Gunzerker Unkempt Harold Build

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The Gunzerker class in Borderlands 2 is famed for its dual-wielding prowess and tanky nature, making it a fan favorite among players who love aggressive, sustained combat. One of the most powerful weapon combinations for the Gunzerker is the legendary Unkempt Harold pistol. Known for its explosive projectiles and high damage output, pairing the Unkempt Harold with a solid Gunzerker build can turn you into a walking arsenal capable of decimating foes quickly. This guide will dive into the essentials of crafting an effective Gunzerker Unkempt Harold build, focusing on skill points, gear, and playstyle to maximize your damage and survivability.

Why Choose the Unkempt Harold for the Gunzerker?

The Unkempt Harold is a unique pistol that fires multiple explosive projectiles in a horizontal spread, making it extremely effective at dealing splash damage to groups of enemies or bosses. This weapon’s raw power synergizes perfectly with the Gunzerker’s ability to dual-wield and regenerate health during combat. Its explosive damage bypasses many enemy shields and armor, allowing for efficient clearing of tougher enemies and raid bosses. The Gunzerker’s skills that boost fire rate, gun damage, and reload speed further amplify the Unkempt Harold’s destructive potential.

Core Skill Trees for the Gunzerker Unkempt Harold Build

The Gunzerker has three main skill trees:Gun Lust,Brawn, andRampage. To optimize the Unkempt Harold build, focus primarily on skills that enhance gun damage, accuracy, and survivability.

Gun Lust Tree

  • I’m Your Huckleberry: Increases gun damage and critical hit damage, essential for maximizing Unkempt Harold’s explosive potential.
  • 20% Cooler: Boosts accuracy, reducing the weapon’s natural spread and making your shots more consistent.
  • Last Longer: Extends Gunzerking duration, allowing more time to unleash a barrage of Unkempt Harold shots.
  • All I Need is One: Increases critical hit damage further, helping you maximize burst damage on vulnerable spots.

Brawn Tree

  • Hard to Kill: Increases your health and health regeneration rate, giving you more durability in combat.
  • Closed Fist of the Apocalypse: Adds bonus melee damage, useful if you want to supplement your Gunzerking with melee attacks.
  • Unstoppable Force: Boosts melee damage and reduces cooldown of your action skill, which helps you Gunzerk more often.

Rampage Tree

  • Money Shot: Causes the last bullet in the magazine to deal bonus damage, perfect for the Unkempt Harold’s multi-projectile bursts.
  • Keep Firing: Increases fire rate as you continuously shoot, synergizing well with the rapid firing style during Gunzerking.
  • Last Ditch Effort: Boosts damage and health regen when you are low on health, helping you survive longer in intense fights.

Recommended Gear to Complement the Build

While the Unkempt Harold is the star weapon, equipping the right gear will drastically improve your effectiveness:

  • Class Mod: A Legendary Gunzerker Class Mod such as theMegatronorDouble Penetrating Unkempt Haroldboosts key skills and increases fire rate or magazine size.
  • Shield: Use theBlockadeorFlame of the Firehawkshield for strong elemental resistance and damage absorption.
  • Melee Weapon: TheRapieror other high-damage melee weapons benefit from melee-boosting skills in the Brawn tree.
  • Relic: A relic that boosts gun damage or fire rate can further enhance your damage output.

Playstyle Tips for Using Unkempt Harold with the Gunzerker

The key to mastering the Gunzerker Unkempt Harold build lies in aggressive, confident gameplay that leverages Gunzerking mode’s benefits. Here are some tips to maximize your efficiency:

  • Activate Gunzerking strategically: Use your action skill to enter Gunzerking before engagements or when overwhelmed by enemies.
  • Focus on high-value targets: Aim for critical spots like enemy heads or weak points to maximize explosive critical hits.
  • Manage ammo effectively: The Unkempt Harold consumes ammo quickly, so carry ammo regeneration relics or farm ammo-friendly areas.
  • Utilize cover wisely: While Gunzerking grants survivability, taking cover between bursts can prolong your life against tough enemies.
  • Combine with grenade buffs: Use grenades that boost gun damage or reload speed to further enhance your firing capabilities.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Build

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses helps you tailor your gameplay:

  • Strengths: High burst damage, excellent crowd control via explosive projectiles, and great survivability during Gunzerking.
  • Weaknesses: Ammo consumption can be high, reload times need management, and effectiveness depends on landing critical hits.

Best Situations to Use the Gunzerker Unkempt Harold Build

This build shines in boss fights and large mob encounters where the splash damage from the Unkempt Harold can hit multiple enemies at once. It is particularly effective in the late game and DLC content likeUltimate Vault Hunter Modewhere enemy health pools are larger, requiring sustained high damage. Its ability to sustain damage while healing through Gunzerking makes it a versatile and powerful setup for most combat scenarios.

The Gunzerker Unkempt Harold build is one of the most iconic and effective ways to play Borderlands 2. By focusing skill points on Gun Lust, Brawn, and Rampage trees, and pairing the build with the right gear, players can unleash devastating explosive damage while maintaining durability. With strategic use of Gunzerking and precise aiming, this build can clear enemies quickly and dominate in both solo and cooperative play. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the game, mastering this build offers a thrilling and rewarding experience.