It has been mentioned by Gearbox software that each character class in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has its own skill tree. I want to point out that they said SKILL TREE and not SKILL TREES. As a long-time Borderlands fan, I’m custom to having multiple skill trees at my disposal. However, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is about changing up the Borderlands formula. So how is Gearbox software going to deviate from the traditional borderlands skill trees?
I can see Gearbox Software going 2 routes here. The first is where we get something entirely new and the second is an evolution of the skill trees we know from the Borderlands franchise. My money would be on this second option because why throw something out the door when it’s not broken?
Evolution of the Skill Trees
We have seen Gearbox Software iterate on the skill trees throughout the Borderlands games. They started out very narrow and focused. Because in Borderlands 1 you had skills that allowed a character to excel in a specific weapon type.
For example, Mordecai had skills that specifically buffed Pistols or Snipers. With later installments in the franchise, a skill like this was changed to gun damage. Due to this change, you aren’t forced to a specific weapon type. Therefore, you could play any character with any weapon type without missing out.
Another thing we see throughout the Borderlands Skill Trees is that the trees themself got more expansive with each new game. More skills, more options, and more synergies.
Focussing on a Skill Tree
I played through all the Borderlands games and when starting out I always check out the skill trees. I look at which of the 3 skill trees I need to focus on first. Because if you spread out your skills over the 3 skill trees you don’t move down fast enough as all the cool skills that are placed at the bottom.
Therefore, by having only 1 skill tree per character class actually helps with a more focused build. That said, you will be able to multi-class in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Because “halfway” through the game you will gain access to a second character class. So when you are a good way into your first skill tree you get access to a second skill tree. This will result in more focused builds rather than spreading your skills around.
Multi-Classing
By Multi-Classing in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, you have the ability to combine your primary class with 5 other classes. I wonder if there is some kind of synergy between the skill trees. I would love to see some skills that only unlock if you combine 2 specific classes. Since every class seems to have its own elemental damage, the synergy could “simply” be done by providing the other class access to the other elemental damage type. But it would be cool to see augments to the action skills.
All-in-One Skill Tree
In Borderlands each skill tree has a specific purpose, there is one for Defense, Offense, and Utility. When Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands only has 1 Skill Tree we would likely see all 3 of those aspects in 1 Skill Tree. I wonder how Gearbox Software is going to pull this off. There is usually a Health regeneration skill, however, there is the new Dark Magic damage type that lets you leech HP from enemies. Other stats could be boosted through the Wards, Rings, & Amulets.
Since every character class has 2 action skills we could see skill trees that are more focused on those abilities and an overall character class archetype.
Conclusion
- Having 1 starter skill tree can guide new players on their way by letting them focus on 1 specific build.
- Unlocking a second class “halfway” throughout the game lets you multi-class and expand your skill tree in a direction of your choice. By combining 2 of the 6 different skill trees you have a lot of build diversity options.
- Skill Trees have evolved with each game Gearbox Software released. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will probably do the same.
