It appears the plan is for the recently surprise-released Borderlands Mobile game to go back offline later this month before eventually returning more content complete and ready for players (perhaps on platforms outside iOS). Borderlands Mobile already has a ton of content, but one area where players are restricted is the Vault Hunter, as only the Summoner is currently playable.
Luckily, veteran players roughly know what to expect when looking at these Borderlands characters and their action skills. The Summoner is a pet class, a more simplified version of FL4K, who is also a Siren. The Assassin is a simplified, multi-target version of Zer0 in Borderlands 2, while the Outrider focuses on a Throwing Knife gameplay loop that brings to mind Vex’s infinite bleed build from Borderlands 4‘s glory days. And it’s clear the Exo-Tank fulfills the “big guy” archetype a la Brick and Amon, but his Action Skill and silhouette also bring Overwatch to mind.
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Borderlands Mobile’s Exo-Tank Has Clear Roots in Overwatch
The Exo-Tank is designed to be on the frontline, with the class automatically blocking and countering enemy attacks. That obviously fits the silhouette of the character too and lends itself to the Action Skill: Shatterslam. When used, The Exo-Tank leaps forward and slaps into the ground, sending out a shock wave that knocks Borderlands Mobile‘s enemies down. It’s uncertain how this action skill would impact other Borderlands Mobile characters. It’s a great way to set up a dominant tactical situation and always remain in the fight, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of builds come out of it.
That said, it’s an effective ability—it’s not an original one. Shatterslam sounds exactly like Reinhardt’s Ultimate in Overwatch, if combined with his Charge as well. There’s even an argument for the launch forward part sounding like Hazard, but it’s probably something to see in action first. And if those two connections to Overwatch feel too thin, then it’s worth highlighting how the Exo-Tank and Domina have an incredibly similar silhouette. It’s even bulkier around the shoulders like Domina and extends down the torso considerably. While the jury may be out on Hazard, it’s clear that the Exo-Tank is a combination of Rein and Dom at the very least.
While Borderlands Mobile players are currently limited to the Summoner, it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the Vault Hunters (based on design and active skill) vibe with the audience. It’s entirely possible, too, that the full launch of Borderlands Mobile will see some tweaks and changes to the characters. First, hopefully, they all need proper names instead of just class monikers, but it is possible that the Exo-Tank takes on a more unique class identity as opposed to this Overwatch hodgepodge. It all remains to be seen, regardless.
Drag weapons to fill the grid
Drag weapons to fill the grid
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Overall, it does seem every Borderlands Mobile class is a simplified, straightforward version of its general archetype: the pet class, the tank class, the hunter class, and the assassin class. When Borderlands Mobile hits the full release, it’ll be interesting to see if these mechanical identities can meaningfully grow beyond these streamlined versions of themselves. If the Exo-Tank and other Vault Hunters are refined beyond their obvious inspirations, the game could shift from being a simplified spin-off into something that justifies its own place in the Borderlands franchise.
