In the diverse roster of Vault Hunters that populate the chaotic world of Borderlands 2, one character stands out as particularly unique and entertaining: Krieg, the Psycho. Added as DLC after the game’s initial release, this unhinged character brings a refreshingly different playstyle that transforms the Borderlands experience from a standard shooter into something more distinctive. While every Vault Hunter offers their appeal, several factors combine to make Krieg arguably the most fun character to play in the entire game.
A completely different gameplay experience
Most Vault Hunters in Borderlands 2 follow relatively conventional FPS archetypes: the soldier, the sniper, the stealthy assassin, and the turret engineer. Krieg completely subverts expectations by encouraging players to abandon typical shooter strategies. Instead of taking cover and picking off enemies from a distance, Krieg thrives in chaotic firefights, often deliberately taking damage to fuel his abilities.
His action skill, Buzz Axe Rampage, transforms the game into a first-person melee frenzy that feels more like DOOM than traditional Borderlands. After hundreds of hours, this drastic shift in gameplay still feels fresh despite a drastic departure from conventional shooting mechanics.
Reward mechanics that create genuine excitement
What truly separates Krieg from other characters is his risk-reward design philosophy. While most Vault Hunters become more potent as they get safer (full shields, full health), Krieg’s abilities often activate when he’s most vulnerable. Skills like “Release the Beast” transform him into an unstoppable force when his health drops below 33%, creating moments of incredible tension followed by explosive power.
The “Silence the Voices” skill perfectly encapsulates this design; it grants an enormous 250% melee damage bonus but comes with a 12% chance to hit yourself instead of the enemy. This constant dance with danger creates a uniquely thrilling experience where every encounter becomes an adrenaline-fueled gamble.
Character depth beyond the madness
Behind Krieg’s seemingly one-dimensional psychotic exterior lies surprising narrative depth. His inner voice (which players can hear through occasional dialogue lines) reveals a sane person trapped inside his mind, desperately trying to control his psychotic urges. This internal struggle creates one of the most compelling character arcs in the game, mainly through his interactions with Maya and his ECHO recordings scattered throughout the world.
This depth extends to his gameplay as well. Despite his focus on melee combat, Krieg is built in remarkably diverse ways, from a fire-embracing tank that gains benefits from being set ablaze to an explosive specialist who chains together reaction kills to a pure melee powerhouse who rarely fires a bullet.
Spectacular visual design
Krieg’s visual design perfectly complements his gameplay style. His intimidating presence, powerful weapon, and signature mask make him a standout choice for a strong Psycho leveling up build. During Buzz Axe Rampage, the screen takes on a blood-red tint and the perspective shifts to emphasize his frenzied state, creating a visceral connection between the player and character that few other Vault Hunters achieve. The visual feedback from his abilities, the meat chunks flying from enemies, the explosions chaining between targets, and the fire engulfing Krieg and his opponents create a spectacle that makes every combat encounter feel satisfyingly over the top.
Satisfaction of mastery
The most rewarding aspect of playing Krieg is the skill ceiling. While he is enjoyed by new players, genuinely mastering his abilities requires practice, timing, and tactical awareness. Learning to maintain “Release the Beast” chains, knowing exactly when to activate your action skill, and managing your health to hover just above critical thresholds creates a learning curve that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours.
