In the chaotic world of Borderlands 4, raw firepower alone is rarely enough. To tackle tough bosses, survive intense arenas, and endure waves of psychos, a solid team is essential. At the center of every effective squad is a support character. This hero doesn’t just deal damage—they provide buffs, shields, and crowd control that keep the team alive. Choosing the right support character can be the difference between victory and a frustrating wipe. Among the new Vault Hunters, Harlowe clearly stands out when you consider her abilities and the best Borderlands 4 Items that enhance her gadgets.
Harlowe: The Premier Support Specialist
Harlowe is designed to maximize team survivability. Her kit is packed with gadgets that control crowds, shield allies, and provide buffs. For example, her "Pulse Inhibitor" drone can stun groups of enemies, giving damage dealers extra seconds to take them down. Her "Kinetic Barrier" absorbs incoming damage during crucial moments, such as boss fights or objective pushes. When paired with the right Borderlands 4 Items—those that reduce cooldowns or improve shield strength—Harlowe’s gadgets can turn the tide of any battle. Her direct influence over the battlefield makes her a reliable choice for high-level play.
Vex: A Unique Pet-Focused Support
Vex offers a different style of support. Instead of direct crowd control, she relies on summoned allies to protect and heal the team. A "Medic Bot" can restore health bars during heated fights, while a "Scavenger Hound" distracts powerful enemies, allowing teammates to reposition or focus on damage. Vex’s playstyle is more indirect but still valuable. Players who enjoy using minions to influence fights while contributing to team survival will find Vex a compelling choice. Her strength lies in sustained recovery and battlefield presence without requiring constant active management.
Comparing Harlowe and Vex
When comparing Harlowe and Vex, Harlowe offers a more versatile support package. Her crowd control gadgets, defensive barriers, and offensive buffs provide both proactive and reactive assistance. Vex’s minions can heal or distract, but they are limited in scope. Harlowe’s toolkit directly prevents damage, disables threats, and keeps teammates in the fight. Pairing her with Borderlands 4 Items that improve gadget efficiency, shield capacity, or team-wide bonuses allows her to reach her full potential and act as the backbone of any Vault Hunter squad.
Optimizing Harlowe’s Abilities
To maximize Harlowe’s effectiveness, focus on items and builds that reduce cooldowns and boost defensive stats. Prioritize Borderlands 4 Items that enhance shield integrity, increase the duration of her crowd control gadgets, or expand buff effects to multiple allies. Timing her abilities properly in the heat of battle amplifies her impact, ensuring that the squad survives waves of enemies and emerges stronger after each encounter.
When assembling a Borderlands 4 Items buy, Harlowe is the Vault Hunter you want watching your back. Her gadget-driven approach ensures that teammates stay alive, control threats, and maintain battlefield dominance. While other characters like Vex offer interesting alternative support methods, Harlowe’s comprehensive skill set, combined with the right Borderlands 4 Items, makes her the most reliable and impactful support character in the game.
