Rafa's Borderlands 4 Skills Explained

Gearbox Software officially presented Rafa, the newest Vault Hunter in Borderlands 4, with a brand-new gameplay trailer that dropped just days ago. Now, a brand new Beyond The Borderlands video showcases the developers commenting on the Exo-Soldier abilities and showing them in action, giving fans a better look into Rafa's combat style. As expected from any information regarding Borderlands 4, the video is already generating a surge of excitement in the community.

Appetite for destruction

After several trailers focused heavily on Vex, Rafa’s reveal feels like a return to the gritty, fast-paced combat that defined earlier entries in the franchise. His design, rooted in high-octane melee and tactical versatility, positions him as a standout addition to the Vault Hunter roster. With his custom-built Deadframe exo-suit and a rebellious military background, Rafa brings a dangerous edge to the battlefield.

Rafa's arsenal includes three unique Action Skills, each with its own distinct playstyle. Arc-Knives transforms the camera into a third-person view as Rafa swaps guns for dual energy blades. These blades allow for swift slashing combos and a cinematic finishing move called Blade Fury, which delivers high shock damage in a wide arc. This skill looks to appeal to players who love getting up close and personal.

Rafa's second ability, Peacebreaker Cannons, unleashes twin shoulder-mounted auto-turrets that fire independently at nearby threats. These cannons can be tailored through skill augments—one such mod even allows them to be deployed as stationary turrets via the Insta-Fort Battle System, adding a defensive layer to his typically aggressive style.

For those who prefer long-range firepower, Rafa’s APOPHIS Lance may be the most satisfying of the bunch. This arm-mounted plasma launcher fires high-powered orbs that can be volleyed rapidly or charged for devastating shots. Its versatility makes it ideal for clearing enemies from a distance or bursting down tougher foes.

In terms of progression, Rafa's skill trees offer deep customization, each tree offering unique bonuses, kill-skills, and playstyle enhancements. Fan reaction to Rafa's reveal has been overwhelmingly positive. Many longtime players have praised his melee-focused combat and exo-suit design, calling it a much-needed shift in tone from the more whimsical trailers focused on Vex. Rafa could definitely go down as one of the most satisfying melee Vault Hunters in the series.

Borderlands 4 is set to release on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch 2 version will follow on October 3, though it will require a digital download and is expected to run at a capped 30 FPS with occasional dips in performance. Gearbox has confirmed that gameplay breakdowns for the remaining two Vault Hunters, Harlowe and Amon, are on the way in the weeks ahead.

Stay tuned for more information about the game and remember to check out our comparator if you wan to get Borderlands 4 at the best price for your platform of choice.