The Borderlands series is known for its wild and sometimes childish humor, but we love it because of its insanity (and loads of cool weapons, of course). To fit the dangerous and lunatic world of Pandora and others in the universe, it has a strange yet cool cast of characters we've known and loved since the franchise began in 2009.
Claptrap has stayed with us and while annoying in some cases, has been a hilarious comedic relief within the series. Meanwhile, Lilith is a fantastic, strong female protagonist with cool powers that has been in leadership roles within Pandora and has succeeded. There's a Borderlands character for everyone and we're listing seven of the best here.
Harlowe
A great new character in the universe.
- Released
- September 12, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Local Co-Op Support
- Console-only
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Even though I'm early on in my playthrough of Borderlands 4, Harlowe is already a stand-out character. She has a badass move that has her levitate her enemies, even if they're huge, into the air. Even if she's short, she can deliver a lot of pain to the Psychos and other enemies in the game. She can also use multiple elements like ice and poison into her combat abilities.
The way she talks to other characters has been witty so far and she sounds relatable. Harlowe also has an awesome design with dreadlocks and neat goggles that are translucent green.
Scooter
Catch-a-ride!
Borderlands
- Released
- October 20, 2009
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games, Feral Interactive
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 3
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Scooter is a southern-sounding mechanic who can fix anything that's put in front of him. He's a funny character that always says "Catch-A-Ride" whenever you're near one of his stations to get a new vehicle. It would usually be annoying, but somehow the way he says it enthusiastically is nice to hear. While he's a creep at times, he does have some great lines and the inclusion of expletives in otherwise normal phrases brings him down to earth. He's a stereotype but in the best way possible.
Despite him being a creep at points, he does treat Fiona with respect and lovingly says goodbye to her and puts others before himself in Tales of the Borderlands. He has a good character arc and matures during that TellTale game, giving him more nuance.
Butt Stallion
A ridiculous joke character.
Borderlands 2
- Released
- September 18, 2012
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 3
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Butt Stallion is part of one of the best Borderlands jokes in the series' history. Handsome Jack says the most ridiculous things and sometimes it's hard to believe him. During the beginning of Borderlands 2, he brags about how rich he is and says he has a pony made with diamonds. It sounds crazy and fake, but then you hear it in the background of Handsome Jack's dialogue, making you laugh.
He says he wants to call it "Piss for Brains" in honor of you, but he says it's too immature, and then calls him Butt Stallion, which completely goes against what he just said. You can then meet the character later on in the Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep DLC and pet it on the butt. She apparently loves it. Butt Stallion is also briefly featured in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.
Lilith
One of the most powerful characters in Borderlands history.
Borderlands: Game of the Year Enhanced Edition
- Released
- August 8, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Blind Squirrel Games Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Lilith is a powerful female character, who is one of the strongest heroes in the series. She's a Siren, a rare group of women with incredible powers. She's the leader of the Crimson Raiders, a powerful organization that helps to stabilize the chaotic world of Pandora. She's headstrong and serious, but also caring to others when need be. She can have some great one-liners as well, including when she flirts with Roland in Borderlands 2 and threatens she'll take his clothes off his body if he comes back alive from a perilous mission.
Lilith has one of the best abilities in the series, as she can Phasewalk. This lets her run incredibly fast and become invisible to enemies, letting her slip by and strike foes when they least expect it. With her magical abilities, Lilith is one of the best characters you can play as in the original Borderlands.
Claptrap
Annoying but charming at the same time.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
Love him or hate him, Claptrap is the poster robot of this franchise, and while annoying in parts, he has become a beloved character for many. He has hilarious lines while he stumbles with his words and actions in-game. This robot has welcomed us in almost every game with open arms and it's adorable (and a bit sad) at how desperately he wants a friend. You see that in Borderlands 4 when he's all by himself trying to live a life after the Vault Hunters and Pandora.
He has plenty of memorable moments throughout the franchise, but one of the best is when he can't triumph over his greatest opponents: STAIRS! It's also charming when Claptrap begins to sing to himself while exploring the hub town in Borderlands 2. He also has a memorable design that's been made into all manner of merchandise, from Funko Pops to a figure that holds your controller by Cable Guys. You can play as him in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. The game warns you when picking him, though. "Even from the outset when choosing Claptrap as my playable character, the game asks several times if you're certain of that choice, warning of how annoying Claptrap is," said Game Rant's review. "For Borderlands veterans, this is just one example of the fan service The Pre-Sequel delivers successfully."
Claptrap's annoying personality is somehow a plus in the eyes of many.
Tiny Tina
A funny character with a sad past.
- Released
- March 25, 2022
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Crude, Humor, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS
- How Long To Beat
- 16 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Tiny Tina is a lovable monster child that loves to blow stuff up and Borderlands fans love the chaos. Voiced by Ashly Burch, she throws out amazing, cheeky one-liners that you'd expect from a thirteen-year-old, but with plenty of vulgarity on the side. She does have a tragic backstory, however, as she deals with the loss of her parents, who were murdered by Hyperion tests. She was able to escape from the corporation, leaving her on Pandora.
Her tea party mission is adorable and hilarious, but there's also that sense of sadness as you realize how unstable she's become. Thankfully, she finds a family in the Vault Hunters group. She plays Dungeons & Dragons, and there has been an expansion and a stand-alone game based on her Dungeon Master skills.
Handsome Jack
The best Borderlands villain ever.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
- Released
- March 24, 2015
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 3
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Handsome Jack is the funniest character in the Borderlands series and is a highlight antagonist from the second game. His lines are hilarious and he can switch from being charming and cocky, to demented and dangerous in a second. He's unpredictable and whenever he calls you, you know you're in for a good time.
The performance by Dameon Clarke is chef's kiss as well as Handsome Jack has plenty of layers behind his egotistical outer self. You can't help but love this jerk. He even has a collection named after himself: Borderlands: The Handsome Collection.