Amped Up & Ready to Roll: Gaige's Little Big Trouble Build

By John Goodenough

Welcome back to the arena, Vault Hunters! In this article we’ll explore potential Skill Tree builds for Gaige. This Vault Hunter can be found in the Box of Badasses along with a huge selection of other unique characters and enemies.

All of Gaige’s Skill Trees offer paths to enhance her science project-turned bodyguard Deathtrap. Formerly named "D374-TP" before completion, her Sidekick can pack a deadly punch in melee but this build will focus on the Little Big Trouble Skill Tree for greater flexibility with attacks. Playing a Vault Hunter with a Sidekick requires more careful planning and coordination with other Vault Hunters. This build gives you more freedom so it’s easier to play and maximize combos.

Gaige’s first level unlocks the Shock Storm attack for Deathtrap, which can be made at any range except red. This is basically a sniper rifle with the potential of inflicting Shock. The Shock effect drains an enemy’s shields which is useful against most Bosses but fairly limited against common enemies. However, future expansions may introduce more enemies with shields so Shock will be more valuable over time ;)

Gaige’s second level allows Deathtrap to make a [RE]act attack after any Vault Hunter is wounded, instead of just when Gaige is attacked. This relieves a lot of pressure from Gaige to maintain the Spotlight so enemies prioritize her as a target. She doesn’t have strong defense attributes or abilities other than a healing bonus to try to stay alive. Allowing other Vault Hunters who specialize in tanking, like Brick, Krieg or even Timothy Lawrence to take the hits gives Deathtrap more opportunity fire to [RE]act. It’s worth noting that Deathtrap’s yellow Action token can only be used to make [RE]actions after a Vault Hunter suffers a wound, but you can always use Gaige’s Action tokens to activate Deathtrap.

The third level skill gives Deathtrap’s Shock Storm attack Rapid (2). An extra attack is great action-economy so you’ll want to make sure it can activate each Enemy Turn. This shouldn’t be too difficult since a Vault Hunter usually suffers a wound and the Shock Storm attack has unlimited range. While range isn’t a concern, you’ll have to coordinate with whoever has the Spotlight to make sure a clear line of sight is maintained. Keep in mind that Rapid attacks do not need to target the same enemy, as long as the new target is in the same or adjacent zone to the previous target.

The fourth level skill allows Deathtrap’s Shock Storm attack to deal additional wounds equal to the result on a purple d4. This means all Shock Storm attacks can deal 2 to 5 wounds. If you’re lucky enough to roll two Crits on the purple dice with a Rapid (2) attack, you could deal a whopping 10 wounds! This has potential to take out most Unique enemies and even a Boss with a single (really) lucky attack.

One last tip is Deathtrap’s yellow Action token should be used for an extra attack if possible, but it can also be used as a [RE]action to move. Deathtrap always gets a free move of up to three zones at the start of Gaige’s activation, but getting another move at the end of the Enemy Turn can be really useful. The important thing is to never waste Deathtrap’s potential action. If you don’t get the opportunity to [RE]act with an attack, use it for an extra move to prepare for your next Vault Hunter Turn.

With Gaige and her electrifying companion Deathtrap, you have the potential to shock your enemies into submission—literally. The Little Big Trouble Skill Tree offers a balance of offensive firepower and strategic flexibility, making it an excellent choice for both solo and cooperative play. Whether you’re taking on hordes of bandits or facing down a formidable Boss, this build ensures that Gaige and Deathtrap are a force to be reckoned with. So, power up, Vault Hunter, and let the sparks fly!