Borderlands 2 Psycho: A Comprehensive Guide to the Psychotic Killer

Introduction

Borderlands 2, the popular first-person shooter looter shooter, features a diverse cast of playable characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Among these characters, the Psycho stands out as a fan favorite due to his unpredictable and brutal nature. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of the Psycho, exploring his skills, tactics, and strategies to maximize his potential in Borderlands 2.

Psycho's Background

The Psycho, also known as Krieg, is a deranged and bloodthirsty bandit who hails from the desolate wasteland of Pandora. Driven by an insatiable lust for violence and mayhem, Krieg wields an array of melee weapons, including buzz axes, cleavers, and his signature buzz saw. His mental instability and penchant for self-mutilation make him both a formidable foe and a fascinating character.

Skills and Abilities

The Psycho's abilities revolve around close-quarters combat and inflicting massive damage. His signature skill, "Buzz Axe Rampage," grants him increased movement speed and attack power after landing a melee kill. This skill synergizes well with his other melee-oriented abilities, such as "Fuel the Rampage," which increases his health and damage output when he is in melee range.

One of the Psycho's most unique abilities is "Hellborn," which gives him the ability to ignite his enemies with his melee attacks. This damage-over-time effect can quickly overwhelm unsuspecting foes and create devastating chain reactions. Additionally, the Psycho's "Mania" skill grants him temporary invincibility and increased damage output, making him an unstoppable force in the heat of battle.

Tactics and Strategies

Playing as the Psycho in Borderlands 2 requires a balance of aggression and strategy. His high damage output and melee focus make him excel in close-quarters combat, but he can also be vulnerable to ranged attacks and crowd control effects. Here are some effective tactics for maximizing the Psycho's potential:

• Melee Dominance: The Psycho thrives in close-quarters combat. Use his "Buzz Axe Rampage" skill to quickly close the distance and unleash devastating melee attacks. Aim for critical hit spots to deal maximum damage.
• Elemental Synergy: Combine the Psycho's melee attacks with elemental damage sources, such as the "Hellborn" skill or weapons with elemental properties. This will allow you to take down enemies more efficiently and exploit elemental weaknesses.
• Temporary Invulnerability: Utilize the Psycho's "Mania" skill strategically to gain temporary invincibility and deal massive damage. Use it to break through enemy defenses or to finish off tough bosses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When playing as the Psycho, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hamper your effectiveness in combat. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overextending: The Psycho's melee focus can tempt players to overextend and engage too many enemies at once. Be mindful of your health and retreat to safety when necessary.
• Neglecting Ranged Options: While melee is the Psycho's primary strength, he should not completely neglect ranged weapons. Keep a secondary weapon equipped for dealing with enemies at a distance or for breaking enemy shields.
• Ignoring Crowd Control: The Psycho can be vulnerable to crowd control effects, such as stuns and knockbacks. Be aware of your surroundings and use your skills and weapons to mitigate their impact.

Step-by-Step Approach to Playing the Psycho

1. Acquire Melee Weapons: Focus on collecting melee weapons with high damage output and elemental properties. These will amplify your melee attacks and allow you to take down enemies more efficiently.
2. Level Up Key Skills: Prioritize leveling up the following skills: "Buzz Axe Rampage," "Fuel the Rampage," "Hellborn," and "Mania." These skills will enhance your melee damage, survivability, and overall effectiveness.
3. Utilize Elemental Synergies: Combine melee attacks with elemental weapons or skills to exploit enemy weaknesses. For example, use fire weapons to deal bonus damage to enemies with flesh vulnerabilities.
4. Manage Health and Cooldowns: The Psycho's high damage output comes at the cost of reduced health and shield capacity. Be mindful of your health bar and use cover or healing items when necessary. Additionally, manage your skill cooldowns to ensure they are available when you need them most.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to deal with enemies at a distance?
   - Equip a secondary ranged weapon with elemental damage properties.
2. How can I mitigate crowd control effects?
   - Use the "Rough Rider" shield, which grants immunity to knockbacks.
3. What is the optimal gear for the Psycho?
   - Look for gear that enhances melee damage, elemental effects, and health regeneration.
4. Can the Psycho become immune to all damage?
   - Yes, by combining the "Mania" skill with the "Salvador's Health Regeneration" shield, the Psycho can become temporarily invincible.
5. What is the most effective way to farm loot as the Psycho?
   - Utilize the "Loot Bonus" skill to increase the chance of legendary loot drops.
6. How can I improve my melee damage?
   - Use weapons with high melee damage bonuses and elemental properties. Additionally, level up the "Buzz Axe Rampage" and "Fuel the Rampage" skills.
7. What is the Psycho's greatest strength?
   - His ability to unleash devastating melee damage and temporary invincibility.
8. What is the Psycho's greatest weakness?
   - His vulnerability to ranged attacks and crowd control effects.

Conclusion

The Psycho is a powerful and unpredictable force in Borderlands 2. By understanding his abilities, tactics, and strategies, players can unleash his full potential and reign supreme in the chaotic world of Pandora. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, embrace the madness of the Psycho and sow destruction upon your enemies.