A closer look at Vex’s pet-focused Trouble build (Here Comes Trouble Skill Tree) and how it compares to her other playstyles.
What to know
- Vex is Borderlands 4’s versatile Siren Vault Hunter, blending sarcasm with phase magic for adaptive elemental combat.
- Her Phase Covenant trait syncs skills to your gun’s element, making weapon swaps a tactical edge.
- The Here Comes Trouble or Phase Phamiliar tree summons Trouble, a spectral cat focused on cryo ordnance and overshields for survivability.
- While strong for mobbing, it lags behind Vexcalation’s raw DPS but excels in semi-passive pet play.
Vex brings a new twist to the Borderlands Siren tradition. Her “Trouble” build combines mystical phase powers with pet-based gameplay, making for a versatile damage-dealer and tank. Read on for an in-depth look at Vex, why she’s unique in the Borderlands roster, and how to optimize her “Trouble” skill tree against the galaxy’s biggest threats.
Who is Vex
Vex is the Siren Vault Hunter in Borderlands 4. Her defining trait is Phase Covenant, which causes her gun and melee damage to align with the elemental type of her equipped weapon. She has three distinct skill trees, each offering a different playstyle:
- Here Comes Trouble – a pet-focused build centered around her spectral cat, Trouble.
- The Fourth Seal – emphasizes minion mechanics, clones, and status effects.
- Incarnate / Vexcalation – focuses on eldritch transformations, kinetic damage, and raw DPS.
What makes Vex so unique
Vex stands out as the first Siren to emphasize kinetic damage in addition to elemental effects. She blends minion mechanics with survivability and strong synergy between elemental attunements and weapon loadouts. Unlike other Vault Hunters, her companion Trouble takes an active role in combat, adding layers of utility and strategy.
How the Vex’s Trouble build works
The Here Comes Trouble skill tree revolves around summoning and empowering Trouble, her spectral cat.
Trouble, Vex’s feline phase companion, anchors the build. Unlike fragile clones, Trouble boasts above-average health and provides consistent distraction, soaking up aggro from enemies and even bosses. That means you’re freer to focus on critical hit chains, elemental stacking, and outright damage.
Vex going Brrrrr with guns is not something I expected
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Vex Gameplay (Here Comes Trouble)
Survivability is a major selling point—a robust pet, multiple overshield mechanics, and lifesteal keep both Vex and Trouble in the fight. The build also packs crowd control and area denial, as Trouble can taunt foes and create hazards that lock down the battlefield.
Vex Trouble build skill tree highlights
Here’s how skill points typically break down in the Trouble tree:
Augments and capstones in this tree enhance critical hit stacking, grant AoE effects, and let Trouble mop up large mobs or solo powerful foes.
How to optimize Vex’s Trouble build
Step 1
Pick Phase Phamiliar as your Action Skill—the ability that summons and manages Trouble on the battlefield.
Step 2
Invest in survivability and utility: begin by unlocking skills like Blast Rites and Corporeal for overshields and higher durability for both Vex and Trouble.
Step 3
Amplify mobility and gun DPS with Shocking Attunement; the speed boost and moving damage bonus let Vex stay agile while dishing out sustained shock-powered crits during chaotic encounters.
Step 4
Unlock Trouble Bubble as your capstone; this augments Trouble with overshield and elemental field effects, letting you lock down combat zones.
Step 5
Optimize gear for gun damage, crit stacking, and lifesteal—these traits synergize with core skills. Watch for synergy with elemental types for maximized output.
Why Trouble build may (or may not) suit you
The Trouble build excels with solo play and tanking, offering stability and flexibility as Trouble distracts enemies and keeps pressure off Vex. Its durability and lifesteal make tough areas easier. Compared to clone-based builds, Trouble sticks around longer and isn’t as fragile, making fights less dependent on pet AI timing or boss phases.
That said, the other builds offer major burst damage (Incarnate/Bleed or crit builds) or wider clone tactics for crowd management. If you want riskier, very fast knockout strategies, those options may feel stronger for speedruns or boss melting. Trouble emphasizes survivability and steady DPS rather than glass cannon gameplay.
| Aspect | Here Comes Trouble | Fourth Seal | Incarnate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survivability | High (overshields + pet tanking) | Moderate | Low |
| Damage Output | Balanced but lower burst | Strong status stacking | Highest burst DPS |
| Mob Control | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | Forgiving, beginner-friendly | More technical | Demands precision |
| Boss Fights | Reliable but slower | Solid damage over time | Best for fast kills |
Go for the trouble, or not? Putting it all together with Vex
Vex’s “Trouble” build is the go-to for those who crave strong companion support, elemental adaptation, and a durable approach to tough fights. It suits solo play and steady progression, and stands as Borderlands 4’s best tank/pet hybrid choice right now
