Vladof in Borderlands Two: A Guide to Dakka, DPS, and Mayhem

Introduction

Borderlands Two, the sequel to the critically acclaimed original, is a game renowned for its over-the-top action, quirky humor, and, of course, its vast array of weapons. Among the many manufacturers vying for Vault Hunter attention, one stands out for its sheer volume of fire: Vladof. Known for its philosophy of “more bullets, bigger boom,” Vladof weapons in Borderlands Two offer a unique playstyle that can be incredibly rewarding, if a bit ammo-hungry. While sometimes overlooked in favor of higher damage per shot alternatives, a skilled Vault Hunter knows that Vladof can unleash a torrent of destruction. This guide will delve into the world of Vladof weaponry in Borderlands Two, exploring their defining characteristics, best uses, strengths, weaknesses, and how to master them for maximum mayhem on Pandora. Get ready to unleash the Dakka!

Vladof’s Defining Characteristics

So, what exactly makes a Vladof weapon a Vladof weapon? The answer lies in several key defining features. The most immediately noticeable is, without a doubt, the incredibly high fire rate. This is the cornerstone of the Vladof identity. More bullets downrange means more chances to hit, more chances to trigger elemental effects, and simply more chaos for your enemies to deal with.

This rapid-fire capability naturally necessitates large magazine sizes. Vladof understands that you can’t rain hellfire on your foes with a measly few bullets. Large magazines ensure that you can sustain that torrent of projectiles for a respectable amount of time, turning your weapon into a veritable bullet hose. The downside? That torrent eats through ammo FAST.

However, all that power comes at a price. Vladof weapons are known for their significant recoil. Controlling these weapons requires skill and practice. Vault Hunters need to learn to compensate for the upward climb of the barrel as it spews lead, either through controlled bursts or by learning to manage the recoil with character skills and weapon modifications.

Vladof weapons generally have lower damage per bullet compared to manufacturers like Jakobs or Torgue. They trade raw stopping power for sheer volume of fire. This means you need to rely on sustained damage output and elemental effects to truly maximize your effectiveness.

The accuracy of Vladof guns is an interesting point. Often, it’s not the manufacturer’s greatest strength, especially early on. However, with skill, attachments, and certain weapon variations, accuracy can be substantially improved, allowing you to maintain a steady stream of hits even at medium ranges.

Aesthetically, Vladof draws inspiration from a very clear source, and their weapons have a distinct Russian/Soviet vibe. Their flavor text, when present, often hints at the company’s origins and philosophy, focusing on military applications and overwhelming firepower. While Vladof lore is relatively sparse in the Borderlands universe, their design language speaks volumes.

Vladof Weapon Types in Borderlands Two

Now, let’s break down the specific types of Vladof weapons you’ll encounter on your journey through Pandora.

Assault Rifles

Vladof assault rifles are a staple of their arsenal and generally excel at sustained fire. Vladof’s approach to ARs is simple: pump out as many bullets as possible. Among the many available, some stand out as particularly effective. The “Kitten,” a quest reward, is a prime example. Its unique bouncing projectiles not only inflict damage but also heal you with each hit, making it a fantastic survival tool. The “Shredifier,” a legendary assault rifle, lives up to its name by tearing enemies to shreds with its incredible fire rate. Prepare for a significant ammo drain, though! Another notable weapon that some might debate regarding manufacturer, due to certain mechanics, is the “Lyuda/White Death”. Typically used as a sniper rifle, it acts more like an AR, and it is certainly worth noting due to its high damage and accuracy in AR-like gameplay.

Vladof assault rifles are ideal for situations where you need to suppress enemies, apply elemental effects rapidly, or simply lay down a wall of bullets to control the battlefield. Pair them with skills that improve reload speed, magazine size, or ammo regeneration, and you’ll be unstoppable.

Pistols

Vladof pistols share the same high-fire-rate philosophy as their assault rifle counterparts. They may not pack the same punch as a Torgue pistol, but they compensate with sheer speed and a high rate of fire.

The “Gub” is a solid pistol, and it’s not even unique, but it stands out because of its high fire rate for a pistol that can be obtained relatively early in the game. The “Stinger” is another excellent choice, consistently delivering high damage and applying corrosive effects at an alarming rate, making it effective against armored enemies.

Vladof pistols excel in close-quarters combat and can be particularly effective for characters who focus on pistol skills. They’re also a good choice for triggering elemental effects and quickly stripping shields.

Rocket Launchers

Vladof rocket launchers lean into a high-fire-rate, large-capacity design. These are not your slow-firing, single-shot launchers. Vladof wants you to carpet-bomb your enemies with a barrage of rockets.

The “Badaboom” is a prime example. It launches multiple projectiles with each shot, turning the battlefield into a chaotic explosion of shrapnel.

Vladof rocket launchers are best used for clearing out groups of enemies or dealing massive burst damage to bosses. Be mindful of your ammo supply, as these launchers can deplete your reserves quickly.

While Vladof makes sniper rifles and grenades, these weapons are not typically considered their strong suit. You can find better options from other manufacturers that excel in those areas.

Playing to Vladof’s Strengths

To truly master Vladof weapons, you need to understand how to play to their strengths. Certain characters benefit more from their high-fire-rate style. Axton is a great example. His skills that increase reload speed, magazine size, and overall fire rate synergize perfectly with Vladof’s strengths, allowing him to sustain a relentless barrage of bullets.

Skills that provide ammo regeneration are also crucial for any Vault Hunter who relies heavily on Vladof weapons. Without a reliable source of ammo, you’ll quickly find yourself out of bullets in the middle of a firefight. Salvador’s “Gunzerking” ability is another fantastic synergy, allowing you to dual-wield Vladof weapons and unleash even more mayhem.

When it comes to elemental effects, Vladof weapons shine. Their high fire rate allows you to apply corrosive, fire, shock, and slag effects incredibly quickly. This is especially effective against enemies with elemental weaknesses, allowing you to melt through their health bars in seconds.

Vladof’s Weaknesses and How to Overcome Them

Despite their strengths, Vladof weapons have some weaknesses that you need to address to be truly effective.

Ammo Consumption

Ammo consumption is, without a doubt, the biggest issue. Those high fire rates come at a steep price. You’ll burn through ammo faster than you can say “dakka.” To combat this, invest in skills that improve ammo regeneration, prioritize finding ammo crates, and consider carrying a backup weapon that is more ammo-efficient for situations where you need to conserve resources.

Recoil Control

Recoil control is another significant challenge. Vladof weapons can be difficult to control, especially at longer ranges. Practice burst firing to manage recoil, look for weapon attachments that improve stability, and utilize character skills that enhance accuracy.

While the damage per bullet may be lower compared to other manufacturers, this is compensated by the sheer volume of fire. Focus on sustained damage output and maximizing elemental effects to overcome this weakness.

Farming for Vladof Weapons

If you’re looking to build a Vladof-centric character, you’ll need to know where to find these weapons. Specific locations and bosses have a higher chance of dropping Vladof gear. For example, certain bosses in the Tundra Express area may drop Vladof assault rifles. Keep an eye out for specific weapon names and their known sources by checking Borderlands Two wikis or community resources. Don’t forget to check vending machines regularly. You might just find a hidden gem lurking on their shelves.

Conclusion

Vladof weapons in Borderlands Two are a force to be reckoned with. While they may not always be the best choice for every situation, they can be incredibly effective in the right hands and with the right builds. Their high fire rates, large magazine sizes, and elemental application capabilities make them a powerful tool for any Vault Hunter willing to master their recoil and manage their ammo consumption. So, embrace the Dakka, experiment with different builds, and unleash the Vladof fury on Pandora. You might be surprised at just how much mayhem you can create. Whether you’re melting armored enemies with corrosive rounds or setting bandits ablaze with incendiary bullets, Vladof weapons offer a unique and satisfying playstyle that is sure to leave your enemies reeling in a hail of lead. The key is to adapt, strategize, and never stop firing!