handsome Jack, the Calypso Twins, and the Destroyer. Their victories are crucial in preventing these enemies from gaining control over the Vault's immense power.
Do they still exist?
The legacy of the Vault Hunters remains active as new generations emerge to face fresh challenges across different planets. Although specific individuals may pass on, the title continues to define those brave enough to seek out the next great treasure in the Borderlands universe.
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