In the expansive universe of Borderlands, the presence of the sirens is both enigmatic and powerful, overshadowing themes of ancient alien artifacts and corporate betrayal. These unique individuals possess formidable abilities that set them apart in a world filled with chaos.
Currently, the lore dictates that a maximum of six sirens can exist at once; however, their extraordinary abilities can be passed on to others upon their death. This transient nature makes them the object of intense desire—either as influential leaders or tragic victims ensnared in sinister plots.
Sirens come in various forms, serving as both heroes and villains throughout the series. But in a lineup boasting such diversity, one question arises: who among them stands out as the most formidable?
11 Troy Calypso
The Parasitic Bad Boy
Troy Calypso, the only male siren known in the franchise, takes center stage as a detestable antagonist in Borderlands 3. Although initially overshadowed by his twin sister, he still plays a significant role in the chaotic Children of the Vault.
As a parasitic conjoined twin, Troy retained his powers after being separated, giving him the ability to siphon the abilities of other sirens. His malicious acts, including the murder of the beloved Maya, establish him as a villain you’re relieved to see defeated.
10 Tyreen Calypso
Cult Influencer Extraordinaire
Tyreen, the more ostentatious of the Calypso twins, emerges as the primary antagonist of Borderlands 3. With her loud persona, she aims to exploit her powers to harness the abilities of the Destroyer lurking within Pandora’s vault.
Her attention-grabbing personality may be grating, yet her strength is undeniable—she can even rob Lilith of her abilities early in the game. The dread amplifies when it’s revealed that she murders her own father, Typhon DeLeon, a character revered by players as the original Vault Hunter. Ultimately, Tyreen evolves into a grotesque fusion with the Destroyer, sealing her fate. Let’s hope her return remains impossible.
9 Commandant Steele
Villain, Turned Monster, Turned Museum Piece
Commandant Steele serves as the principal antagonist of the inaugural Borderlands title, but her backstory remains shrouded in mystery. Though she initiated the first vault’s opening on Pandora, her own siren powers remain largely unexplored.
After her brutal demise at the hands of the Destroyer, she still leaves an indelible mark in the DLCs and spin-offs despite her partial absence from gameplay. Steele’s capable leadership of the Crimson Lance during Atlas’s search for the vault key showcases her potential—had fate been kinder, she might have achieved her objectives. It’s clear her tale is far from over, with more revelations likely in store.
8 Intention
The Ancient Voice
Though Nyriad has long since passed, her influence resonates throughout Borderlands 3. Players encounter cryptic Eridian writings she authored, serving as dire warnings for generations to come.
These recordings reveal her monumental struggle to confine the Destroyer while vanquishing the Eridians, hinting that she could be the progenitor of the Calypso twins’ parasitic powers. Nyriad’s intricate narrative adds layers of intrigue to the lore, establishing her as an enduring force in the Borderlands saga.
7 Maya
The Phaselocking Mentor
Maya, the second playable siren, made her debut in Borderlands 2 and later became a significant NPC in Borderlands 3. Her unique phaselock ability allows her to suspend enemies in a separate dimension, showcasing her tactical prowess in combat.
Upon returning to her home planet of Athenas, she takes on the role of protector and forms a notable bond with a young thief named Ava. The dynamic between Maya and Ava, coupled with her relational complexity with Krieg, crafts some of the most emotionally charged moments found within the series.
6 Ava
5 Plucky Little Nobody
Ava, a youthful thief, becomes Maya’s apprentice in Borderlands 3 and ultimately inherits her phaselock powers. Orphaned at a young age, her scrappy nature imbues her survival instincts.
Upon arriving in Athenas, she initially attempts to steal from Maya but ends up under her guidance, setting the stage for a profound mentor-student relationship. Even as a teenager, Ava is declared the new leader of the Crimson Raiders by Lilith, highlighting her potential in the forthcoming journey.
4 Angel
The Tragic Traitor
Angel, the tragic offspring of Handsome Jack, serves as the spectral guide for vault hunters throughout the initial installments of the series. Her harrowing narrative unfolds as she helps players navigate Pandora while enduring horrific experiments conducted by her father.
Exhibiting the powers of phase shifting through her abilities, she exhibits technopathy that allows her to manipulate machinery effectively. The shocking disclosure of her identity culminates in her heartbreaking demise alongside Roland, leaving a significant void within the game’s narrative landscape.
3 Lilith
Our Fearless Leader
Lilith stands as the epitome of the Borderlands series, being the inaugural playable siren, the iconic Firehawk, and the commanding leader of the Crimson Raiders. Her phase walking ability evolves into teleportation over the series, illustrating her growth and adaptability as a character.
She is the driving force behind the hunt for revenge against Handsome Jack and the quest to seal the Great Vault. While she may well be the greatest siren, there exist a few other characters I would prefer to enjoy a drink with first.
2 Tanis
Totally Insane Technomancer
Patricia Tanis is an eccentric vault researcher who first appears in the original Borderlands. She gains her status as a siren within Borderlands 3, inheriting Angel’s abilities after her untimely end.
Tanis’s unique blend of manic genius and newfound powers promises a captivating combination. Though her abilities manifest as she begins her journey, it hints at her pivotal role in future developments, especially in the anticipated Borderlands 4.
1 Amara
Crime Fighting Celeb
Amara, the third playable siren introduced in Borderlands 3, stands out as a true space-faring superhero. Her phase-trance ability enables her to conjure energy fists to defend those in need, embodying the spirit of justice.
Outside of combat, her celebrity status adds a fascinating layer to her character. Echo logs scattered throughout the game illustrate her efforts to balance a public persona with the demands of vault hunting.
Amara’s refreshing personality, marked by sarcasm and humor, offers a stark contrast to the more serious sirens. As a player who thrives on the front lines, I find her playstyle exhilarating and eagerly anticipate further adventures with her in Borderlands 4.
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